We’ve gathered some of the most common questions that we get asked and assembled the answers for you. If there is something that isn’t covered here, just email us and we would be happy to answer your questions.

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Becoming an Organizer

What is a professional organizer?

A professional organizer provides information, products and assistance to help individuals and businesses organize to meet their needs. Organizing professionals guide, encourage and educate their clients about the basic principles of organizing by offering support, focus and direction.

Could I be a professional organizer?

Professional organizers come from every background imaginable. In addition to basic administrative and business skills as well as organizational skills, there are several traits and qualities that are required. A professional organizer needs to be:

  • A people person – To communicate easily with all types of people.
  • Non-judgmental – To provide the client with a safe environment.
  • A good listener – To really hear the client’s goals.
  • Intuitive – To pick up on what is not being said.
  • A creative problem solver – To create the right solution for the client’s challenge.
  • Flexible – To understand that one size does not fit all.
  • Collaborative – To engage the client in the process so that they have ownership.
  • Nurturing – To help clients learn new ways of doing things.
  • Committed – To continually upgrade skills, providing value to the client.
  • Ethical and Honest – To treat clients in fair, professional manner.
What are the benefits of being a professional organizer?

There are countless benefits to pursuing a career as a professional organizer, but these are the ones we hear time and time again:

  • Flexibility – Professional organizers are able to set their own hours, and you can easily start your business on a part-time basis.
  • Satisfaction – Organizers get strong professional and personal satisfaction from helping people streamline and simplify their lives and reduce stress.
  • Freedom – Owning your own business means you are no longer chained to a nine-to-five office scenario.
Where can I take some classes or get training?

If you are considering a career as a professional organizer, we highly recommend you to take the Zoom class Should I Become A Professional Organizer? This course will answer all your questions about the field of professional organizing.

POC is also an excellent resource for referrals to professional organizers who provide mentoring and/or coaching for those who wish to become a professional organizer. Also see our regional and local chapters to get info about the individual chapters.

While there are no official credentials to become a professional organizer, you need to have a good understanding of what an organizer does, have a thorough knowledge of organizing products and services and, of course, excellent organizational skills.

What do you mean there are no official certification programs?

At the present time there is no certification program offered by POC or other non-profit professional organizing association in Canada. However, POC offers a Training Program for Professional Organizers. The POC Trained Professional Organizer program is a training program, not an accreditation program, and as such does not entitle the organizer to use words such as certified, endorsed, authorized, accredited, or qualified Professional Organizer in their marketing material, or the initials TPO following their name. There are a number of private training programs available that are not currently endorsed by any professional association.

Most organizers explain to prospective clients what training they have taken (if any), what membership(s) they have with various industry associations, such as POC, and that they are guided by the association’s code of ethics. Professional organizers interested in working with the chronically disorganized may wish to join the Institute for Challenging Disorganization and also work toward their specialized certification.

You can also find certification through The Board of Certified Professional Organizers to obtain the world-wide recognized CPO certification.

Do I have to join an association to become a professional organizer?

As well as POC for Canadian organizers, there are other associations you may be interested in. We recommend that any new professional organizer consider the following organizations that are dedicated to promoting and supporting our industry.

  • NAPO – National Association of Professional Organizers
  • ICD – Institute for Challenging Disorganization
How else can I support my business and get clients?

POC has put together an extensive list of resources that covers provincial resources, networking opportunities, suggested reading and government programs. POC offers courses to assist you in building your business. Also, check with your local Chamber of Commerce for local initiatives.

While networking is one part of getting clients, you will need a marketing plan to determine your target audience and ways to reach them. Successful strategies include speaking at events, writing articles for local newspapers, advertising on your vehicle, getting involved within community organizations, and creating a website.

Do I need to present my clients with a contract or a service agreement?

That’s entirely up to you. However, it is highly recommended to have a document that covers basic terms, ensures clarity and lends credibility to your services. Consider what a contract does:

  • It lays out all of your business policies (including pricing, cancellations, the purchase of supplies, etc.)
  • It ensures that there is no confusion between you and the client
  • It educates clients about how you work
  • It adds to your professionalism
  • It protects both parties equally
Do I need insurance?

Carrying insurance adds to your credibility and protects you from financial jeopardy. The POC Business Insurance Program provides comprehensive business coverage and is a benefit that is available to POC members only. Your level of coverage will depend on what type of services you offer (residential organizing vs. corporate organizing) and of course the premium that you want to pay.

The Association and Membership

What is POC?

Professional Organizers in Canada (POC) is a registered, national association representing professional organizers across the country. The association was officially registered in 2000 and currently represents more than 600 members in fourteen chapters across Canada.

Our Mission and Vision: Providing Visibility, Credibility, and Connection.

Our one goal is to provide an environment in which professional organizers can flourish and exceed their business goals. POC promotes networking, the sharing of ideas, and encourages referrals.

Why should I join Professional Organizers in Canada? What's in it for me?

POC gives you the opportunity to connect with other organizers and build a support network. In addition, we also provide a number of educational initiatives and business building opportunities to keep you at the top of your game. Here are just a few of the benefits:

  • Keep on top of trends and industry news through our newsletter, POC Talk
  • Connect with local organizers at free monthly chapter meetings – network, share ideas and support each other!
  • Learn from chapter meeting guest speakers how to grow your business.
  • Membership allows for trade discounts by retailers and industry suppliers.
  • Get special members only rates for the Annual Conference.
  • Access to business insurance specifically tailored for Professional Organizers.
  • Attract new clients through a listing in POC’s “Find an Organizer” directory.
  • Promote your business through POC’s Annual Conference/Summit.
  • Establish credibility with a professional affiliation.

Not a member yet? What are you waiting for? Fill out the online Application Form.

How much is membership?

Membership in POC costs $270.00 per year, with a one-time administrative fee of $50.00. If you do not renew your membership, your name will be automatically removed from the Find an Organizer directory.

My application was declined. What do I do?

If this happened, perhaps a credit card number was given incorrectly (missing a number or transposed numbers) and we were not able to put through your application. Contact us and we will do our best to get the membership processed. Please note we only accept payment by credit card.

How long does it take to process my application? When do I receive my name tag and certificate?

Typically, applications are processed the moment we receive membership payment. Your certificate and new member kit will take approximately two to three weeks to arrive. Your name badge will take four to six weeks to arrive. Upon joining, you will receive an email that provides details on how to access all the benefits and services that POC offers.

Why is my name not showing on the Find an Organizer directory?

New members to POC are required to complete three specific classes prior to inclusion on the Find an Organizer directory. These three classes are:

  • Introduction to Professional Organizing
  • Ethical Standards for POC Members
  • Safety Practices for Professional Organizers

Once you have completed these courses, your profile will be added to the Find an Organizer Directory (usually within 24-48 hours).

If you took these courses before joining POC, please contact us so that we may find your records in our database and add this information to your profile.

Can I still become a member if I don't have a company name or website?

Yes, organizers without a company or website are always welcome to join. Simply fill in the Join POC application form on our website. Leave the company name field and website field blank and when you are ready, you can log into the Members Only section and update your profile at any time.

What chapter do I choose?

A member should choose the chapter in the same territory as the member’s address that is listed on their POC membership. If a member resides within one chapter’s territory, but will be more likely to attend meetings of another chapter, then the member may elect to join that chapter instead. If a member’s address is outside of a chapter territory, the member should choose the chapter closest to them. Members can belong to only one chapter at a time, however the option is available to switch chapters upon request. If the member resides outside of any chapter territory and/or the closest chapter meeting is too difficult to get to due to distance, they may elect to join the POC Cyber Chapter. Learn more about POC Chapters.

When can I start going to chapter meetings?

You may attend chapter meetings as soon as your membership application has been processed. We recommend that you take a copy of your membership receipt to your first chapter meeting in case the chapter executive has not yet received a copy of your receipt. You may also check out a chapter meeting prior to joining POC. All chapters welcome guests, free of charge, or with only a small guest fee.

When can I start taking classes?

You may attend classes at any time and as soon as your membership application has been processed you will receive our special member rate. Login to the POC website with your member log-in information before signing up to automatically receive your membership discount.

Can I update my profile? How do I update my profile?

Log into the Members Only section of the website and on the “Your Profile” page, click/tap on the gear icon to the right of your name. If you want to edit your profile information, select “Edit Profile”; if you want to update your email address or password, select “My Account”. Make sure you hit the “Update Profile” or “Update Account” button to save your changes.

How do I not show my name in the find organizer section until I'm ready to accept clients?

On the “Your Profile” page, click/tap the gear icon to the right of your name, and then select “My Account”. On the “Account” page, select “Privacy” and then for “Hide my profile from directory”, select “Yes” and then hit the “Update Privacy” button. Click/tap the “View profile” link to go back to the “Your Profile” page. This will hide you from the Find an Organizer directory completely.

Once you are ready to be listed on the directory, go back to the same “Privacy” age and set “Hide my profile from directory” to “No”.

I forgot my password, what do I do to access my account?

If you type in your username you may request a new password and it will be sent to the e-mail address in your profile. If the e-mail address is “dead” please contact us again with a valid e-mail address so you may receive a new password. Once you order a new password the old password will automatically become invalid. Please note: Administrators have no access to member passwords. Passwords are generated automatically by the system.

I can't seem to login. What's the problem?

If you are unable to log into the POC website, please mail website-poc@organizersincanada.com for additional support. Please include your full name and the email address you are using to login. In most cases, we can resolve your issue within 24 hours (or less).

My business has several employees – do you have a company membership program?

POC only has individual memberships at the moment. The majority of our members run their businesses with one or two people. Sometime in the future we may consider a membership for businesses that would allow a company with several employees to be members at only one price.

How do I get on your mailing list?

POC sends out a monthly newsletter, POC Talk. As soon as your membership application is processed your e-mail address is automatically added to our mailing list. If you are not receiving POC Talk, please verify your spam filters and add the domain @organizersincanada.com to your safe-senders list. You may need to speak to your Internet service provider to ensure that e-mails from POC are not marked as spam. Please note that we cannot add non-members to our mailing list.

How and where is the best place to get more involved with POC?

POC committees, Chapter Executives and the National Board are always looking for volunteers. Contact any National Director or Chapter Executive.

Where can I get a POC logo to use on my business cards and other material?

The National logo is available for download on the POC website in the Members Only section. Please make sure you read the Logo Use Guidelines before using the logo and provide a copy of the guidelines to your printing professional if they will be preparing your marketing materials.

Are there templates available for business forms?

We have many resources available to our members. Please see the “Downloads” page on the Members Only section. POC also offers a Business Template package for a $50 fee (plus GST/HST). Check back frequently because we are continually updating our resources.

How do I navigate the website?

As POC is a virtual association, our website serves as the information source for both the public and for our membership. To help members and potential members find the information they are looking for easily and quickly, POC has produced a series of YouTube tutorials. These videos will aid in locating key information and links.