Home Organiser
Starting a side hustle as a home organiser can be a fulfilling and profitable venture, especially for stay-at-home mums looking to balance family life with a meaningful and flexible career. Home organisation is a growing industry, with many people seeking help to declutter and optimise their living spaces. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to start a home organising side hustle, tailored to stay-at-home mums.
Why Home Organising?
Home organising is a service that involves helping clients declutter, arrange, and optimise their living spaces. It’s perfect for stay-at-home mums because it offers:
- Flexibility: You can schedule organising sessions around your family’s needs.
- Low Startup Costs: You don’t need a lot of money to get started.
- Demand: Many people are overwhelmed by clutter and need help to create orderly, functional spaces.
- Personal Satisfaction: Helping others create a more organised home can be very rewarding.
Steps to Start Your Home Organising Side Hustle
1. Assess Your Skills and Passion
Before you start, evaluate your organising skills and passion. Do you enjoy tidying up, creating systems, and helping others? Are you good at staying organised yourself? If so, you likely have the qualities needed to be a successful home organiser.
2. Research the Market
Understand the demand for home organising services in your area. Check out your competition, see what services they offer, and how much they charge. This research will help you price your services competitively and identify any gaps in the market you can fill.
3. Define Your Services
Home organising encompasses a range of services. Decide what you want to offer, such as:
- Decluttering and organising homes
- Creating storage solutions
- Organising specific areas like kitchens, closets, or garages
- Packing and unpacking services for moving
- Paper management and office organisation
By defining your services, you can target your marketing efforts more effectively and create clear packages for clients.
4. Set Up Your Business
Choose a Business Name
Pick a catchy, memorable name that reflects your services. Make sure it’s not already in use by another business.
Register Your Business
Check the legal requirements in your area for registering a small business. You may need to register your business name and get a business license.
Get Insurance
Consider getting liability insurance to protect yourself in case of accidents or damages while working in clients’ homes.
5. Create a Business Plan
Outline your business goals, target market, marketing strategies, and financial projections. A business plan will help you stay focused and organised as you grow your business.
6. Build Your Brand
Design a Logo and Business Cards
A professional logo and business cards will help you look legitimate and trustworthy. You can design these yourself using online tools or hire a graphic designer.
Create a Website
A website is essential for showcasing your services, sharing client testimonials, and making it easy for potential clients to contact you. Include information about your services, pricing, and a blog where you share organising tips and success stories.
Use Social Media
Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are great for sharing before-and-after photos, organising tips, and engaging with potential clients. Use these platforms to build your brand and connect with your audience.
7. Set Your Pricing
Research what other home organisers in your area charge and decide on your rates. You can charge by the hour or offer package deals for larger projects. Be clear about what’s included in your pricing, such as initial consultations, travel time, and supplies.
8. Market Your Business
Word of Mouth
Tell your friends, family, and community about your new business. Word-of-mouth referrals can be very powerful.
Networking
Join local business groups, attend community events, and network with other professionals like real estate agents, interior designers, and cleaning services. They can refer clients to you.
Online Advertising
Use online advertising to reach a wider audience. Google Ads and Facebook Ads can be effective ways to target potential clients in your area.
Offer Promotions
Offer introductory discounts or bundle deals to attract your first clients. Once you’ve built a reputation, you can rely more on referrals and repeat business.
9. Develop Your Skills
Consider taking courses or attending workshops to improve your organising skills and learn new techniques. Professional associations like the National Association of Productivity & Organising Professionals (NAPO) offer training and certification programs.
10. Provide Excellent Customer Service
Delivering exceptional customer service will help you build a loyal client base and earn positive reviews. Be punctual, professional, and respectful of your clients’ homes and belongings. Listen to their needs and provide personalised solutions.
Balancing Family and Business
As a stay-at-home mum, balancing your home organising business with family responsibilities can be challenging but manageable with careful planning.
Set a Schedule
Create a schedule that allows you to dedicate specific times to your business while still being present for your family. You might work during school hours or on weekends when your partner can watch the kids.
Involve Your Family
Involve your family in your business where appropriate. Older children can help with organising projects or assist with administrative tasks. This can also be a great way to teach them about entrepreneurship and responsibility.
Self-Care
Running a business and managing a household can be overwhelming. Make sure to set aside time for self-care and activities that recharge you, so you don’t burn out.
Starting a home organising side hustle can be an ideal venture for stay-at-home mums. It offers flexibility, a low barrier to entry, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. By assessing your skills, researching the market, defining your services, and building a strong brand, you can create a successful and fulfilling business that fits around your family life. Remember, the key to success is providing excellent customer service, continuously improving your skills, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Good luck on your home organising journey!