More and more professional organizers are offering virtual organizing services to help customers clear their spaces from a distance.

Now, storage success stories don’t have to come from in-person work with a professional organizer.

Whether you work from home, enjoy getting in a workout in the guest room, or have turned your kitchen into a four-star restaurant, chances are you’re spending more time at home than ever before.

Professional organizer Kathy Vines of Clever Girl Organizing has made virtual organization part of her offerings since 2016, but has noticed an uptick in its popularity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For a while, doing things virtually became necessary,” she says. “But even now that it’s possible to do in-person work, a lot of people have discovered how convenient it can be to work from a distance.”

If you think a virtual organizer might be good for you, read on to discover the ins and outs of online organization.

What is Virtual Organizing?

A virtual organizer works much the same way as an in-person professional, just without the hands-on aspect.

When you book your session, you can give your organizer a virtual tour over Zoom or other video chat, highlighting areas you want to tackle. Photos and floorplans can also be exchanged via email.

Your virtual organizer can then use those photos and videos of your space to recommend a personalized plan.

As with any organization process, it’s a good practice to have an idea of what you need to organize or how you want a room or space to function before you begin. That way, your organizer can give you the best advice for your needs.

Vines suggests three sessions as a standard when booking a virtual professional organizer: One to set your goals and tour the space, a second to check in halfway through and troubleshoot, and a third to review your progress and make a game plan for keeping things organized over time.

If you have more than one space to organize or need extra support, you can always work with your organizer on a bespoke plan of communication.

Professional organizer Jaclyn Gross of Tip Top Organizing also offers virtual organization services.

Her “Jumpstart Sessions” include two phone calls and unlimited email support. Clients share their goals and send photos at the start, then again after they complete the homework assignments.

“The email support helps if there is anything that comes up that hinders their efforts,” Gross says. “My clients get my guidance through the entire process.”

Keep your cool during your next video conference with our tips on perfecting your space before a meeting.

Who Can Benefit from Virtual Organizing?

Anyone who feels confident in taking on the task but lacks motivation to follow through is a great candidate for virtual organization.

“Accountability is a great part of virtual organizing, like a personal trainer at the gym,” says Vines. “A personal trainer can’t get on the treadmill and do your workout for you, but they can guide you and help keep you motivated to meet your goals.”

Gross says most of her clients are busy women who have become overwhelmed with their home and all the clutter and just need a plan.

“They can do it by themselves, they just don’t know where to start or what to do,” she says.

For other clients, going virtual is a good fit because they may be nervous about having someone in their home, arranging their belongings, or they have a spouse who is not willing to have someone come over.

Another added bonus? Virtual organizing can be less expensive.

The one quality you need to have is to be ready to do it.

“This is for self-motivated people that are ready to take action and willing to do the assignments,” says Gross. “Otherwise there will be no progress and no point in working with me.”

If you want to organize a vacation home or rental property, virtual organization is also a great way to get the help of a trusted organizer in an area you may not be familiar with.

Want a virtual way to celebrate after the job is done? Check out our recipe for the perfect Zoom happy hour.

How Can Virtual Organizing go Beyond Decluttering?

Virtual organizing is great for anyone who is dealing with clutter, but it doesn’t stop there. In spending more time at home, it’s likely that many people are feeling burnt out or bored with their space.

“A virtual organizing session is a great way to get fresh eyes on your space,” says Vines. “I have clients that are tired of their homes or want to maximize their space but don’t know where to start, so having a professional review what you want your home to feel like and function as can help spark that transformation.”

Whether it’s a gentle jumpstart or the key to using your space in a new way, virtual organizing can be a great way to cut clutter safely, efficiently, and for good.

For more tips on working from home, be sure to check out our blog.

Additional Reporting By Laura Bolt