Preview: figures awaiting verification
Some numbers on this page haven't been checked against their sources yet.
Home Organizing and Downsizing Help Business
A low-cost, hands-on service that helps people declutter, set up organizing systems that last, and sort a lifetime of belongings before downsizing.
Figures last verified October 31, 2026
$935*Pending verificationSourcesCalifornia Secretary of State — LLC (domestic) forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — limited liability company(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Brother USA — PT-D220 Home and Office Everyday Label Maker (list price)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 3 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Startup cost
Coming soon
Time to first revenue
Low
Difficulty
Moderate
Physical demand
Yes
Can run solo
Year-round; driven by life events
Seasonality
* Startup cost excludes budget lines we haven't sourced yet.
Risk Meter
Eight factors from this guide's own data, each scored 1 (lowest risk) to 5 (highest). Every score shows why.
Overall risk
Moderate
2.2 out of 5
Average of 6 of 8 factors, weighted equally. 1 is the lowest risk and 5 the highest. It measures risk, not how much you'll earn, and it isn't a prediction. How we score risk.
Money at risk
Not scoredAt least $935
6 startup lines aren't sourced yet, so the real total is higher. We'll score this once the budget is complete.
Time to earn it back
Not scoredNot scored yet
Some startup or operating cost lines aren't sourced yet, so a payback time would look shorter than it really is.
Franchise closure rate
3 / 57.2% a yearPending verificationSourcesNEAT Method 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 20, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Bee Organized 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 19, 2026, amended July 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Closures = terminations + non-renewals + outlets that ceased operations, divided by franchised outlets at the start of the year.
Average of 2 brands: NEAT Method 8.5% (2025); Bee Organized 5.9% (2025). Our calculation from each FDD's Item 20.
Loan default rate
4 / 58.5% vs 7.2% for all industriesPending verificationSourceSBA 7(a) FOIA loan-level data, files as of September 30, 2026 (our count by NAICS code)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Charged off = the SBA wrote off the unpaid balance after the borrower stopped paying. An industry code can include businesses unlike this one.
262 of 3,074 SBA 7(a) loans to All Other Personal Services (NAICS 812990), approved FY2010–2019, were charged off. Our count from the SBA's loan-level data; 275 loans were still open, so the final rate may be slightly higher.
Demand trend
1 / 5Growing much faster than all businessesPending verificationSourcesU.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2019, U.S. file (cbp19us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026U.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2023, U.S. file (cbp23us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026
All other personal services, which includes personal organizer services (NAICS 812990) employer establishments +38.1% (17,877 to 24,681) vs +5.1% for all industries, 2019–2023. The category also covers many unrelated personal services.
Licensing and rules
1 / 5Light
No state license for professional organizing; only a city or county business license, plus a seller's permit if you resell products (see Licensing).
Customer concentration
1 / 5Many customers
Many households as one-off or repeat clients; losing one barely matters.
Physical demand
3 / 5Moderate
From the guide's at-a-glance rating; see the risks section for details.
Franchise vs. Independent
Same type of business. Two very different paths.
| Franchise (2 brands) | Independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | $30,000Pending verificationSourcesNEAT Method 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 20, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Bee Organized 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 19, 2026, amended July 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range across 2 franchise brands. | $0 |
| Initial investment | $37,500 – $68,760Pending verificationSourcesNEAT Method 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 20, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Bee Organized 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 19, 2026, amended July 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 2 brands. | $935*Pending verificationSourcesCalifornia Secretary of State — LLC (domestic) forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — limited liability company(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Brother USA — PT-D220 Home and Office Everyday Label Maker (list price)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 3 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded. |
| Ongoing royalties | 8% – 20% of revenuePending verificationSourcesNEAT Method 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 20, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Bee Organized 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 19, 2026, amended July 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 2 brands. | None |
| Operating costs (5 years) | $10,075Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — Professional services business insurance cost (updated April 15, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026NAPO — Frequently asked questions (napo.net page, read from the Internet Archive copy of April 6, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — limited liability company(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths. | $10,075 |
| Brand, training, and support | Included | You build your own |
| 5-year total cost | $91,651 – $194,825 | $11,010* |
Franchise fee
- Franchise (2 brands)
- $30,000Pending verificationSourcesNEAT Method 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 20, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Bee Organized 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 19, 2026, amended July 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range across 2 franchise brands.
- Independent
- $0
Initial investment
- Franchise (2 brands)
- $37,500 – $68,760Pending verificationSourcesNEAT Method 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 20, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Bee Organized 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 19, 2026, amended July 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 2 brands.
- Independent
- $935*Pending verificationSourcesCalifornia Secretary of State — LLC (domestic) forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — limited liability company(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Brother USA — PT-D220 Home and Office Everyday Label Maker (list price)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 3 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Ongoing royalties
- Franchise (2 brands)
- 8% – 20% of revenuePending verificationSourcesNEAT Method 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 20, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Bee Organized 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 19, 2026, amended July 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 2 brands.
- Independent
- None
Operating costs (5 years)
- Franchise (2 brands)
- $10,075Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — Professional services business insurance cost (updated April 15, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026NAPO — Frequently asked questions (napo.net page, read from the Internet Archive copy of April 6, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — limited liability company(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths.
- Independent
- $10,075
Brand, training, and support
- Franchise (2 brands)
- Included
- Independent
- You build your own
5-year total cost
- Franchise (2 brands)
- $91,651 – $194,825
- Independent
- $11,010*
5-year totals assume $59,280–$117,000 in yearly revenue (our forecast presets at full volume), the same sourced operating costs (insurance, software, fees) on both paths, and both the lean and professional independent plans. Franchise investment figures come from each brand's disclosure (FDD Item 7) and already include the franchise fee. * Excludes independent startup lines we haven't sourced yet. Adjust the assumptions.
What franchisees report taking in
From each brand's own disclosure (FDD Item 19), copied exactly. These are gross sales before royalties and costs, not profit, and not a promise of what you will earn.
NEAT Method
Item 19 reports 2025 gross revenue for the 86 franchised outlets open all of 2025, broken out by territory tier, by quartile and by years in business; outlets in their first 12 months averaged $99,330 (5 outlets).
- Average 2025 gross revenue, 86 franchised outlets open all of 2025 (gross revenue, not profit)$172,668 a yearPending verificationSourceNEAT Method 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 20, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 202634 of 86 (40%) reached this average. FDD Item 19, Table 2 (all tiers). 'Gross Revenue' is service revenue plus NEAT product commissions, as reported by franchisees, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Covers the 86 franchised outlets open all of 2025; 7 outlets that opened or changed owners in 2025 are left out. The FDD says some franchisees have earned this amount, your results may differ, and there is no assurance you will earn as much.
- Median 2025 gross revenue, same 86 franchised outlets$146,274 a yearPending verificationSourceNEAT Method 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 20, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Table 3 of the same Item 19 shows a median of $68,160 for outlets in their first 12 months (5 outlets) and $192,809 for outlets in years 7–12 (27 outlets). FDD Item 19, Table 2 (all tiers). 'Gross Revenue' is service revenue plus NEAT product commissions, as reported by franchisees, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Covers the 86 franchised outlets open all of 2025; 7 outlets that opened or changed owners in 2025 are left out. The FDD says some franchisees have earned this amount, your results may differ, and there is no assurance you will earn as much.
- Average 2025 gross revenue, top quarter of the same 86 outlets$349,775 a yearPending verificationSourceNEAT Method 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 20, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Highest single outlet: $703,418. FDD Item 19, Table 2 (all tiers). 'Gross Revenue' is service revenue plus NEAT product commissions, as reported by franchisees, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Covers the 86 franchised outlets open all of 2025; 7 outlets that opened or changed owners in 2025 are left out. The FDD says some franchisees have earned this amount, your results may differ, and there is no assurance you will earn as much.
- Average 2025 gross revenue, bottom quarter of the same 86 outlets$58,397 a yearPending verificationSourceNEAT Method 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 20, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Lowest single outlet: $7,811. FDD Item 19, Table 2 (all tiers). 'Gross Revenue' is service revenue plus NEAT product commissions, as reported by franchisees, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Covers the 86 franchised outlets open all of 2025; 7 outlets that opened or changed owners in 2025 are left out. The FDD says some franchisees have earned this amount, your results may differ, and there is no assurance you will earn as much. Note: in the FDD's own table the third-quarter median ($152,458) is higher than that quarter's maximum ($133,837), so at least one figure in Table 2 appears to be a misprint; we show only the figures that are internally consistent.
Bee Organized
Item 19 reports 2025 gross sales for 32 franchised outlets open before 2025, split by number of territories and years in business, plus full sales and expense figures for the franchisor's own Overland Park, Kansas outlet. Bee Organized also sells moving and relocation help, which was about a third of the company outlet's sales.
- Average 2025 gross sales, the 3 franchised outlets that operate a single territory (gross sales, not profit)$83,334 a yearPending verificationSourceBee Organized 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 19, 2026, amended July 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Table 3a. Median $86,821; range $75,089–$88,094. Only three outlets, all in their third year. FDD Item 19. Gross Sales as reported by franchisees, not audited, less sales tax, discounts and returns — before royalties and all expenses, not profit. Covers franchised outlets open before January 1, 2025; 11 outlets that opened in 2025 and 2 that closed during 2025 are left out. The FDD says some outlets have earned this amount, your results may differ, and there is no assurance you'll earn as much.
- Average 2025 gross sales, 29 franchised outlets operating 2 to 12 territories (gross sales, not profit)$195,018 a yearPending verificationSourceBee Organized 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 19, 2026, amended July 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Table 3b. 18 of 29 (62%) reached this average; range $34,511–$725,962. These owners paid for two or more territories. FDD Item 19. Gross Sales as reported by franchisees, not audited, less sales tax, discounts and returns — before royalties and all expenses, not profit. Covers franchised outlets open before January 1, 2025; 11 outlets that opened in 2025 and 2 that closed during 2025 are left out. The FDD says some outlets have earned this amount, your results may differ, and there is no assurance you'll earn as much.
- Median 2025 gross sales, same 29 multi-territory franchised outlets$162,483 a yearPending verificationSourceBee Organized 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 19, 2026, amended July 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Table 3b. FDD Item 19. Gross Sales as reported by franchisees, not audited, less sales tax, discounts and returns — before royalties and all expenses, not profit. Covers franchised outlets open before January 1, 2025; 11 outlets that opened in 2025 and 2 that closed during 2025 are left out. The FDD says some outlets have earned this amount, your results may differ, and there is no assurance you'll earn as much.
- Median 2025 gross sales, 11 franchised outlets in their second year (opened during 2024; 2–4 territories each)$75,841 a yearPending verificationSourceBee Organized 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 19, 2026, amended July 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Table 4. Average $101,196; range $44,037–$189,198. FDD Item 19. Gross Sales as reported by franchisees, not audited, less sales tax, discounts and returns — before royalties and all expenses, not profit. Covers franchised outlets open before January 1, 2025; 11 outlets that opened in 2025 and 2 that closed during 2025 are left out. The FDD says some outlets have earned this amount, your results may differ, and there is no assurance you'll earn as much.
What a franchise does give you
Franchises cost more, but the fees buy real things. Weigh them honestly.
- A national brand in premium home organizing with an established social media following
- Six-week initial training (28 classroom hours plus 16 hands-on hours in clients' homes)
- Client inquiries from the brand's website are forwarded to you within your territory
- Its own line of organizing products
- A network of other owners to learn from
- A growing brand (35 outlets at the start of 2025, 44 at the end)
- Initial training (54 hours, part online and part in Overland Park, Kansas) at no fee for you and one manager
- Business management, marketing and accounting systems already chosen for you
- Organizing, moving help and home maintenance under one brand
Going independent means
- You keep 100% of what you earn after costs — no royalties.
- You build your own brand, systems, and customer base.
- You need more self-reliance, especially in the first year.
Startup Budget
One-time costs to launch, from cited sources. Totals are added up from the lines below.
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| California LLC filing (Articles of Organization and Statement of Information)Pending verificationSourceCalifornia Secretary of State — LLC (domestic) forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026$70 for the Articles of Organization plus $20 for the Statement of Information. A sole proprietor can skip this. | $90 | $90 | $90 |
| California LLC annual tax (first year)Pending verificationSourceCalifornia Franchise Tax Board — limited liability company(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Every LLC organized or doing business in California owes $800 a year. Only if you form an LLC. | $800 | $800 | $800 |
| City or county business license | Data coming soon | ||
| Label makerPending verificationSourceBrother USA — PT-D220 Home and Office Everyday Label Maker (list price)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Brother's list price for one entry-level model (PT-D220). Label tape is extra. | $45 | $45 | $45 |
| Starter kit (step ladder, tape measure, trash and donation bags, gloves, sample bins) | Data coming soon | ||
| Laptop and phone | Data coming soon | ||
| Website, scheduling and invoicing software | Data coming soon | ||
| Marketing launch (before-and-after photos, cards, referral outreach) | Data coming soon | ||
| Total (sourced lines only) | $935 | $935 | $935 |
Share of mid estimate
- California LLC filing (Articles of Organization and Statement of Information)10%
- California LLC annual tax (first year)86%
- Label maker5%
Budget spreadsheet
Every line with its sources, included in the complete kit.
The total leaves out 5 lines we haven't sourced yet. We don't guess.
24-Month Forecast
An example to plan with. Every assumption is yours to change.
This is an estimate, not a prediction
Average ticket is what Thumbtack says most people pay for an organizing job (about $380). Jobs per week, ramp-up, variable costs (mileage, label tape, bags, small supplies) and the flat seasonality are our assumptions, not operator data. Change any assumption to match your market. Your results will differ.
- Break-even
- Month 1
- Year-1 revenue
- $44,460
- Year-2 profit
- $51,336
Show monthly table
| Month | Jobs | Revenue | Costs | Profit | Cumulative cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Mar) | 4.3 | $1,647 | $333 | $1,314 | $379 |
| 2 (Apr) | 5.4 | $2,058 | $374 | $1,685 | $2,064 |
| 3 (May) | 6.5 | $2,470 | $415 | $2,055 | $4,119 |
| 4 (Jun) | 7.6 | $2,882 | $456 | $2,426 | $6,544 |
| 5 (Jul) | 8.7 | $3,293 | $497 | $2,796 | $9,340 |
| 6 (Aug) | 9.8 | $3,705 | $539 | $3,167 | $12,507 |
| 7 (Sep) | 10.8 | $4,117 | $580 | $3,537 | $16,044 |
| 8 (Oct) | 11.9 | $4,528 | $621 | $3,908 | $19,951 |
| 9 (Nov) | 13.0 | $4,940 | $662 | $4,278 | $24,229 |
| 10 (Dec) | 13.0 | $4,940 | $662 | $4,278 | $28,507 |
| 11 (Jan) | 13.0 | $4,940 | $662 | $4,278 | $32,785 |
| 12 (Feb) | 13.0 | $4,940 | $662 | $4,278 | $37,063 |
| 13 (Mar) | 13.0 | $4,940 | $662 | $4,278 | $41,341 |
| 14 (Apr) | 13.0 | $4,940 | $662 | $4,278 | $45,619 |
| 15 (May) | 13.0 | $4,940 | $662 | $4,278 | $49,897 |
| 16 (Jun) | 13.0 | $4,940 | $662 | $4,278 | $54,175 |
| 17 (Jul) | 13.0 | $4,940 | $662 | $4,278 | $58,453 |
| 18 (Aug) | 13.0 | $4,940 | $662 | $4,278 | $62,731 |
| 19 (Sep) | 13.0 | $4,940 | $662 | $4,278 | $67,009 |
| 20 (Oct) | 13.0 | $4,940 | $662 | $4,278 | $71,287 |
| 21 (Nov) | 13.0 | $4,940 | $662 | $4,278 | $75,565 |
| 22 (Dec) | 13.0 | $4,940 | $662 | $4,278 | $79,843 |
| 23 (Jan) | 13.0 | $4,940 | $662 | $4,278 | $84,121 |
| 24 (Feb) | 13.0 | $4,940 | $662 | $4,278 | $88,399 |
Pricing
What customers typically pay, from large-sample cost data.
What customers pay
- Professional organizer, hourly rate (typical national range; average $65)$60 – $75Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — How much does a professional organizer cost? (updated March 31, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Per hour. Thumbtack lists low-end rates of $35–$45 and high-end rates of $137–$200. Thumbtack national figures, based on estimates its professionals gave customers plus its own research. No published sample size.
- Typical organizing job, total cost (most people pay about $380)$227 – $640Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — How much does a professional organizer cost? (updated March 31, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Thumbtack national figures, based on estimates its professionals gave customers plus its own research. No published sample size.
- Professional organizer, hourly rate (broader range)$50 – $150Pending verificationSourceFixr — Professional organizer cost (updated January 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Per hour. Fixr lists hoarding specialists at $150–$300 an hour. Fixr national figures, gathered from 'pricing databases, licensed contractors, and industry experts'. No published sample size.
- One closet$150 – $250Pending verificationSourceFixr — Professional organizer cost (updated January 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Fixr national figures, gathered from 'pricing databases, licensed contractors, and industry experts'. No published sample size.
- Garage$1,000 – $2,500Pending verificationSourceFixr — Professional organizer cost (updated January 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Fixr national figures, gathered from 'pricing databases, licensed contractors, and industry experts'. No published sample size.
- Whole house$1,500 – $5,000Pending verificationSourceFixr — Professional organizer cost (updated January 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Fixr's example: about $1,500 for a 1,200 sq ft home with moderate clutter. Fixr national figures, gathered from 'pricing databases, licensed contractors, and industry experts'. No published sample size.
What similar businesses take in
Context only, not a promise of what you will earn. Government figures cover every business in the industry; guide figures are rougher. Tap the source icon to see which is which. These are revenue, before costs.
- Average yearly receipts per establishment, employer firms with fewer than 5 employees, NAICS 812990 All Other Personal Services (includes personal organizers), U.S., 2022$256,409 a yearPending verificationSourcesU.S. Census Bureau — 2022 Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB), U.S. and states by 6-digit NAICS (receipts in $1,000)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026U.S. Census Bureau — 2022 NAICS index file (lists 'Personal organizer services' under 812990)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Our arithmetic on the Census totals: $4,702,801,000 in receipts across 18,341 establishments, rounded to the nearest dollar. Receipts are gross revenue, not profit. The Census Bureau's 2022 NAICS index lists 'personal organizer services' under NAICS 812990 (All Other Personal Services), so organizers are counted here, but the code is a broad catch-all (it also covers concierge, wedding planning, pet-sitting-like and many other personal services). Treat this as loose context. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average yearly receipts per establishment, employer firms with fewer than 5 employees, NAICS 812990 All Other Personal Services, California, 2022$298,310 a yearPending verificationSourcesU.S. Census Bureau — 2022 Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB), U.S. and states by 6-digit NAICS (receipts in $1,000)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026U.S. Census Bureau — 2022 NAICS index file (lists 'Personal organizer services' under 812990)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Our arithmetic on the Census totals: $665,231,000 in receipts across 2,230 California establishments, rounded to the nearest dollar. Receipts are gross revenue, not profit. The Census Bureau's 2022 NAICS index lists 'personal organizer services' under NAICS 812990 (All Other Personal Services), so organizers are counted here, but the code is a broad catch-all (it also covers concierge, wedding planning, pet-sitting-like and many other personal services). Treat this as loose context. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average yearly receipts per establishment, all employer firms, NAICS 812990 All Other Personal Services, U.S., 2022$587,952 a yearPending verificationSourcesU.S. Census Bureau — 2022 Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB), U.S. and states by 6-digit NAICS (receipts in $1,000)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026U.S. Census Bureau — 2022 NAICS index file (lists 'Personal organizer services' under 812990)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Our arithmetic on the Census totals: $13,285,941,000 in receipts across 22,597 establishments, rounded to the nearest dollar. An average, pulled up by larger firms. Receipts are gross revenue, not profit. The Census Bureau's 2022 NAICS index lists 'personal organizer services' under NAICS 812990 (All Other Personal Services), so organizers are counted here, but the code is a broad catch-all (it also covers concierge, wedding planning, pet-sitting-like and many other personal services). Treat this as loose context. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average yearly receipts per nonemployer (solo, no payroll) business, NAICS 81299 All Other Personal Services, U.S., 2024$37,118 a yearPending verificationSourcesU.S. Census Bureau — 2024 Nonemployer Statistics, U.S. file (receipts in $1,000)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026U.S. Census Bureau — 2022 NAICS index file (lists 'Personal organizer services' under 812990)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Our arithmetic on the Census totals: $28,740,059,000 in receipts across 774,283 nonemployer businesses, rounded to the nearest dollar. Many are part-time. Receipts are gross revenue, not profit. The Census Bureau's 2022 NAICS index lists 'personal organizer services' under NAICS 812990 (All Other Personal Services), so organizers are counted here, but the code is a broad catch-all (it also covers concierge, wedding planning, pet-sitting-like and many other personal services). Treat this as loose context. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
Key Risks and How to Manage Them
Physical strain
Organizing means hours of bending, kneeling, lifting boxes, carrying donation bags and climbing step ladders in closets and garages. Garage and attic jobs are the hardest. That is real wear for someone in their mid-50s.
How to manage it: Cap your working hours per day, bring a helper for garages and attics, use a sturdy step ladder and a hand truck, and let a junk-removal company haul heavy loads.
Items thrown away, lost or broken by mistake
You are sorting other people's belongings, papers and keepsakes. Donating or discarding the wrong thing, or breaking something, can become a claim or a lost client.
How to manage it: Use a written agreement, have the client make every keep-or-go decision, keep a 'maybe' box until the end, photograph valuables, and carry liability insurance.
Income is capped by your own hours
Most organizers bill by the hour, so a solo owner earns only for the hours they can physically work. Census figures show the average solo business in this code takes in far less than small firms with staff.
How to manage it: Sell packages instead of open-ended hours, add a trained helper once your calendar is full, and set a minimum booking (for example, three hours).
Slow start while referrals build
Clients usually come from word of mouth, real estate agents, senior living communities and before-and-after photos. Those take months to build.
How to manage it: Keep a cash reserve for the first year, build a portfolio with a few discounted jobs, and start visiting referral sources before you launch.
Emotional clients and hoarding situations
Downsizing often follows a death, illness or divorce, and some homes involve hoarding, which can be a health condition and a safety hazard. These jobs are draining and can go beyond what an organizer should take on.
How to manage it: Screen jobs at the first visit, set clear boundaries in writing, and refer severe hoarding cases to specialists working alongside mental-health professionals.
Drifting into licensed moving work
Downsizing clients often ask you to move their things too. In California, anyone paid to move household goods needs a household mover license from BHGS.
How to manage it: Stop at sorting, organizing and setting up the new home; hire a licensed mover (or a senior move manager) for transport, and check their license on the BHGS site.
Easy to enter, so plenty of competition
No license is needed and startup costs are low, so prices vary widely, from $35 an hour to over $150.
How to manage it: Pick a clear specialty (downsizing, kitchens, paperwork, garages), show your work with photos and reviews, and compete on trust and reliability rather than price.
Licensing by State
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction.
More states are coming.
A general guide only. Rules change and vary by city and county — confirm with your local government before you start.
No state license for professional organizing
Pending verificationWe found no California state license for decluttering or home organizing. You still need the city or county business license below. Confirm with your city when you register.
City or county business license
Pending verificationRequired almost everywhere in California. Check with the city where your business is based.
Seller's permit — if you resell bins and products to clients
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCalifornia Department of Tax and Fee Administration — Permits and licenses(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026If you buy containers and organizing products and charge clients for them, you are selling goods at retail. CDTFA requires a seller's permit for retail sales of taxable goods; registration online is free.
Verify with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA)(opens in a new tab)Household mover license (BHGS) — only if you move belongings for pay
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCalifornia Bureau of Household Goods and Services — Household Moving applicants FAQ(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026BHGS says anyone paid to move household goods within California needs a household mover license (application fee $500). Organizers who only sort and set up a home do not move goods; leave transport to a licensed mover.
Verify with the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS)(opens in a new tab)NAPO membership and CPO certification — voluntary
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesNAPO — Frequently asked questions (napo.net page, read from the Internet Archive copy of April 6, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026NAPO — CPO exam application and fee (napo.net page, read from the Internet Archive copy of November 13, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Membership in NAPO (National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals) is voluntary; $349 a year as of January 2026. The Certified Professional Organizer (CPO) credential needs 1,000 documented hours in the past five years (750 paid) before you can sit the exam ($450 fee), and $300 every 3 years to recertify with 36 continuing-education units. You don't need to be a NAPO member to become a CPO.
Verify with the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO)(opens in a new tab)
The Playbook
A step-by-step guide from setup to growth.
Phase 1
Setup
- Choose your business structure and get a city business license
- Decide your services and what you will not do (moving, hauling)
- Get liability insurance
- Set up scheduling, invoicing and a written client agreement
- Photograph a few practice projects for your portfolio
Phase 2
Pricing and packages
Included in the complete kit
Phase 3
Launch
Included in the complete kit
Phase 4
Referral partners
Included in the complete kit
Phase 5
Operations
Included in the complete kit
Phase 6
Hiring helpers
Included in the complete kit
Phase 7
Growth
Included in the complete kit
Suppliers and Tools
Vendors independent operators use.
No supplier pays to be listed. If we ever earn a referral fee from a link, it will say “Affiliate link” right next to it.
Trade association and training
Courses, certification and a public referral directory for organizers.
Bins and storage products
Containers and shelving you buy for clients' homes.
The Kit Is Coming
Everything on this page is free. The downloadable kit (playbook, spreadsheets, templates) is in the works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a franchise?
No. The Open Franchise is not a franchise and does not sell franchises. You start and own your business yourself, with no franchise fee, royalties, or territory rules. We sell guides and kits; that's all.
How is this different from senior move management?
This page covers decluttering, organizing systems and the sorting side of downsizing, often for people who are staying put. Senior move management plans and coordinates the whole move, including movers. Many organizers refer the move itself to a move manager or licensed mover.
Is there real demand?
Signs point that way. In AARP's 2024 survey, 44% of adults 50 and older said they expect to relocate, and Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies reports that owners 65 and older had lived in their homes an average of 26 years in 2023. Long stays usually mean a lot to sort. We found no reliable count of the organizing market itself.
Do I need a certification?
No. California does not license organizers. NAPO membership and the CPO credential are voluntary; the CPO requires 1,000 hours of experience first, so most people earn it after a few years in business.
Are these numbers guaranteed?
No. Every cost and price comes from a cited source, shown as a range where possible, with the date we last checked it. Your costs and results will depend on your market and choices.
Figures last verified October 31, 2026. Every number links to its source. See all sources for this page.