downsizing seniors

How To Help Our Seniors With Downsizing

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People have different responses to getting old but one thing we can be sure of is that ageing is inevitable. When people get to the age where they are regarded as senior citizens, one of the problems they face is moving and downsizing and making difficult choices of what to keep and what to let go. This period is usually very emotional for some, however can be something to look forward to and become excited about.

Here are a few steps to consider when helping a senior downsize.

Consider Their New Home

Downsizing usually involves moving into a smaller and more manageable environment and the new space is the first thing that must be considered. Ideally, it is not a process that should be rushed. You have to check out their your new home’s space – the floor plan, the kind of environment and community that is being entered into.  Is your senior downsizing into a nursing home or assisted living facility? Are they moving in with friends or family, a retirement community, or are they buying or renting a smaller house or condo?

The Seniors Guide To Downsizing

Take An Inventory Of Their Current Home

The next step usually involves taking an inventory of items in different parts of their current home. It is advisable to start from the part of the house with the biggest items or the area of the house that has the most stuff.

While doing this, you will be able to identify different categories that items might fall under e.g. Regularly used objects, sparsely used objects and high-value objects. Every room in their house must be checked so you don’t miss anything important – ensuring everything is well-organized when moving and they don’t end up with items they don’t need in their new space.

Do They Need It?

De-cluttering is a very important step in the downsizing of your seniors. You have to ask yourself certain questions as you pack-up and box items like:

  • Do they need this item? Is it used regularly?
  • Will the item fit into their new space easily?
  • Is the item of high-value financially?
  • Do they have multiple versions of the item?
  • Does the item limit their mobility or accessibility in their new space?
  • Do they love it?

Answers to such questions are usually difficult but very necessary when planning their move.

Find Innovative Ways To Take Care Of Disposed Items

You’ve sat with your senior and have decided what belongings will make the move and which ones won’t. When disposing of the items that won’t be moved with them,  you need to decide what to do with them. You can have the items donated to charity or given to friends or family members that may find the items valuable. Another option is to have an auction or sale especially when some of the items are still valuable and would be able to generate some needed income. When downsizing, it is important to always get rid of old and harmful items that can’t be repaired no matter how much sentimental value they carry – you don’t want to keep harmful objects in their new environment as your senior approaches their golden years.

As we mentioned above, this process can be emotionally draining for some so it best be done with the help of loved ones, family or friends. However, if it gets too difficult, you can always consult with us. We love assisting our seniors!

organized bedroom

Tips To An Organized Bedroom Space

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Your bedroom is the first thing you will see every morning, and the last thing you see every night. An organized bedroom will help you sleep, put you in a better state of mind, and help you get your days (and nights!) started on the right foot.

If you’re ready to de-clutter your bedroom and turn it into a beautiful, serene, and organized place, here are some top tips on how to do so.

Organized Bedroom Tip 1: De-clutter Your Bedroom

Even the cleanest bedroom will look chaotic if you simply have too much stuffed into drawers and bursting out of your closet. Go through your clothing, shoes, and accessories – and be honest with yourself. Does it fit? Have you ever worn it? Are the tags still on and you bought it 2 years ago?

Donate the items you have never used, haven’t worn in years, or don’t like anymore. If it’s too stained or damaged to donate, start a toss pile. You’ll probably also find stuff that actually doesn’t belong in your room. You can put them in a pile to take to the correct room after you’re done in the bedroom.

Reducing the amount of ‘stuff’ you have will make finding the ‘stuff’ you truly love easier – and will also help you better organize what’s left.

donate clothes to declutter

Organized Bedroom Tip 2: Improve Storage Efficiency

Do you know what’s lurking under your bed? Storage units like roll-out drawers under your bed can help you turn this space into extra storage for off-season clothing, extra bed linens, or other items you don’t use very often.

If you’re planning on updating your bed frame, choosing one that has a storage unit for the head board can add space for books, pictures, and other decorative items.

There are lots of wonderful ways you can add more space for storage, such as laundry bags that hang from the back of your door, to hanging shoe organizers. Figure out what you need more space for, and check out the many options available.

bedroom storage

Organized Bedroom Tip 3: Put Things Away Neatly

Once you’ve de-cluttered and gained more storage space, fold your clothing as you put it away, and store your lose items neatly in boxes. You’ll be able to fit more in if things are put away properly. It will look better – and you’ll feel better about it too.

Organized Bedroom Tip 4: Detail Your Vanity Top

Our night stands, vanities, and other bedroom surfaces tend to pile up with clutter quickly. Clearing them off and making them beautiful will not only make your bedroom a more pleasant place to sleep, it’ll make you less likely to clutter it up again.

Ideas for beautiful vanity top organizers include displays for your jewelry, decorative boxes, or nice baskets. You can get creative with what you choose to put on top of your vanity, including DIY items as well as those available at shops.

It takes time to make a bedroom beautiful again. It didn’t get disorganized overnight, and it isn’t going to be perfect in just one day either. Take your time sorting out the bedroom, and break it up into small pieces if you need to. Even a small amount of progress will make you feel better about your room, and better about yourself too.

And of course – if you need a little extra guidance and support – we are just a phone call away!

How To Organize Your Car

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An organized car, like an organized office, makes spending time there a lot nicer.

We spend a lot of time in our cars. From driving to work in the morning in rush hour to shopping, visiting friends or family, running kids to events or even just for the pleasure of driving, there is hardly a day that goes by that you don’t get into your car.

For many people their car shows off their personality and tells the world a little bit about themselves. A fast sports car, a large family car, a working truck all say something about their drivers. How we look after our cars tells people something as well.

This connection between personal space and personal pride naturally extends to how a vehicle is cared for over time, as cleanliness and upkeep influence not only comfort but also how a car feels to drive and be seen in. Interior clutter, worn surfaces, and neglected exteriors can slowly diminish the experience, even in a vehicle that otherwise fits your lifestyle perfectly.

Restoring that sense of order and freshness often requires more than a quick wash, which is where professional auto detailing services become an essential part of maintaining both appearance and value.

With careful attention to interior surfaces, paintwork, and fine details, trusted specialists such as those associated with cdcautodetailing.com help transform everyday vehicles into spaces that feel intentional, comfortable, and reflective of the care their owners put into every aspect of their lives.

We never want to come across as disorganized. An organized car shows people that you are an organized person. Sometimes, though, we don’t have the time to pay enough attention to these things.

If you’re constantly losing and searching for items in your car, suffering constant breakdowns and embarrassed about anyone seeing the inside of your vehicle, it might be time to organize your car.

So, how do I organize my car?

An organized car is one that is clean, tidy, well-maintained and provisioned. It’s easy to do and is well worth the pay off.

To start with, completely empty out your car including the trunk. It’s best to start with a clean slate. To this we can add, rather than take away. It’s also a great chance to clean your car and find lost items. Grab a garbage bag and throw away any rubbish, hoover it out, and clean any surfaces and windows. The first time might take a while, but it will be quicker and easier the next time.

Organizing your documents is the most important thing to do. Insurance and registration should always be with you. But maintenance records, owner’s manual, and receipts are useful to carry around as well. I like to put mine in a folder with separate pockets. You can put this underneath the driver’s seat if your glove box isn’t big enough.

While keeping your car organized is important, ensuring it’s properly insured is just as essential for peace of mind on the road. A quick visit to Simply Quote can help you compare coverage options and choose the best plan suited to your needs, making it easier to feel secure no matter where you drive.

Just as an organized car saves time and reduces stress, the right insurance policy protects against the uncertainties that come with driving. By combining practical organization with responsible planning, you create a driving experience that’s not only efficient and safe but also worry-free, letting you focus on the journey rather than potential setbacks.

Keep a page with a note of the last time your car had an oil change, new tires or brakes, and an engine service among other things in the folder as well. This will focus your mind on getting those things done before something breaks down. A well maintained and organized car won’t let you down and will be cheaper to run in the long term.

Once your car is organized and you’ve taken steps to stay on top of maintenance records, the next thing to consider is finding a reliable auto repair shop that can help keep everything running smoothly. A clean and well-managed vehicle is only as dependable as the care it receives, and building a relationship with trusted mechanics ensures your car remains in peak condition for years to come.

Regular inspections, timely oil changes, and professional diagnostics go a long way toward preventing unexpected issues and expensive repairs. In this pursuit of reliability and precision, G&R Diesel stands out for its commitment to expert craftsmanship and transparent service, offering car owners the confidence that every repair and tune-up is handled with care.

Having a trusted team to turn to makes it easier to stay ahead of maintenance needs, ensuring your vehicle not only looks tidy but performs flawlessly on the road. An organized car paired with dependable service gives you the ultimate peace of mind every time you drive.

The trunk is a great place to keep bulkier items. If your car does breakdown, or you get stuck somewhere in bad weather, being well organized and prepared will make a world of difference. Besides the obligatory spare tire, keep a fully stocked first aid kit, blanket, bottled water, jumper cables and a fresh pair of socks. Trust me on the socks.

Finally, a roll of garbage bags, a pack of wipes and some emergency cash in your glove box will come in handy. You can hide the cash in an envelope if you are worried about it.

A car is a tool. The better we treat it, the more useful it will become. A car helps you get places. An organized car just makes the journey more enjoyable! Call us if you need some help!

Organizing Tips For Kids With Special Needs

Organizing Tips For Kids With Special Needs

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Special needs kids and their families often come to terms with various struggles when it comes to getting more organized in all aspects of their lives. Organization in this type of scenario might require a different approach. We hope to provide some organizing tips for kids with special needs and their families.

Clear The Clutter

It is a known fact that clean, organized, and clutter-free homes are much better for people’s mental health and emotional stability. This is particularly true when it comes to special needs families. Keeping a clean and decluttered environment can be essential for the care of kids (and any other person) with special needs. This is especially important if you need specialized equipment for the care of your child with special needs, such as wheelchairs or other features. Give everything a home, don’t bring in any excess clutter and train your kids to put things away after their use.

Develop Systems!

When caring for children with special needs, it is important to adopt systems that would facilitate access and tracking of important Organizing Tips For Kids With Special Needsresources and items – anything from accessories, to medication and documents. Some parents like to color-code folders, boxes, and other storage solutions, as a way to be able to identify what they need easily and seamlessly. This is not purely a matter of keeping a space organized, but it is also about maximizing the efficiency of everyday living, leading to a much better and consistent quality of care.

Mind Your Schedule

Keeping up with yours and your child’s schedules can be extremely important when you are taking care of children with special needs. Today, technology makes it a lot easier to save and edit calendar data and manage your busy schedule. From doctor appointments and regular check-ups to daily routine commitments, it is vital to keep up with every aspect of the care-taking process. Here are some apps that you may find helpful –

Astrid – There are lots of list-making and to-do apps out there, but Astrid gets high marks from reviewers for its clean interface and ability to share lists with someone (like your spouse) to collaborate. It also allows voice entries so you can speak an item into the phone while walking down the sidewalk.

Grocery IQ – Allows you to make and access your shopping list from your phone and even keep lists for different stores. Add favorite/every week items with just a tap or two, coordinate your coupons to maximize savings, and sync your list between multiple devices.

Develop Routine Habits

Routine habits can be extremely beneficial to the lifestyle and wellness of children with special needs. Make sure that you take the time to organize some viable daily activities, even when it means starting from the very basics, such as getting up at a specific time, or eating meals at a given time consistently throughout the week. Having a routine can be absolutely wonderful for the stability of your kids, and for their overall health. This is an aspect that’s often overlooked, albeit it can be extremely important. If you’re finding it overwhelming and would like a little extra support bringing order to your home – please reach out. We’re here to help.

home organizing tips

Fall Organizing Tips – Where Do I Start?

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Fall seems to be the season for fresh starts. The crisp and cool mornings and the new school clothes get you in the mood for organizing this time of year. You feel the urge to get yourselves and your home in great shape. But you may be asking yourself – where do I begin?  If this sounds like you, the following Fall organizing tips may help you get started with your organizing:

Fall Organizing Tip 1: Simplify morning routines

If your Fall mornings tend to feel a bit busied and chaotic, try simplifying your routines. Ensure that the everyday essentials required by your kids in the morning are easily accessible such as back packs, sports gear etc – perhaps at the door so they can see it and grab it on the way out. With regards to the dreaded lunch making – try setting up bins in your refrigerator that the kids can pick items from and assemble their own lunches.

The most common problem between you and an organized home is simply just a lack of routine. Have a look at your current daily routine and try to establish new ways of planning out how to maximize your time. Get your kids involved too – they’ll love it. Having an organized morning routine will leave everyone feeling less stressed and ready for the day.

Fall Organizing Tip 2: Do you wear it?

A simple technique to organize any closet is to get rid of the clothes you don’t wear at the end of each season. Try looking at your closet with a fresh set of eyes. Clear out your unworn shorts and sundresses at the end of summer so that you have less clothing to store and fewer accessories to deal with. Put the clothes that you wish to keep in a labelled bin ready for easy access for the next appropriate season. If you find items in your closet that you won’t wear again – ever – then it could be time to take a trip to Goodwill or – ClutterBgone is a proud supporter of the Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness. They will happily take your gently used items and put them to good use.

Fall Organizing Tip 3:  Organize the kitchen

I don’t know about you, but I tend to slack off in the ‘home cooking’ department during the summer months. Everyone is so busy running here and there so quick meals tend to be our go-to. When the Fall rolls around however, I love an organized kitchen. When my kitchen is clean and well-organized, I feel I can tend better to the needs of my family by cooking healthy meals, turning on the crock pot and locating my apple peeler. Ensure that your kitchen drawers are ‘junk-free’ and that the utensils you use often are easily accessible. Consider purchasing small bins (dollar store) for your food pantry and labeling them for such things as your cereal, pasta, kids snack crackers etc. It gives a neat and organized feel.

fall organizing tips

Try one or two areas at a time. Don’t get overwhelmed by trying to organize every area of the house in one weekend. Grab a nice pumpkin latte (if that’s your thing) and enjoy the crisp cool breezes of Fall. Remember, we are always here for you. Should you need some extra guidance or support, we are just a phone call away and would love to assist you in your organizing needs this season.

organize for back to school

Organize For Back To School

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Organization is key if you want to avoid stressful back to school mornings. The summer holiday is over and the fun is coming to an end. The time creeps up on most parents and we leave the planning until the last minute – leaving room for stress.  You end up looking for unorganized school items for hours. We want to provide you with some tips on how to organize for back to school to help make it as smooth of a transition as possible.

Create a checklist 

Before the day sneaks up on you, make it a point to create a checklist of all the things the kids need prior to going back to school.  Are their supplies in order? Do they need new supplies? Have they outgrown their clothes over the summer break? Where are their school bags? Do they need new indoor shoes? Create a checklist and tick whenever you have something ready.

Adjust your clock

This might sound simple or silly but it’s very effective and makes such a difference. Set all the clocks in the house ten minutes ahead. The most common mistake families make in the morning is underestimating the time it takes to do something. For example, they may think it will take 10 minutes to get ready while in reality, it will take 20.

Organize kids’ closets

If you don’t organize your kid’s clothing well, they will likely head out the door wearing their Sunday best clothes without any worry – or worse – the joggers with the holes in them.  You could try picking out their clothes every weekend and placing them on five hooks in the closet, one for every day of the week.

organize kids closets for back to school

Organize paperwork

If the kids came home with paper piles to be signed as well as permission slips, be sure to sign them before they go back to school. Back to school means back to sports, field trips and other school programs and you don’t want your kids to miss any or tell you the day before the trip.

When parents are faced with the back to school rush, they feel like there is no time to organize. Professional organizers advise you to take things slowly. If you are overwhelmed, you can always get a professional organizer to guide you on how to avoid all the stress and rush that comes with going back to school – and all throughout the school year too!

How To Organize Before House Guests Arrive

How To Organize Before House Guests Arrive

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You have guests coming to your house and it looks like a mess. The kids have been playing all around the house and you need the space organized before the guests arrive. All this can be chaotic and hectic plus it can take a toll on you. Most people find space to bundle all the clutter especially in the garage or in one corner to try and un-clutter the visible spaces. This is however not a solution and it won’t work. If you want an organized and presentable living space, get some guidance, coaching and support from a professional organizer.

Every space is redeemable with an organizer on site. Organizing is more than just putting things in place. It’s all about efficient storage solutions and ideas coupled with space planning.

Having guests over? Don’t let this fill you with anxiety over the state of your house, let’s see what you can do about it:

How To Organize Before House Guests Arrive

Clear the entryway

When your guests first arrive, this is the first part of the house they will see. As they remove their jackets, they will be throwing eyes around so it’s good to make the area tidy. Put away any jackets and shoes that might be cluttering the entryway and if there is a lot of dirt, sweep it right out the front door. Add some wall décor to give a cozy vibe.

Get rid of clutter

The human brain is programmed to notice things that are out of place. Your guests won’t be looking for things to criticize but they will see it. Get a professional organizer to help you get rid of that pile of clutter. Never make a habit out of stashing clutter.

Clean your bathroom

Before the visitors arrive, always make it a point to clean the bathroom and especially the one that is frequently used by the guests. The visitors won’t take long to notice a messy bathroom and it doesn’t take a lot to clean and pick up any towels or clothes on the floor.

Get a professional organizer

Sometimes you can look at the house and the mess and simply give up. There are piles of clutter in one corner and the other things are overflowing out of your storage space. Get help from a professional organizer who will guide you on space planning and give you efficient storage solutions and ideas.

Do you have a specific dumping site in your house that you want to get rid of? Are your wardrobes efficiently organized for effective storage? Simply get a professional organizer and go from clutter to calm in all the spaces you have in the house from the kitchen, bedrooms, living room, closets, and storage spaces. ClutterBGone services the greater Toronto area. Call us today for your consultation.

decluttering for beginners

Decluttering Guide For Beginners

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Tired of your cluttered home and dreaming of starting afresh? We hope this decluttering guide for beginners will allow you to enjoy your home in style!

Start With Storage Spaces

Before you start decluttering rooms you need to make space in your storage areas. This can include the garage, basement, attic, cupboards, closets, wardrobes, and anywhere else you have things hiding away! This is an easy place to start clearing out possessions that are just gathering dust in storage. On top of this, you’ll need to have fresh space to start storing and re-organizing your home. Trust us, you’ll appreciate the extra space once you start decluttering!

decluttering your home

Make Piles

Decluttering can be an overwhelming process and unless you have a professional organizer at your side, it can be tiring work. On top of this, decluttering can also be emotional too. It’s difficult to say goodbye to our possessions. For many of us, there will be things we want to keep; some we want to clear away, and then a lot that will be in-between. Do you want to keep it or not? This is where the pile method comes in! Start a pile for the things you are keeping and then another for the items that you’re not sure of. This is the “maybe” pile and you can come back to this later. You don’t need to make the hard decisions all at once. For the things, you’re definitely getting rid of have bags ready to store them in.

Be Prepared

Before you start decluttering you need to be prepared. We recommend purchasing extra strength garbage-bags and some cleaning products. Also, make sure you have a selection of storage boxes, and paper and pen to jot down notes. By starting prepared and ready to go the decluttering process will be more seamless and simple.

Many Hands Make Light Work

Decluttering may seem like a simple job, but once you get started it’s easy to get snowed under the sheer amount of things to do! If possible, ask some friends or family to come over and help with your de-cluttering. You can even make it fun and offer some pizza and drinks afterward! This is a great way to make the process more fun, simple, and quick.

Donate To Charity

After you have finished decluttering donate your unwanted possessions to charity. However, make sure you get in touch with local charities first to see if they accept donations. You may need to do a few trips to get rid everything. Keep in mind that you should only donate items that are in good shape, anything beyond use should be disposed of beforehand.

When you’re decluttering make sure you take your time. It’s important to go at your own pace and keep motivated. After you’ve finished, sit back, relax, and enjoy your brand new space! If you need a little extra support, we here at ClutterBGone are here for you! Contact us today for a consultation.

Who Needs A Professional Organizer?

Who Needs A Professional Organizer?

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Do you want to tidy up your home but just don’t know where to start? Discover the slew of benefits of hiring a professional organizer. Continue reading to find out more!

It’s More Than Just Cleaning

Many people believe that a professional organizer is simply someone who’ll help arrange your home. However, an organizer is so much more than that. A trained organizer enables their clients to take control over their home and life. It could be anything from re-organizing an empty nest or moving out a deceased loved one’s possessions. Home is where the heart is and an organizer is the first step towards creating a space that is perfect for your lifestyle and needs.

Do I Need An Organizer?

This is a personal question that only you can truly answer. The best way to work out whether you need a professional organizer is to ask Who Needs A Professional Organizer? yourself the following questions. Do you feel overwhelmed with your possessions? Do you believe your space represents your personality? Is there anything you want to change in your home to make life easier? If you answered yes to any of these questions it’s time to consider whether a professional organizer could be the perfect fit for you.

Is An Organizer Just For Hoarders?

There’s a popular myth circulating that a professional organizer is only for people with hoarding tendencies. In fact, an organizer can assist with a diverse number of needs! For instance, if you feel your place is cluttered and you just can’t get on top of the mess, an organizer can be invaluable. At the end of the day, an organizer will help you only as much as you want to help yourself!

What Can A Professional Organizer Do For Me?

There are so many different things that a professional organizer can assist you with. Below, is a brief list of just some of the amazing work they can do.

 

An organizer can:

  • Arrange your space effectively. This can help you to enjoy your home and cut down your cleaning time.
  • Instill strong organization principles in the client: A professional organizer will help to improve your everyday life. Being organized is a lifestyle, not just a cleaning method!
  • Help you to downsize: Many people hire an organizer when they are downsizing to a new home. This could be for retirees, empty- nesters, or even just a family moving to a new area. Downsizing is difficult, but with an organizer on your side, they can make the process seamless and painless.
  • Take control: Many people feel totally overwhelmed by their homes, and can’t even enjoy the space they have.

 

At the end of the day, an organizer helps to empower and encourage their client to take control of their space and improve their quality of life. Let us help you with your professional organizing needs – We here at ClutterBGone specialize in ensuring your peace of mind.

5 Questions to Ask Professional Organizer

5 Questions To Ask Any Professional Organizer

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We always learn so much from attending Professional Organizing conferences! With a growing number of dual-income families these days, there seems to be more money to spend on things you don’t want or like to do yourself. Thus, saving you time to do the things you really want to do. Also, many families are now downsizing to smaller homes as they get ready to retire and don’t have the knowledge or ability to downsize themselves, and don’t want to take things with them that they know they will not need. Lastly, many seniors are transitioning from their own homes to seniors’ residences or living with family and again need help with the move. As this business grows so do the companies and individuals that provide the service. It’s best that clients are informed, so we put together this list of questions that you should ask any Professional Organizer that you are thinking of hiring.

What are your qualifications?

Here in Canada there is a professional organization for professional organizers called the POC – Professional Organizers of Canada members are bound by their code of ethics to ensure that you receive trusted, confidential and committed service. We are trained and certified in organizing and downsizing techniques and have access to the latest trends and organizing items.

5 Questions To Ask Any Professional Organizer

Do you have insurance?

Much like movers, Professional Organizers should carry their own liability insurance to cover accidents or damage however caused. Of course we are all careful in our work but you never know when an accident can happen and if it does you want to ensure that you and the organizer are covered. After all, it is your home we are coming into.

Pricing

Make sure you have a complete understanding of what you are being charged and for what services. An hourly or  job rate can vary but the least expensive quote may not be the best. How many people are working on the project? How many hours are estimated to complete the project? What is your protection if the estimate far exceeds the projected time or cost? An experienced Professional Organizer can be fairly accurate in their estimate and will keep you updated on any changes.

How long have you been doing this?

We recently spoke to someone whose main occupation was that of a cleaning lady and she came upon an opportunity to help a client downsize. She called looking for tips on how to help someone downsize (we did not give her any!). It was obvious she had never done this before and after we got off the phone I remember thinking how this potential client may be feeling after the job is done. Like any other business it is difficult to get started and to get some experience under your belt, but if you have a big job that needs to be done, ensure that whoever does it is experienced.

Do you have references?

You would be amazed at the number of people that are embarrassed to ask for references. Get three and call one or two. Be sure to ask them at the end if they would hire them again if required and if not, why not?

So those are the must ask questions when you are looking for a Professional Organizer to help with your project. Just like ClutterBGone, ensure they are certified, insured and experienced and have references to back it up. Contact us when you are ready to begin your project in the GTA. We are ready for your questions!