One of the most challenging aspects of being a professional organizer is knowing exactly what materials and supplies you need for a job. Since you never really know, it’s best to be prepared for many situations. So what goes in a professional organizer’s workbag? And what bags do you use? We’re here to help!
A Professional Organizer’s Workbag
Before getting any supplies, you’re going to need a place to keep them all. Aim for a nice, sturdy, structured bag or two. You may already have a few bags around your home that fit the bill!
Personally, I have two bags. One is smaller, but nicer looking and that’s what I bring to consultations with just a few items inside (similar to this bag). The other is larger and more utilitarian — like this bag pictured here — and it gets packed with the many random items I may or may not need.
When grabbing a bag, aim for something professional and on-brand. Yes, Hawaiian patterned bags are pretty, but you’ve got a job to do!
Stocking Your Professional Organizer’s Workbag
To make the supplies easier to manage, we have them grouped by their purpose. Many items can serve multiple purposes, but this is a good guideline.
Consultation Supplies
When you’re heading off to a consultation, having a few basic supplies will help you be prepared and look professional. We recommend bringing:
- Notepad and pen on a clipboard (this one is professional and even has a spot for business cards!)
- Business cards
- Measuring tape (not too big, not too small, like this)
- Phone to take pictures
Cleaning Supplies
No, you’re not a cleaner, but you don’t want to put items away in a dirty space. Your clients will appreciate you being thorough and thoughtful in their spaces. Plus, those after pictures will sparkle when they’re dust-free.
At a minimum, we recommend stocking your bag with:
- Garbage bags
- Spray cleaner & wipes or paper towels
- Dustpan and brush (this Full Circle mini dustpan is compact and efficient)
- Latex gloves
Labeling Supplies
If you’re an organizer, you know the benefits a label brings to a system. Labels are even more important when you’re working in someone else’s home. Here are some items that are helpful to have when labeling:
- Post-It Notes (always name brand)
- Black Sharpies (multiples)
- White Sharpies
- Label Maker (this Brother is our favorite — worth the investment)
- Label Tape
- Scotch Chalkboard Tape
Related Post: 9 Best Ways to Label Anything & Everything
Personal Supplies
You’re an organizer, but you’re not a machine. Odds are during a job you’ll get hungry or injured. Being prepared is key. Make sure you have:
- Neosporin or other first aid cream
- Bandaids
- Feminine hygiene items
- Small snacks such as nuts or a granola bar
- Hand sanitizer
- Baby wipes
- Asprin/Acetemetaphin
- Bottle of water
- Socks
- Deodorant
Other Handy Items
Moving furniture, packing, unpacking, opening boxes, hanging things up… organizers do it all. Here are just a few things that help us get it done:
- Scissors
- Museum Gel
- Packing Tape
- Comman Hooks (A variety pack like this is good for starting out — repurchase what you end up using the most)
- An apron (like this)
- Xacto knife (great for installing wallpaper and shelf liner)
- Tablecloth or sheet
- Furniture sliders (see them here)
- Extra batteries if needed for your label maker
Tools & Hardware
While you may not be very comfortable or confident using tools, they’re good to have. Whether you’re trying to whack out a stubborn shelf that just won’t budge or putting a toy box together, having a simple set of tools is handy. Make sure you have:
- Allen wrench
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- Zip Ties
- Assorted Hardware such as nails and screws
A simple tool set like this should cover most of your bases, plus it includes a box cutter and measuring tape!
Handy Supplies OUTSIDE an Organizer’s Workbag
Unfortunately, not every item will fit inside your bag. These items are worth their literal weight as you carry yet another thing into the home you’re working in:
- Step stool
- Dustbuster
- Compact wagon (great for hauling boxes or working in an apartment building)
- Vinyl cutting machine like the Cricut or Silhouette & all necessary accessories
Related Post: What’s In My Organization Bag by Sparx Organizing
So, What’s in Your Workbag?
Organizers have some hard-working bags! If we missed something essential or you found this helpful, we’d love if you would leave a comment below and let us know!
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