Step-By-Step: How to Legally Start Your Organizing Business
Starting a professional organizing business is exciting—but the legal steps can feel confusing. This guide breaks everything down simply so you know exactly what to do. Every step in this post is taught in-depth inside my How to Start Your Professional Organizing Business Course.
If you prefer to listen on the go, I’ve have also covered these topics in a podcast episode. You can tune in on Apple Podcasts or Spotify here.
🎙️Pro Organizers Coach Spotify
Step 1: Choose a Business Name
Your name doesn’t need to be perfect, but it MUST be available.
Research to make sure no one else is using your business name:
Search your Secretary of Sate business database
Search Google
Search Facebook and Instagram
Check domain availability (GoDaddy or Squarespace)
Once you confirm it’s available, move forward.
Step 2: Decide Your Business Structure (Sole Proprietor or LLC)
Sole Proprietor
Free
Easiest way to start
You and the business are legally the same
Most new organizers start here
LLC
Provide legal protection
Separates personal + business assets
Low cost
You can switch to an LLC later
Step 3: Apply for an EIN
An EIN is free at IRS.gov and is used for:
Banking
Taxes
Invoices
Client Paperwork
Step 4: Get Your Business License
Most organizers only need a simple home-based business license.
Search: “business license + your city/county + home-based business”
Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account
Keep your business money separate. Bring:
Your EIN
Your business name
Your ID
Step 6: Set up Simple Bookkeeping
Start with:
Google Sheets
Excel
QuickBooks Simple Start
Track income, expenses, mileage, and supplies.
Step 7: Create Basic Client Documents
You’ll need:
Client Intake Form
Client Agreement
Cancellation Policy
Liability Release
Testimonial Request
Session Notes
Templates and instructions are inside my How to Start Your Professional Organizing Business course.
Step 8: Consider Liability Insurance
Optional but helpful. Covers accidents, breaks, or unexpected issues. It is usually $25-$40 per month.
Step 9: Set Up Easy Payment Methods
Choose 1-2 simple methods:
Square
PayPal
Venmo Business
Stripe
Zelle
Cash or Check
Step 10: Add Your Info to Your Website
Include:
Your business name
Your service area
Your pricing
Your contact information
Your website doesn’t need to be perfect—just clear.
Final Thoughts
The legal side doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Everything in this post is taught step-by-step inside my How to Start Your Professional Organizing Business course.
To continue building your business in the right order, got to ProOrganziersAcademy.com and start with:
How to Start Your Professional Organizing Business
Launch Your Website in 5 Days
How to Work with Clients as a Professional Organizer
Use the code SAVE50 to get $50 off ANY course in the Academy!
