Should I Hire A Professional Organiser? Pros, Cons and Costs Explained

As someone who founded and ran my own professional organising business, I’ve seen firsthand how life-changing it can be to transform someone’s home. There’s something magical about watching a space shift from chaotic to calm, and for some clients, hiring a professional organiser is exactly what they need to kickstart their journey toward a more intentional life.

But I’ve also seen the downsides. Over the years, I’ve learned that hiring a professional organiser isn’t always the right solution for everyone. In fact, many people are better off taking a slower, more thoughtful approach that focuses on building the skills and habits to maintain their space over the long term.

In this post, I’ll share what I’ve learned from my insider perspective, including when it makes sense to hire a professional organiser, when it doesn’t, and how to achieve lasting change that truly sticks.

The Pros and Cons of Working With a Professional Organiser

When you hire a professional organiser, you’re essentially bringing in an expert to help you tackle clutter, create systems, and restore order in your home. On the surface, this sounds like the perfect solution—and in some cases, it can be.

However, having worked in this industry, I’ve seen some common pitfalls that can leave clients feeling disappointed or even overwhelmed by the process. Let’s break it down.

1. Once the Organiser Is Gone, They’re Gone

Professional organisers are focused on getting the job done. They help you declutter, reorganise, and leave your home looking great—but they don’t stick around to help you maintain it.

From my experience, this is one of the biggest challenges with hiring an organiser. You’re left with a tidy home, but not necessarily the tools or mindset needed to keep it that way. The mental work—understanding why clutter accumulates, shifting your habits, and learning how to manage your space—is the real key to lasting change, and it’s something you won’t get if someone else does all the work for you.

2. It’s Often a Quick Fix

Having worked on countless homes, I know how tempting it is to go for the “quick fix.” Many clients want their space transformed as quickly as possible, and professional organisers are happy to oblige.

But here’s the problem: if you don’t address the underlying thoughts and behaviours that led to the clutter in the first place, the clutter will inevitably return. Think of it like crash dieting—without addressing the root causes of your habits, any progress you make is likely to be short-lived.

3. Not All Organisers Understand the Psychology of Clutter

One of the reasons I started my own business was because I saw a gap in the industry. Many organisers focus solely on the physical aspects of decluttering—removing excess stuff, implementing systems, and creating aesthetically pleasing spaces—but they don’t take the time to explore why clutter accumulates in the first place.

In my work, I’ve heard from clients who felt judged, rushed, or even traumatised by their experiences with other organisers. If the organiser isn’t skilled in understanding the emotional and psychological impact of clutter, their approach can leave you feeling anxious or inadequate—especially if you have ADHD, anxiety, or difficulty letting go of items.

4. The Focus on Perfectionism Can Be Misguided

I’ve seen plenty of “before and after” photos in this industry (and I shot a lot myself), and while those picture-perfect spaces might look amazing on Instagram, they often don’t reflect the reality of how people live.

Too often, organisers prioritise aesthetics over functionality. They create systems that look great but are impossible to maintain if you’re not naturally organised or don’t have time to keep everything perfect. The result? You’re back to square one in no time.

5. It’s a Big Financial Investment

Professional organising isn’t cheap. With hourly rates averaging $100–$150 (plus the cost of any products on top), a whole-house transformation can easily end up costing $10,000–$15,000.

That’s a huge investment, and it only makes sense if you’re prepared to maintain the systems they create. If you’re not ready to address the habits and behaviours that lead to clutter, you might find that your newly organised space doesn’t stay that way for long.

The Insider’s Take: When Is Hiring a Professional Organiser Worth It?

There are absolutely times when hiring a professional organiser can be the right choice:

• If you’re dealing with a major life transition, such as downsizing, moving, or handling the belongings of a loved one.
• If you need physical or mental support to tackle clutter and can’t do it alone.
• If you’re looking for hands-on guidance and accountability to get started.

A skilled organiser can be a game-changer in these situations, especially if they take the time to understand your unique needs and values.

Why a DIY Approach Might Be Better

As someone who’s worked in this field, I can confidently say that the best, most lasting results come from doing the work yourself—or at least being actively involved in the process. Here’s why:

1. You Learn to Think Differently

When you take the time to declutter your space yourself, you’re building the mental tools to maintain it. You learn how to evaluate what you truly need, let go of what no longer serves you, and create systems that fit your life.

2. You Address the Root Causes of Clutter

Clutter is rarely just about “too much stuff.” It’s often tied to emotions, habits, and beliefs. By reflecting on your values, thoughts, and feelings, you can identify what’s driving your clutter and work to change those behaviours.

3. You Create Systems That Actually Work

Professional organisers might have their own ideas about how your home should look, but you know your habits and routines better than anyone else. When you design systems that align with your lifestyle, you’re far more likely to stick with them.

The Bottom Line

As someone who’s worked as a professional organiser, I know the appeal of hiring someone to come in and fix your space. But I also know that the real, lasting change happens when you take the time to do the work yourself.

If you’re considering hiring a professional organiser, ask yourself:

• Am I looking for a quick fix, or am I ready to make lasting changes?
• Do I want someone to work with me, or would I prefer to go at my own pace?
• Am I prepared to maintain the systems they create, or do I need to focus on building better habits first?

If you’re ready to start your decluttering journey, but want to focus on lasting results, my Intentional Home Online Program (doors opening in 2025  👉🏻 join the waitlist ) is designed to help you uncover the root causes of your clutter and create a home that works for you (while also giving you all the insider tips, tricks and products you need to create functional, beautiful spaces). 

You can also download my 👉🏻 FREE guide '6 Steps To Your Clutter Free Life' and get started creating a home that reflects you and the life you're meant to live. 

Whether you choose to hire an organiser or go it alone, the key is to focus on what matters most: creating a home that reflects your values and supports the life you want to live.

Lisa x