Professional organizing services are typically billed by the hour, but rates can vary widely based on the type of organizing, location, and the organizer’s experience and business model. Many professionals also offer package deals or project rates for larger jobs. Below is a comprehensive look at what professional organizers charge, how pricing models work, regional differences in costs, key factors that influence rates, and emerging trends (like virtual and subscription-based organizing).
Hourly Rates by Organizing Service Type
Most professional organizers charge an hourly fee. Typical rates range from about $50 to $100 per hour for general home organizing services
. However, rates can be lower or much higher depending on the organizer’s specialty and expertise. The table below summarizes common hourly rate ranges for different types of organizing:
Service TypeTypical Hourly RateGeneral Home Organizing$50 – $150 per hour
Office/Business Organizing$50 – $90 per hour (office)
; up to $150 for business projects
Decluttering (Home)$50 – $120 per hour
Digital/Computer Organizing$60 – $150 per hour
“Life” Organization/Coaching$50 – $200 per hour
Specialty: Hoarding Cases$150 – $300 per hour
(specialized training required)Specialty: Financial Organizing$200 – $400 per hour
(often requires finance expertise)
Hourly rates vary by service because some projects demand special expertise or labor. For example, organizing a simple pantry is typically on the lower end of the spectrum, whereas handling an extreme hoarding cleanup or organizing detailed financial records commands premium rates
. In rare cases, top-tier organizers with unique skills charge even more – seasoned professionals in major cities might charge $125 to $500 per hour at the very high end
, though this is not the norm for most projects.
Minimum Session Length: It’s common for organizers to have a minimum session length (often 3-4 hours) for on-site projects
. This ensures there’s enough time to make real progress and justifies travel time. For instance, an organizer charging $60/hour might require booking at least a 3-hour session, for a minimum of $180 per visit.
Relocation Assistance: Organizing services related to moving (packing, unpacking, relocation management) may use hourly rates similar to general organizing (often in the $50–$150 range), but large move projects are often priced as flat fees due to their scope. Some moving/“move management” organizers charge up to $140 per hour or offer flat packages for the entire move
. For example, one professional organizing company estimates that full service move organizing (packing, move management, and unpacking) can range from $2,000 up to $10,000+ for an entire project
, depending on the size of the home and complexity. These higher prices reflect the many hours of work and coordination with moving parts (literally) involved in relocation projects.
Common Package Pricing Models
While hourly billing is standard, many professional organizers offer packages or project rates to simplify pricing and give clients some cost certainty. Package pricing often bundles a set number of hours or sessions at a slightly discounted rate:
- Hourly Packages: Organizers frequently sell prepaid hour bundles. For example, a 3-hour package might cost $400–$500 (which often includes an initial consultation)
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. Larger bundles provide better hourly rates; a 15-hour package (e.g. five 3-hour sessions) might run about $1,750–$2,250 total
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. Bigger packages (30 or 60 hours) can bring the rate down further (see table below). - Example Package Rates:
Package (Hours)Typical Cost (USD)Single 3-hour session$400 – $500
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15 hours (5×3-hour sessions)$1,750 – $2,250
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30 hours (10×3-hour sessions)$2,500 – $3,000
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60 hours (20×3-hour sessions)$4,500 – $5,000
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Packages usually include a consultation and may come at a discounted hourly rate in exchange for booking more time upfront
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. For instance, buying five 3-hour sessions upfront might save you 10-15% compared to paying hour by hour. - Project/Flat Rates: For certain defined projects, some organizers charge a flat fee instead of hourly. This is less common
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, but you’ll see it for things like a single-day closet makeover, a move-in unpacking service, or a “DIY plan” deliverable. For example, an organizer might offer a flat “full day” rate (e.g. 8 hours for $600) or a set fee to declutter and organize a small apartment. Flat fees are usually based on an estimate of hours and often include some materials or follow-up. Organizers use flat rates selectively, typically when the scope can be clearly defined in advance. - Minimums and Additional Fees: When booking packages or sessions, be aware of minimum commitments. As noted, a 3-hour minimum per session is common
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. Some organizers also charge consultation fees (e.g. an initial in-home consult for $50–$150, sometimes credited to the project) and/or travel fees if you live far from their base
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. Always clarify what’s included: most quotes do not include organizing supplies (bins, labels, closets systems, etc.), which either the client or organizer will purchase separately
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. - Discounts: It’s worth asking if bulk discounts apply. Some professionals will offer a small discount when you purchase a larger block of hours or multiple sessions up front
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. As shown above, package rates already reflect this. Additionally, organizers may run promotions in slower seasons or offer referral discounts, but these vary by business.
Regional Pricing Differences
Where you live has a significant impact on professional organizing rates. Organizers in large metropolitan areas tend to charge more than those in smaller cities or rural regions
. Higher cost-of-living cities mean higher business expenses and strong demand, which pushes rates to the top of the range. Conversely, in many small towns and less affluent regions, rates fall on the lower end.
- In major cities like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, you should expect to pay toward the higher end (and sometimes above average). For example, standard home organizing in NYC might be quoted around $100/hour, and some organizers in NYC or LA charge $125+ for highly experienced services
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. One New York organizer reported that colleagues across the U.S. charge anywhere from about $45 up to $150 per hour, depending on region and experience – with the highest figures found in big cities
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. - By contrast, smaller markets often see more modest rates. In some areas, new organizers or those in less competitive markets might charge $30–$50/hour (though $30 is relatively rare today)
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. For instance, an Angie’s List survey from a few years ago found home organizers charging $30–$80 per hour typically (that was in 2015)
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. Today, $50+ is more common even in smaller cities, but regions with lower living costs still hover at the lower end of national ranges. - Regional Cost Examples: Data compiled in early 2024 shows how average project costs can differ by city. For a home organizing project (e.g. a multi-hour job), the average total cost in Columbus, OH was around $300, whereas in Charlotte, NC it was about $786
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. Likewise, organizing services averaged about $586 in San Francisco, CA (high cost coastal city) versus $446 in Minneapolis, MN
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. Even within the South, there’s variation – for example, Tampa, FL averaged around $310, while Memphis, TN averaged $643 for comparable services
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. These figures illustrate that the Northeast and West Coast metros (and some booming Sunbelt cities) tend to see higher overall project fees than the Midwest or smaller Southern cities. - It’s important to note that these are averages; within any city you’ll find a range. In New York City, for example, one source cites typical organizer rates of $50–$100/hour for standard jobs and up to $200/hour for hoarding cases
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. In the Midwest, you might find many organizers charging in the $50–$80 range for home decluttering. Cost of living and local demand are the driving forces – as one veteran organizer put it, an organizer in a big city won’t charge the same as one in a small town
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. Always compare rates of local providers: a quick check on directories or referral sites can reveal the going rates in your area.
Factors Influencing Pricing
Several key factors explain why professional organizer rates aren’t one-size-fits-all. Here are the main elements that influence how much an organizer will charge:
- Experience and Expertise: This is perhaps the biggest factor in pricing. A newly established organizer may set lower rates to attract clients, while a veteran organizer with a track record will charge more. Lesser experienced organizers might charge roughly $50–$75/hour, whereas seasoned professionals often charge $100–$150/hour or more
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. One industry expert notes that very experienced organizers can command $125 to even $500 per hour in unique cases
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. Paying for experience can be worth it – an expert might finish in fewer hours and handle complex situations efficiently
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. - Certifications and Credentials: Being affiliated with a professional organization or holding certifications (like NAPO’s specialist certificates or the Certified Professional Organizer (CPO) designation) can justify higher rates. Credentials signal credibility and training. In fact, some organizers report that membership in professional associations can bolster their hourly rates (though it’s not mandatory to practice)
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. Clients often feel more comfortable paying a premium to someone who abides by professional standards and ethics. However, not all great organizers are certified – it’s just one signal of professionalism. - Scope & Project Complexity: The size and difficulty of the job will impact the price. Many organizers charge a higher hourly rate (or add a surcharge) for specialized or labor-intensive projects. For example, sorting years of paperwork, handling sensitive legal/financial documents, or organizing a large estate with valuable items might cost more per hour than a basic closet declutter. One guide notes an organizer may charge up to ~20% more for a complex project requiring extra planning or care
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. Similarly, extreme decluttering or hoarding cases usually come at premium rates (often using multiple team members and requiring special care)
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. Essentially, if a project is outside the norm – very time-consuming, technical, or emotional – expect higher fees. - Add-On Services: Organizing often overlaps with other home improvement services, and many organizers can coordinate these extras (usually for an added cost). Common add-ons include: junk removal, donation drop-offs, handyman services, closet design/installations, or even interior design touches. These can be priced separately or folded into a package. For instance, an organizer might arrange a junk removal service (which itself costs ~$130–$360 per load)
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or offer to redesign a closet for a flat fee. According to one source, if an organizer also provides interior design or closet contracting, those services could range from $50–$200/hour for design or hundreds to thousands for custom closets
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. Cleaning services (beyond light tidying during organizing) might be billed at $50–$90/hour separately
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. These additional services, if needed, will increase the overall cost – so clarify what is included in your organizer’s rate. Many pros have partners (designers, handymen, etc.) they can bring in or refer, and they’ll either take a referral fee or let you pay that provider directly. - Business Model (Team vs. Solo): How an organizer runs their business can affect pricing. Solo independent organizers set their own rates and might have less overhead, whereas larger organizing companies (or franchises) may charge more to cover staff, insurance, and marketing. Some companies send teams of 2 or more organizers to tackle a project faster – in that case, they might charge an hourly rate per organizer. (For example, a team of two at $75/hour each results in effectively $150/hour total, but you get two people’s labor.) A client may see a higher hourly bill, but the job may finish in half the time with a team. Whether you end up paying more or less can depend on the situation, but know that bigger jobs often involve multiple organizers, and that will be reflected in the cost structure. Additionally, organizers who have extensive admin support or offer concierge-level service might have higher fees or built-in overhead costs.
- Location & Travel: As covered in regional differences, your geographic location influences the base rate. Even within the same general area, specific travel distance can matter – some organizers charge a travel fee if you are outside their normal radius (e.g. an extra $0.50 per mile or a flat $20+ for travel)
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. If you live in a remote area, you might either pay more for the organizer to come to you, or you may have fewer organizers to choose from (which sometimes means higher rates due to lack of competition). Where the project is located in your home can also be a minor factor – if there are accessibility challenges (say a fifth-floor walk-up apartment or a cluttered attic crawlspace), the physical effort may be greater and some organizers factor that in. - Virtual vs. In-Person: Traditionally, organizing meant an expert working side by side with you in your home or office. Now, many organizers also offer virtual organizing (coaching you via video calls, reviewing photos, and guiding you as you do the physical work). Virtual services often come at a lower price point or at least eliminate any travel fees. Clients get the benefit of expert advice for less cost by providing the “elbow grease” themselves. As one organizer describes it, virtual organizing gives you the same coaching at a fraction of the cost of having an expert on-site
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. We’ll discuss this more in Trends, but keep in mind the mode of service (virtual vs. hands-on) will affect the price – virtual sessions might be charged at a lower hourly rate or in shorter time increments.
Trends in Pricing & Service Offerings
The organizing industry has evolved, especially in recent years. Here are some notable trends affecting how services are offered and priced:
- Rise of Virtual Organizing: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual organizing, and it’s still popular for clients who want guidance without the higher cost of in-person sessions. In virtual organizing, the professional acts as a consultant/coach remotely. Sessions might be one hour at a time via Zoom, which is more flexible than the typical 3-hour in-person minimum. Because the organizer isn’t physically laboring in your home, virtual rates are often a bit lower. For example, an organizer might charge $85/hour for virtual sessions (with a smaller minimum, say 1-2 hours) versus $100/hour in person. Some companies explicitly market virtual help as budget-friendly; you get a plan and coaching while doing the work yourself, which saves money
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. Virtual organizing can be great for clients who are motivated to work on their own but need expert direction. It has opened up organizing services to people outside the organizer’s local area as well – you could hire a specialist in New York to help you virtually even if you live in a rural town. This trend has increased competition and options, which may also keep pricing competitive. - Subscription & Maintenance Plans: A growing trend is subscription-based organizing or maintenance packages for ongoing support. Rather than a one-time overhaul, clients commit to regular visits to keep systems in shape. For example, some organizers offer monthly or quarterly maintenance sessions at a discounted hourly rate for returning clients. In these models, you might pay a set fee per month for the organizer to come for a certain number of hours, or purchase a membership that includes periodic tune-ups. An illustrative example is a Pittsburgh-based organizer who has a “Maintenance Membership”: clients can sign up for bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly refresh sessions. The bi-weekly plan is about $425 for a 5-hour session every two weeks, which works out to $75/hour (a discount off the regular $100/hour rate)
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. The monthly plan is ~$450 for 5 hours ($90/hour) and quarterly is $475 for 5 hours ($95/hour)
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. In all cases the client is subscribing to regular service to maintain order. This subscription approach benefits clients by ensuring their space never falls too far back into chaos, and it provides organizers with steady, predictable income. Expect to see more of these maintenance and retainer offerings as the industry matures – essentially, organizers becoming like personal trainers or cleaners who come on a schedule. - Specialization and Niche Services: Organizers are increasingly carving out niches (and pricing accordingly). For instance, digital organizing (managing files, photos, email) has become a specialized offering, sometimes with its own rates or packages. Productivity coaching, time management coaching, and “life organizing” are often priced higher than simple physical organizing because they border on consulting or life coaching (as noted, “life organizers” may charge up to $200/hour
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). Senior move management is another niche – helping older adults downsize and move – which often is priced as a comprehensive service (similar to relocation packages). The trend is that clients can find an organizer whose services are highly tailored (wardrobe organizing, paper management, estate clear-outs, ADHD-specific organizing, etc.), and those specialists might charge premium rates for their deep expertise. On the other end, there are also budget organizers and concierge apps appearing – some organizers offer virtual group workshops or online courses at lower price points, and a few startups are exploring app-based organizing advice for a subscription fee. The range of service formats is expanding, giving clients more choices besides the traditional hourly in-home session. - Value-Added Services and Packages: To stand out, many organizers now bundle value-added services. For example, an organizer might include shopping for organizing products as part of their package, or provide detailed maintenance plans and labels as a deliverable after the sessions. Some sell package deals for specific outcomes – e.g., a “closet makeover package” or “home office reboot package” at a set price. These often have a clear scope (certain number of hours plus a design plan or product list). While the core pricing (hourly) underlies these packages, framing services as packages is a marketing trend that helps clients understand what they’re getting and what it will cost. It also sometimes allows organizers to charge a bit more for the convenience and bundled value.
- Market Awareness and Demand: Thanks to Marie Kondo, The Home Edit, and numerous TV shows, public awareness of decluttering and organizing is at an all-time high. Clients now recognize the value of an organized space for mental health and productivity. This increased demand has allowed experienced organizers to maintain healthy rates and stay booked. However, it’s also led to more new organizers entering the field (competition) and more range in pricing. In general, organizing services have become more “mainstream,” and pricing structures are becoming more standardized and transparent. Many organizers list starting rates on their websites or provide free estimates, making it easier to comparison-shop. Virtual consultations and online presence (Instagram, etc.) also let clients gauge an organizer’s style and value proposition, beyond just the hourly rate. The trend is moving toward organizers clearly communicating their pricing and packages up front.
In summary, professional organizer rates in the U.S. typically fall in the $55–$100 per hour range for basic home organizing, but can span from bargain rates around $30/hour (entry-level or low-cost areas) up to $200+ for top specialists in high-cost cities
. The total cost of a project will depend on the scope – a single closet might be a few hundred dollars, while a whole-home decluttering or move could be in the thousands. Always consider the factors like experience, project complexity, and location when evaluating quotes. With new service models such as virtual coaching and ongoing maintenance plans, you can choose an approach that fits your budget and needs. The pricing landscape for professional organizing is diverse but, as shown, there are clear patterns and options to help you find the right level of service. By understanding these rates and models, you’ll be better equipped to plan for the investment of getting (and staying) organized
.
Sources: Recent home services cost guides and industry surveys have provided data for these ranges, including HomeAdvisor’s 2025 cost guide
, Angi’s 2024 report
, Fixr’s 2025 analysis
, and insights from professional organizers’ own publications and websites
. These sources represent up-to-date U.S. pricing information from across the industry.