APDO: celebrating 20 years of transforming lives and homes

5 minute read

For some, it’s hard to believe that an association for Professional Declutterers and Organisers even exists, let alone that it’s turning 20 this year. The number of times I’ve heard people say, “I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a professional organiser!” is easily in the triple figures. And yet, here we are, celebrating two decades of the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers (APDO) – a testament to the growing recognition and value of this unique profession.

In fact, until just a few years ago, many people in the UK weren’t aware that professional organisers were a ‘thing’ at all. To some, the idea of paying someone to declutter and organise their space seemed reserved for the wealthiest or those facing extreme situations of hoarding, often portrayed in sensationalised TV shows. However, the landscape has changed. There’s a growing understanding of how life-enhancing this service can be – for anyone, in any stage of life. People are beginning to see that organising is about more than just tidying up. It’s about creating functional, stress-free spaces that allow people to live more comfortably, productively and happily.

Professional organising as a service has existed far longer than 20 years, particularly in countries like the United States, where the industry is more established. Associations there have celebrated their 25th anniversaries, and some organisers have been in the business for over three decades. The UK, however, has been slower to catch on. It’s only in recent years that the perception of decluttering and organising has expanded beyond the extreme cases shown on TV, to include the broad range of services we offer. From helping families transition during moves to supporting busy professionals in creating efficient home offices, the role of a professional organiser is now understood to be a versatile, valuable service for everyday life.

One of the key reasons for this is the diversity of expertise within the APDO membership. Our members don’t just stop at organising items: they offer a wide range of specialised services. Whether it’s productivity coaching, helping individuals create systems to streamline their work and personal lives, or working with clients who struggle with hoarding behaviour, APDO members are equipped to support a variety of needs. Many members have also developed skills in working with neurodivergent individuals, tailoring their approaches to help people with ADHD, autism, or other conditions that affect executive functioning, ensuring the support they provide is compassionate and effective.

But the specialisms don’t stop there. APDO members also offer services like home staging, helping homeowners prepare their properties for sale by decluttering and arranging spaces to maximise appeal. Others focus on photo organising, preserving family memories and creating manageable systems for storing and accessing digital and physical photographs. The breadth of services our members offer highlights just how far professional organising has evolved as a profession – it’s about more than just “stuff”. It’s about transforming lives, one space at a time.

APDO’s beginnings were humble but full of vision. In April 2004, three women, all professional organisers with their own businesses, came together with an idea: to create a collective that would provide a standard of practice and code of ethics for the profession in the UK. What began as a conversation blossomed into something more formal in November 2004, when APDO was officially born. At that time, it was less of an association and more of an informal network. The founders had no idea it would grow into the thriving organisation it is today.

Over the years, APDO has evolved in many ways. It has grown in size and influence, established formal training programmes and helped professionalise the industry in the UK. It has changed logos three times and redesigned its website twice, each transformation representing a new era of growth.

In 2011, APDO held its first-ever conference, designed to bring together organisers from across the country to share knowledge, ideas and strategies. What began as a small gathering has turned into an annual event, now attracting delegates from around the world, with sponsors, exhibitors and a programme packed full of learning opportunities. This year, we proudly hosted our 13th conference, further cementing our place on the global stage of professional organising.

One of APDO’s key milestones was the introduction of its training programme in 2015. The “Starting a Professional Organising Business” course has since become one of our most popular offerings, equipping new organisers with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in this dynamic field. It’s just one of the ways APDO continues to support its members and help them thrive in their businesses.

Since that pivotal moment in 2004, the world has changed dramatically. The rise of social media, technological advancements and a growing emphasis on wellbeing and sustainability have all played a role in shaping our industry. APDO, too, has adapted and grown alongside these changes. We’ve now seen four Presidents lead the association, each one contributing to the evolution and professionalisation of the field. I have the honour of serving as the fourth President, and as we celebrate our 20th anniversary, I find myself reflecting on the journey we’ve been on.

What started as a small group of like-minded professionals has grown into a national association with hundreds of members, all working to help people live better lives through the power of organisation. And while APDO’s history is something to be incredibly proud of, the future is even more exciting. The growing recognition of our work, combined with the ongoing efforts to improve our services and reach, means there is so much more to come.

As we celebrate APDO in its 20th year, we take a moment to look back at our roots, acknowledge how far we’ve come and feel confident that the best is yet to come. Here’s to the next 20 years of helping people transform their spaces and, in turn, their lives.