Is This Right for Me?
A Speed of Life Decluttering Coach guides clients through Dana K. White's No Mess Decluttering Process, helping overwhelmed people make real decluttering progress in their homes. You provide accountability, emotional support, and decision-making guidance as you lead clients through the five-step process. As you work together, you’ll teach clients the skills to maintain their spaces independently.
No! In fact, coaches who've struggled with clutter themselves often make fantastic coaches because they truly understand the challenges their clients face. Dana herself created these methods as someone who wasn't naturally organized, specifically for people who struggle the way she did.
If you are naturally organized and love helping people in their homes, the Decluttering Coach Training Course will help you understand your clients. You’ll identify the communication gaps between naturally organized people and those who struggle with clutter. You’ll learn how to communicate effectively with clients in a way that eliminates their resistance to decluttering and helps them feel confident in their decision-making.
You do not need to have a perfect home to help someone else declutter. Ideally, you’ll have practiced the No Mess Decluttering Process in your own home and will fully understand its power to make decluttering simple. You will learn everything you need to know to help others declutter through the training course. Part of the training process will be using the decluttering process in your own home so you can gain a true understanding of how the process works.
As a professional organizer, you know how crucial it is to declutter. Learning how to communicate effectively with your overwhelmed clients about decluttering will help them be ready for the implementation of organizing systems. Decluttering is also crucial for the long-term success of any organizing system.
You’ve had a head start because Decluttering at the Speed of Life and How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind are required reading to complete the Decluttering Coach Training Course. The training, though, will focus specifically on using the strategies to help others work through their clutter. You’ll learn how to guide clients through decluttering decisions and to embrace the reality of their space.
Being officially trained and certified by Dana K White also gives you significant credibility as you work to build your business.
Empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental attitude are essential. Good coaches are encouraging and guide clients through the decision-making process rather than making decisions for them. Strong communication skills and a genuine passion for helping others are crucial.
Absolutely! Many coaches start part-time and build their businesses gradually. You can schedule sessions around your current job: evenings, weekends, or just a few sessions per week. Virtual coaching makes this even more flexible.
Yes! The professional organizing market is expected to reach $28.46 billion by 2031 with 11.61% annual growth. While there is a difference between a professional organizer and a decluttering coach, that is a good indicator of the potential in getting trained and certified.
Many people know they need help, but have been too embarrassed to hire someone who might not understand their struggles. That's exactly who Speed of Life coaches are trained to help.
Training and Certification
The course is a comprehensive training program created by Dana K. White that teaches you her five-step No Mess Decluttering Process and how to use the process to guide overwhelmed clients through decluttering their homes, and covers some of the basics of building a decluttering coaching business. Successful completion allows you to pursue certification as a Speed of Life Decluttering Coach.
The course covers Dana's decluttering methods in depth, the unique needs of overwhelmed clients, how to guide clients through the process, how to handle emotional obstacles to decluttering, assessment techniques, and coaching skills. You'll learn both the "what" and the "how" of coaching.
The course is self-paced, so completion time varies by individual. We estimate that the training course takes most students 12-15 hours to complete, not including the time spent reading (or listening to) Dana’s books (How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind and Decluttering at the Speed of Life).
Some training course students finish in a few days, but most work through it over several weeks to a few months. The speed depends on how much time they can dedicate and how familiar they already are with Dana K White’s decluttering strategies.
The training is entirely self-paced. When you purchase the Decluttering Coach Training Course, you have access to the course materials for the lifetime of the course. You can work through them as your schedule allows. This makes it perfect for busy people juggling other responsibilities.There's no pressure to rush—you work at the speed that fits your life.
Each section of the course includes assessments to demonstrate that you understand the content, the process, and the unique needs of clients who are overwhelmed by decluttering. The assessments are not yes/no or multiple choice questions. They are designed to help you process and then communicate the strategies effectively so you’ll be ready to share the process with clients. On many assessments, you will have the option to submit your answers in written, video, or audio form, so you can communicate in the way that is most comfortable for you.
To be a fully certified/listed Speed of Life Decluttering Coach, you will make two different purchases. First, you’ll purchase the Decluttering Coach Training Course. Once you have successfully completed the training course, you’ll have the option of pursuing certification, which is an additional fee.
The Decluttering Coach Training Course is a one-time investment of $500. Dana describes it as "an investment" because it's designed to prepare you for coaching as a business, not just as a hobby.
If you choose to pursue certification after you successfully complete the Decluttering Coach Training Course, you’ll pay a monthly or yearly certification fee. The certification fee can be paid in monthly payments of $39 per month or an annual payment of $400 per year.
This ongoing investment gives you access to continued support, monthly training (and access to a library of past trainings), the ability to be listed in the coach directory, and more. More information on pricing is available at declutteringcoaches.com/become-a-coach/
Certified coaches are listed on DeclutteringCoaches.com. They receive monthly trainings from Dana and her team members (and have access to a library of over two and a half years' worth of recorded past trainings).
Certified coaches have access to a community of other Speed of Life Decluttering Coaches to brainstorm and support one another as they use these decluttering methods and build similar businesses.
Certified coaches have permission to use the provided curriculum to teach decluttering workshops. They can participate in promotions run by Dana and can attend in-person decluttering retreats. Certified coaches can schedule “office hours” with Dana’s assistant for help with issues they face as they work through the training. As a certified Speed of Life Decluttering Coach, you're never alone in building your business.
Yes! Certified coaches get teaching curriculum for both single sessions and six-week classes, marketing materials, and ongoing educational resources. You also have access to the original course content for the lifetime of the course.
Yes! You can purchase and complete the course for your own learning and use the methods however you'd like, including starting your own decluttering business without certification. Certification is only required if you want to be listed on DeclutteringCoaches.com, use the title "certified Speed of Life Decluttering Coach" and have access to the other benefits like the certified coach community, training materials and permission to teach the classes.
After completing all sections of the Decluttering Coach Training Course, you'll receive a completion certificate and a link to pay the certification fee. We will review all your assessments to ensure you fully understand the methods and client needs. If you’ve missed any questions or if we feel you need further instruction, we’ll reach out and help you finish. Once approved, you'll be added to the coach directory and gain access to all previous and ongoing support and resources.
Certification Requirements & Benefits
You must successfully complete the entire Decluttering Coach Training Course, including all assessments. After that, you pay the certification fee (monthly or annual), and your assessments are evaluated to be sure you are demonstrating a full understanding of the methods and client needs. Once the evaluation is complete, you will be listed as an official certified coach.
Being certified means you've completed Dana's training, passed all assessments, and are committed to using the five-step No Mess Decluttering Process when clients ask for it. You get listed on the official coach directory, can mention your certification in your marketing, and receive ongoing training and support.
Yes! Once certified, and as long as your certification is current, you'll be added to the clickable map directory where people searching for coaches can find you. This is a significant benefit—you're getting referrals from Dana's platform, which has millions of followers.
No. Certified coaches agree to use Dana's five-step process when clients request it, but you're not required to use only her methods. Many coaches integrate other organizing systems or specializations (like ADHD strategies) alongside Dana's core process.
Absolutely! Many certified coaches have additional training in ADHD coaching, chronic disorganization, or other specializations. Dana's methods work beautifully alongside other approaches.
Yes, certification is maintained through the ongoing monthly or annual fees. This isn't just a renewal fee; it provides continuous access to training, the coach community, and your listing in the directory.
Taking the course gives you the knowledge, and you can use it however you want. Certification adds the official credential, your personalized listing on DeclutteringCoaches.com, ongoing monthly training, access to the coach community, teaching curriculum, and the ability to market yourself as a certified Speed of Life Decluttering Coach.
Starting your Coaching Business
For information regarding legal setup, business requirements, and insurance, please contact your local lawyer, local government, local tax professional, and local insurance agent, etc.
Startup costs are relatively low compared to many businesses! You'll purchase the training course and pay the certification fees. Business registration, liability insurance, basic marketing materials (business cards, website), and technology for virtual sessions. If you work from home and focus on virtual coaching first, you can get started with just the basics and grow from there.
For virtual coaching: a reliable computer/laptop, webcam, good internet connection, video conferencing software (Zoom or others), and a phone. For in-person coaching: transportation, basic supplies (trash bags, labels, bins), and business cards. Those items will get you on your way. Clients provide the space and items, you provide the expertise!
Research other organizers and coaches in your area to understand local rates. Rates can vary widely per hour, depending on location and experience. Consider your expertise, local market, whether you're in-person or virtual, and what value you provide. You can always adjust as you gain experience. This is a common conversation in our community of certified coaches, so you’ll be able to learn from the expertise of experienced Speed of Life Decluttering Coaches.
Your income will directly depend on the work you put into your business. You won’t make a full-time income from referrals from DeclutteringCoaches.com, but many of our certified coaches have built thriving businesses. Your success depends on marketing efforts, client retention, pricing strategy, and the number of hours you're willing to work. Some coaches expand income through group classes and workshops.
Working With Clients
Start with your circle: friends, family, neighbors, and social media connections. Offer to help them declutter spaces (even at a discount) in exchange for testimonials and before/after photos. Network with realtors, therapists, and senior service providers. Join local Facebook groups and community organizations. Create a Google Business Profile. The key to building a business is letting people know your business exists.
This is completely normal! Building a client base takes time. Use the slow period to perfect your skills by decluttering your own spaces, volunteering to help friends, creating content on social media showing your work, and actively networking. Every successful coach started with zero clients.
Offering a few discounted or even free sessions for family/friends in exchange for detailed testimonials and photos is smart marketing. Just be clear about what you're doing and don't undervalue your services long-term. Once you have a portfolio, charge appropriately.
Yes! Most certified Speed of Life Decluttering Coaches offer both options. Virtual coaching expands your potential client base to anywhere in the world, while in-person coaching works well for local clients. Many coaches find virtual sessions surprisingly effective.
You need: video conferencing software (Zoom is simple and popular), a device with a good camera (laptop, tablet, or phone), reliable internet, good lighting, and clear audio. Clients use their phone or tablet to show you spaces while you guide them through the process. It's simpler than you might think.
Most coaches offer 1-4 hour sessions, with 1-2 hours being most common for virtual work. Longer than 4 hours can lead to fatigue. One-hour sessions work well for busy clients and can be scheduled regularly. Let clients choose what works for their schedule and budget.
This is where your training shines! The course teaches you to recognize emotional obstacles, guide clients through the decluttering questions, and validate feelings without enabling clutter-keeping. You learn to work at the client's pace while keeping them on track to make progress.
The No Mess Decluttering Process works exceptionally well to help others make decluttering decisions. Just follow the process, and you’ll be amazed at the progress anyone can make. You’ll teach them the two decluttering questions and other strategies to make confident decisions about their space and their stuff. This approach creates lasting change.
The training prepares you for this! You learn where and how to start. You’ll learn how to build your client’s trust in you and your help. Sometimes clients may face issues that require assistance from a mental health professional. You'll learn to recognize these situations.
Both work! Single sessions are great for people testing the waters. Multi-session packages provide better value for clients and guaranteed income for you. Many coaches offer both options.
Growing Your Business
Focus on building relationships and visibility. Network locally, create social media content showing your work, get testimonials and reviews, speak at community events, partner with complementary businesses (realtors, therapists, senior services), maintain an active Google Business Profile, and join local business groups. Word-of-mouth from satisfied clients becomes your best marketing.
Yes! Even a simple one-page website establishes credibility and provides a place for people to learn about your services. One of the trainings inside our certification resources teaches you how to make a simple website.
Social media helps, especially when starting out, but it isn't mandatory. If you use it, share before/after photos (with permission), decluttering tips, client success stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your process. Be consistent, but don't let social media consume all your time; real-world networking matters just as much.
Your certification in Dana's methods immediately sets you apart! Emphasize that you specialize in helping overwhelmed people who've been too embarrassed to hire traditional organizers and that you’ve been trained by Dana K White, the author of Decluttering at the Speed of Life, which has sold more than half a million copies. Highlight your personal decluttering journey if you've struggled with clutter. Consider specializing in a niche (e.g., ADHD, seniors, downsizing).
Yes! Currently certified coaches receive teaching curriculum and permission to teach both single sessions and a six-week class program. This is a huge benefit—you don't have to create everything from scratch.
Practical Considerations
Certified coaches are located worldwide! Current coaches work in various U.S. states and countries including Belgium, England, and more. Virtual coaching means you can work with clients anywhere with internet access.
Yes! Virtual coaching means your potential client base isn't limited to your town. You can serve clients across your state, country, or internationally. This is one of the biggest advantages of offering online coaching.
That's actually a good sign; it means there's demand! The market is large enough for multiple coaches, especially since everyone has different personalities and specializations. Some clients might prefer your approach, your availability, or your particular expertise. Plus, you can potentially collaborate rather than compete.
No additional certifications are required, but they can enhance your skills and marketability. Many coaches pursue specialized training in ADHD coaching, chronic disorganization (ICD), senior move management, or other areas that interest them. These complement the Speed of Life Decluttering Coach methods quite well.
The flexibility of coaching is perfect for this! You set your own schedule, choose how many clients to see, and can work during school hours, evenings, or weekends. Many successful coaches are parents who built their businesses around family needs. Virtual coaching adds even more flexibility.
Common challenges include: getting initial clients, owning their expertise, pricing themselves appropriately, handling difficult clients, maintaining boundaries, managing the business side (taxes, scheduling, marketing), and avoiding burnout. The coach community and monthly trainings help you navigate these challenges.
That's what the ongoing support is for! Certified coaches have access to monthly training sessions, a community of other coaches, and Dana's guidance on both coaching skills and business development. You're never alone in figuring things out.