If you have looked for an expert to tidy and organize your home
...you might have stumbled upon these 2 terms, “professional organizer” and “KonMari® Consultant”, and probably wondered what the difference is.
Let me tell you something: You are not alone! I get asked that very question at least once a week, if not more.
Why?
Because it actually is confusing! Some professional organizers are also KonMari® Consultants (like me). Some KonMari® Consultants never use the words “professional organizing”. And everyone seems to be obsessed with boxes, baskets, and labels.
Hence, this blog post to try to help you navigate this nonsense.
So, let's get into it.
First, what's a KonMari® consultant?
The KonMari® Method is a decluttering and organizing method developed by Marie Kondo.
A KonMari® consultant is a person who has successfully gone through the official certification evaluation. This means that they went and successfully completed training, exams and workshops directly from Marie Kondo's team. They have therefore a certificate and a license to work by KonMari® method.
All KonMari® consultants are listed on the official Marie Kondo website. (Go ahead: Look for “Nazanine” and you will find me! 👋🏻)
What a traditional professional organizer and a KonMari® Consultant have in common:
This one is pretty simple: They are both organizers. When they leave your home, your environment will be more organized.
It doesn't matter if traditional professional organizers or KonMari® consultants, these are people going out in the world and changing people's lives.
The impact of their work on their clients' lives is extraordinary either way. Every client is different, and they simply do not have the same needs. That's why it's important to understand the differences to choose the expert that will help you where YOU are at.
A traditional professional organizer's work is more practical
A traditional professional organizer helps you set up organizing systems that help you simplify your space and therefore your life. It doesn't matter whether it's a room, a garage, or your entire home. A lot of traditional professional organizers offer decluttering services, but not all of them do.
Basically, they work for you, and in some cases, they can even work alone on the space that needs to be organized, while you’re at work, or bringing your kid to their soccer practice
One of the most compelling advantages of working with a traditional professional organizer is their flexibility. They can tailor their approach to your unique needs and preferences.
Professional organizers also bring a wealth of knowledge about storage solutions and organization techniques. They can suggest the best containers, shelving systems, and furniture to maximize your space.
So, to sum it up, the main focus of traditional professional organizers is the organizing part, and less the client-coaching part.
KonMari® consultants have a more holistic approach
The KonMari® Method was developed by Marie Kondo as a sustainable, entire home tidy approach.
And the most significant difference with other tiding or organizing methods is that, ultimately, the KonMari® method is only a tool to help one transform and shape the life that they want for themselves. It's about finding out what sparks joy in their home and in their life. It's a chance to reset their entire life.
Therefore, KonMari® Consultants work with their clients one-on-one. The client is involved in the entire process because the actual goal is to train their decision-making muscle, about decluttering, discarding, and organizing. It's about learning to take intentional choices in life.
Another big difference is that a KonMari® consultant will always work with their clients by category and not by location, where the categories are to be followed in a specific order. And that's why I used the word “holistic”: because a KonMari® consultant will almost always work with their clients through all of their belonging. When they're done, the client will have gone through every single item they possess.
And that's an emotional process which goes beyond “just” organizing a space.
How to know whom to choose for your project?
I am going to give you the typical professional organizer: it depends on what you want!
It depends on where you are at and what you are looking to achieve.
If you have the feeling that your home is being swallowed up by clutter, and you think, “It's me. Hi, I'm the problem, it's me”, then you might be better off with a KonMari® Consultant.
But if you need help in your home to get your things organized, and an expert to help you optimize your space, then a traditional professional organizer will probably be the better choice.
Still not sure? Then, lucky you, there are people who offer both services! Just schedule a complementary call and let them guide you to decide the best solution for you.
And if you’re interested in working with me (one of those people that offer both), schedule your complementary call here!
Until next time,
Nazanine, your professional home organizer in and around Hamburg.
PS: If Taylor Swift is now singing in your head, I want to be friends. 💛
