Organize Your Garage for Winter

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organized garage

Winter is coming! No, we’re not talking about Game of Thrones. Winter really is coming with all it’s joys like the cold temperatures and snow. Personally, I’m not a fan of the season but I know many who are. I typically don’t park my car in the garage during the summer, but I sure like to keep it in there for the winter. It saves me the hassle of clearing the snow off after a storm and keeps the car a little warmer.

Now is the time to get your garage organized for the winter before it gets too cold.

Dedicate the time

Set aside a whole day. After a whole summer of tossing things into the garage you are going to need a full day to get them out, sorted and put away.

Have the right storage items

You can save a lot of time by having the right storage items before you start. organized garageYou don’t want to be running off to the store during the project to pick up what you forgot to purchase. Plan on having a large trash can and trash bags, shelving if they will fit, hooks for hanging items on the walls and a few clear storage containers. We’ve worked on many garages with our clients and know what will be needed from start to finish.

Let’s get started

Everything comes out. As you bring it out sort it into piles of what goes elsewhere (like the shed, basement or back to your neighbour!), what goes back in and what is not used. The not used pile will require further sorting to determine what you are going to do with it. Once everything is out, give the garage a good cleaning to get the dirt out, clean out the cobwebs and chase those spiders out.

Use the vertical space

Some of the garages in the newer homes are quite small. organized garageIf you don’t have enough space for free standing shelving, use the vertical space that you have. There are plenty of shelves and hooks that can accommodate almost any storage need on a wall. ClutterBGone has seen them all and carries an inventory of some of the most common ones.

Designate and label the spaces

As with any organizing project, ClutterBGone works with our clients to design a storage system that works for them. We designate a space for items based on how often it’s used among other things and always label spaces and containers for easy retrieval and put away.

Tips

While organizing your garage don’t forget to turn off and bleed your water taps. Don’t leave any liquids in the garage that can freeze during the winter.

I don’t know what it is about garages, but ClutterBGone loves tackling these organizational challenges. If you’re not a do-it-yourself kind of person and need your garage prepped for the upcoming winter, reach out to us here. During our initial consultation we’ll work together to formulate the plan and then show up with the needed supplies and have your car in the garage for winter in no time.

 

 

How to Stay Organized in Very Small Spaces

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organized small space

I recently went on vacation and had the opportunity to tour a US Naval ship. The sleeping quarters were extremely small, and I noticed how the sailors kept all their possessions in very small spaces. It got me thinking about those that live in really small spaces like condos. Here’s a few tips on how to maximize your very intimate space.

Be ruthless about what comes in

When you live in a small space you really need to make tough decisions about what comes in to your home. Generally, I really have to love something to purchase it, especially clothes. When you live in tight spaces you can attain that cluttered look really quickly. Remember our one in, one out rule.

Declutter on a regular basis

ClutterBGone always recommends that you declutter on a regular basis, but it’s even more important when space is at a premium. organized small spaceDiarize this task if you need to. Take a look around and note what you haven’t looked at or picked up in the last year or more. That wedding book from ten years ago, the small appliances that don’t get used. They can be donated, sold or even put in storage to keep your small space organized and decluttered.

Increase your closet space

Adding a closet rod in your closet will double your storage capacity. organized small spaceThis works really well if you have 9- or 10-foot ceilings as most condos these days do. We’ve even put small dressers into a closet to increase the space in the bedroom which resulted in a less cluttered look.

Increase your dresser space

Rolling your t-shirts instead of folding them can increase your space in a dresser. Organizing by color can help you identify what you own and eliminate you buying something you already have and don’t need.

Take advantage of all spaces

Look up. Use the vertical space where you can to add shelves or hooks. This can get items off the floor or off the horizontal spaces. This makes your room look a lot more spacious and organized. Do you have room under your bed to store a clear container with last seasons clothes? ClutterBGone knows where to look for additional space and how to take advantage of it.

There are unlimited ways to improve your storage in a small space and ClutterBGone knows how to stay organized in tight spaces to give you the clutter free look. Just contact us here to see how we can help you.

Keeping Your Storage Area Organized

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organized storage area

Typically, when you organize your home or just a single room you’ll have items that you want and need to keep but don’t know where to put them. In the case of organizing an entire home you’re probably going to have enough items to keep that you’ll want a storage area.

You probably haven’t thought of keeping your storage area organized, but we at ClutterBGone have!

Invest in shelving

You need a place to store your items and containers. Shelving will keep your precious items being stored high and dry but also makes it easy to retrieve. There are many types of shelving available depending on your needs. We can help you decide which ones are right for you and your needs.

Use clear containers

ClutterBGone promotes the use of clear containers in order to quickly identify the items that are in them. It saves time when you need to retrieve these items quickly for whatever reason. We’ve seen a lot of storage areas that look like a bomb went off with containers and lids strewn everywhere after trying to find something. Colour bins are a big no-no.

Label it

When ClutterBGone completes a project all bins and shelves are labelled. organized storage areaA label maker is a definite must when organizing. When you need those Christmas decorations once a year or when you need those craft supplies they’ll be easy to see and retrieve. Label both the container and the shelf so you and everyone else in the family, knows where it goes when it gets put back.

Use the vertical space

Just like the rest of your home, we like to take advantage of vertical space where it is available. Add a few shelves for extra storage space or hang a few items on the wall where you can.

ClutterBGone carries an inventory of all of the items you need for organizing your storage area so we are ready to go right from day one. We even carry our label makers everywhere! If you need help with your organizing project in the Greater Toronto Area, we are available to help. Just contact us here.

Is Clutter Affecting Your Relationships?

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clutter and relationships

In many of the project’s ClutterBGone has worked on, we’ve seen the impact that clutter has on relationships.  Clutter can have a negative impact on family and friends and can be a factor in a deteriorating relationship. Here are a few ways that clutter can affect a relationship.

Clutter makes you feel tired and depressed

Clutter is overwhelming. Most people living with clutter just can’t find the energy to get started let alone declutter an entire area. Clearing the clutter and living in an organized space gives you a feeling of accomplishment and gives you the energy to do what is important to you. Clutter is also depressing. Feelings of hopelessness can increase with clutter. Relief can come, at some extent, from getting organized and reducing the clutter in your lives. A new, organized space gives a feeling of starting anew with a renewed sense of energy that your family and friends will see right away.

Procrastination

Most disorganized people are procrastinators. Everything is left to the last minute or even later. They find it difficult to put things away immediately and leave it until the clutter has grown into a pile that seems impossible to get to the bottom of. Bills get paid late or not even at all. Interest charges mount, your credit rating is negatively affected and we know that finances are the biggest cause of arguments in a marriage. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to turn this around with a system that we create just for you.

Harmony at home

Clutter is also a cause of arguments at home. clutter and relationshipsThe home may always look like a bomb has gone off. Even though your home may be clean, clutter can make it look messy and dirty. If one partner is a neat freak and the other let’s clutter dominate then we have a recipe for arguments. Let’s clear out the clutter, get organized and reduce the things that put a strain on relationships. Lord knows there is enough of those already!

Clutter is isolating

Many people who live with clutter admit that they don’t want to have people over. They are embarrassed with the condition of their home. Social contacts get reduced and you start to miss out on important social activities. Relationships are important to our mental well being. Don’t let clutter rule your social life.

Don’t let clutter negatively affect your family and friends. Let ClutterBGone show you how to declutter your life and improve your relationships. Just contact us here to get things started.

Do You Have These Pieces Of Clutter In Your Home Right Now?

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pieces of clutter in the home

Most of us aren’t able to objectively identify items that are no longer needed. We keep things because we think they have value or we think we may need them some day. Unless they are really broken beyond repair we tend to hold onto things we just don’t need or use. That is how clutter accumulates. Here is a quick list of some of the more popular items we find in clients’ homes that really need to go.

Glasses

ClutterBGone has found so many pairs of prescription glasses in homes that have not been worn in many years. In some cases, we have found 6 or more. Besides the pair you use now, keep the most recent pair in case something happens to your current prescription and donate the rest, so the frames can be reused.

Food containers

How many containers do you have without a lid? How many containers do you have that are really stained? The food container drawers are one of the most disorganized areas in a kitchen. If it can’t be used, or doesn’t have a matching lid, get rid of it.

Clothing

Do you dread opening your closet in the morningpieces of clutter in your home? Does it take you too long to find what you want to wear? Time is valuable in the morning and a cluttered closet can get your day started off in the wrong direction. Styles change, seasons change, heck even our bodies change. Pair down what’s not worn.

What about those single socks you’re saving? You know the dryer will never cough up the matching pair again. Donate any clothing that no longer fits or is in need of repair. A neat and organized closet or drawer will make you more productive and reduce your stress. Let us show you how.

Check the fridge

I love to grab some take out when I am in a rush or just don’t feel like cooking. But, I am never going to use those packets of condiments that are left over. We see them all the time in the fridges of clients. The same holds true for salt and pepper packets in the cupboards. Rather than trying to save a penny or two keep your kitchen clean and organized and toss them out!

Do you dare take a look in your junk drawer?

ClutterBGone has seen it all in junk drawers. Do you really need all those elastics, pieces of string, plastic forks and other useless items? I realize the need for a drawer to keep miscellaneous items (I don’t like the term junk drawer) but many people use this drawer as a drop point for items that will never see the light of day again. Make a point of going through this drawer several times a year and throw out what hasn’t been used since the last clean out.

Old electronics

Let’s speak to something all men can relate to. I’m not just talking single men but to all the husband’s out there as well. Many of you hold onto old electrical cords knowing you will find a use for it later but, you never do. What about that collection of TV remotes you’re holding onto?  Cell phones too. Why hang onto the older technology when the reason we upgrade is for the newer technology? Recycle or donate these items. You know you’ll never use them again, so why not give it to someone who will.

Here’s the thing—once you start clearing out that relic drawer, it’s hard not to notice the hidden “relics” in your home’s wiring too. Some setups feel like they were installed back when flip phones ruled the world. That’s where a seasoned pro steps in: someone on the level of Electrician Sheffield who can look at your system and tell you exactly what’s aging gracefully and what’s one frayed edge away from becoming a story you tell at family gatherings.

A proper electrical refresh brings your home back into the modern age, keeping everything running smoothly while giving you the same satisfaction you get from finally ditching that tangle of forgotten cords. It’s tradition meets common sense—tidy things up, update what’s outdated, and enjoy the quiet confidence of knowing the place is running the way it always should have.

Small appliances

If you have any small kitchen appliances that no longer work I implore you to toss, recycle or donate them. You’re not going to suddenly enroll in a repair class and if they no longer work, why have them take up the space?

Reading material

We find older editions of magazines and newspapers in a lot of our clients’ homes. The rule of thumb is to toss out the previous issue when the new one comes in. If two editions have not been read by the time the third edition arrives it may be time to think about cancelling your subscription to save the money and avoid clutter. There’re so many other ways now to stay informed besides printed copies.

These are just a few of the many pieces of clutter that ClutterBGone has seen in many homes. We know what to look for and can help you keep your home organized and clutter free. Just contact us here to see how ClutterBGone has assisted others in the GTA.

5 Emotions That Chain You To Clutter

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emotions chaining you to clutter

We as people, care about stuff. We get attached to things for a variety of different reasons and this is normal. However, when we become emotional attached to too many things it will lead to clutter and clutter by itself will bring with it a whole host of issues like expense, stress, space and being in a state of disorganization. Let’s look at five emotions that may be chaining you to your clutter.

Sentiment

Are you hanging on to items that used to belong to a loved one? An emotional attachment to items is tough to break. Be assured, you don’t have to keep everything that is given to you, no matter who gave it to you. Determine what’s worth keeping and give yourself the OK to donate, sell or trash the rest. ClutterBGone has helped many clients sift through their sentimental items and create wonderful ways to store or display what’s kept.

Self-confidence

Some people accumulate things to feel good about themselves. The idea of one’s self worth is not determined by the amount of “stuff” they own. Your possessions are not an extension of you. A lot of peoples’ self confidence comes with the items that they own, whether they realize it or not.

Depression

Clutter has a profound effect on our mood and self esteem. A study conducted by a U.S. psychologist confirmed a link between clutter and depression. Sometimes the levels of depression were even higher than in some OCD participants. We all want a neat and organized space but not all of us have the time nor the tools to maintain it. That is where ClutterBGone comes in. We love seeing the changes in moods and outlooks after we have completed projects in many of our clients’ homes.

Boredom

What do a lot of people do when they’re bored? emotions chaining you to clutterThey go shopping! Shopping has almost become a sport. Have you seen the malls on weekends? If you go shopping when you’re bored, you know you’re going to be purchasing items that you really don’t need. Make a point of jotting down exactly what you’re going shopping for and stick to that list. Better yet, keep your hobbies, books, music, whatever you like to do, nearby. Spend time with the family doing things. Make a list of things you want to do when you get bored and start working on that list by yourself or with friends and family.

Frustration

Clutter creates frustration. Trying to find something in your disorganized closet or walking into a room full of clutter can create a feeling of complete frustration. Or maybe you have organized a room only to see it disorganized again a days later. We see this all the time and have the experience and tools to get your clutter under control and keep it that way.

If you recognize any of these emotions when it comes to clutter in your life, then it is time to bring in a professional organizer to help. ClutterBGone has been serving the GTA for over 7 years now and would love to help free you from the emotions of clutter. Just contact us here to get started.

 

The Negative Side Of Clutter

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Clutter is negative

I doubt that anyone has ever thought of clutter in a positive way. Even the real hoarders would admit there is nothing positive about clutter. Clutter affects our lives in a host of negative ways. Let’s look at the negative side of clutter that has a negative impact on our lives.

Clutter Frustrates

Your looking for something that you need now. It’s important and needs to be found. Having to sift through clutter is time consuming and annoying. It raises your frustration levels and anxiety, neither of which are good for your health.

You’ve started a project outside and its starting to get late. You need something you know is in the garage. With all the items that you’ve put in the garage you have a tough time finding it. Dinner is ready, the kids need to be fed and you still haven’t found what you need. Again, frustration sets in ruining the rest of your evening.

Clutter is distracting

Clutter keeps you off your A game. It distracts you.clutter is negative Clutter and disorganization at work reduces your productivity. You spend more time looking for things and less time actually working on that project with an impending deadline. How many of you have started working on one thing only to get distracted once you start sifting through clutter that is around you? Not very productive is it?

Clutter is disruptive

Few things impede forward progress like clutter. It kills momentum in its tracks. In the distraction of looking for what you need, you get side tracked into tending to another issue or losing interest in the one you needed to complete.  Often times, that momentum is hard to get moving again in the right direction.

This happens everywhere. At the office. In your bedroom closet. Your desk. The kitchen. Every time you have to sift through the clutter to find what you’re looking for, you lose momentum. This often leads to another unfinished project left hanging over your head.

Clutter costs you money

Over 20% of North Americans can’t locate their bills and end up paying late fees because of it. Over $1 billion is not redeemed annually because of gift cards that can’t be located.clutter is negative Talk about a waste of money. Your time is worth something too. The average person wastes almost an hour a day looking for items that they have. What else could you do with that time? Are you one of the millions that rents an outside storage locker for items that can’t be stored at home? Being disorganized can hit you right in the pocketbook.

So, you see, there is a lot of negativity surrounding clutter. ClutterBGone has seen firsthand the effects of clutter and has helped many clients eliminate their clutter and create a system to stay clutter free. Give us a call at 905-642-5669 or contact us here to discuss how we can reduce the clutter in your life.

 

Keep Your Everyday Zones Clutter Free

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clutter free homes

There are a few spots or places that we use every single day that, when they become cluttered, can cause anxiety and bring your productivity to a halt. Each of these spaces are easy to accumulate clutter. Let’s take a look at them and see how we can keep clutter at bay.

Your workspace

Whether you work from home or go to an office we are spending a great amount of time at our workspace. clutter free homeWe make a living here, conduct business meetings or even manage our household finances from here. When our work space is cluttered, it reflects on our productivity, anxiety and our attitude towards others. We can’t find what we are looking for which results in wasted time. Lost documents can cause frustration, lost time and even cost us money. ClutterBGone has helped to organize many home and business work spaces resulting in improved productivity and reduced anxiety.

Your computer

Don’t forget the computer, it can get cluttered too! Think of your computer as a filing cabinet and understand all the information that gets stored in there. The inability to find what we are looking for costs you time and money

Your closet

Each and every one of us goes into our closets several times a day. Many of our clients have told us that the closet is the most disorganized area of their home. It can make for a very stressful start to your day. Get rid of what you are no longer wearing, can’t fit into anymore, has long gone out of style, doesn’t belong to you in the first place, and is never going to be repaired. ClutterBGone loves organizing closets and can’t wait to show you how an organized closet can change your day.

Your car

We spend so many hours in our car each day either going back and forth to work, going shopping or running the family around. The car is no different than your home. What is in the trunk, the glove box, or the back seat? Too busy to have your car serviced when it was due? Not only will an organized car look and smell better but it will save you money when you don’t neglect the maintenance.

Your garage

Speaking of the car, how organized is your garageclutter free zones? Most garages that we have organized starting out as extra storage spaces. How often have you said “just put it in the garage for now”? As a result, you’ll find almost everything in the garage but the car! Get your garage organized so you know where everything is and you can get your second most valuable possession (your car) in the garage to protect it, and you, from the elements.

The kitchen

We saved the best for last. The kitchen is the focal point in our home. Not only do we prepare our daily meals here but the kitchen has become a space for talks and discussions. People are in and out of the kitchen all day so it is easy to become cluttered. Keeping a kitchen organized allows you to be more productive during meal prep. It becomes more inviting for conversations. Let ClutterBGone into your kitchen to get it organized and to develop a system designed for you to keep it that way.

Our teams at ClutterBGone know the areas in a home that cause grief and we have the experience to leave the trouble areas in your home organized and clutter free. Reach out to us here to get started.

 

How Do My Friends Stay So Organized?

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Do you have a friend that seems to be always organized and clutter free? Do you pop in sometimes unexpectedly and their home always looks so neat and tidy? There’s no secret to how they do it but continue reading and I’ll share how you can do it too.

One in, one out

This could be the mantra of ClutterBGone, especially with clothing.Related image Unless you are replacing your entire wardrobe, you need to get rid of one piece of clothing for every new one you bring into your home. This doesn’t only apply to clothing, same goes for all other items entering the home. If you are bringing in an item to replace one that isn’t working, make sure you are putting the old one out as soon as the new one comes in.

Be prepared to donate

I keep a box or bag in my home for items I want to donate, it’s clearly marked “Donate” so all family members know where it can be found. We constantly place items in it that we no longer need or use. Once filled or every couple of weeks or so, we take it in to our local donation center and start again. It helps to keep the house clear of items that are not used by any of us.

Keep the counters clear

Cluttered counters or any horizontal surfaces can make an entire home look cluttered no matter how tidy the rest of the house is. It’s so easy to put something down on a surface with good intentions to get back to it later but never do. Keep all your flat surfaces clear of all clutter to maintain a neat and organized look.

Shop with a purpose

Never go shopping without a list and a need. Remember the old saying, don’t go shopping on an empty stomach? The same holds true for shopping of any kind, not just groceries. Without a purpose to go shopping you will bring home more than you want or need. This just adds expense and clutter to your life.

Tidy up when you leave a room

Pick up everything when you leave a room and put them where they belong.Related image Dirty dishes, books and magazines, electronic devices, everything. It takes just a few seconds and will help keep your rooms looking neat and organized. You may have to drill this into your spouse and kids a few times but soon they will get into the habit as well.

So, you see there are no real secrets to how your friends keep their homes looking so organized and clutter free. It just takes a bit of knowledge and practice. ClutterBGone works throughout the GTA and has a few other tips we would love to share with you. Just contact us here to get started on keeping your home clutter free.

 

Back To School Organization

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back to school organizing

Whether you’re a parent that loves to have your kids home for the summer or a parent that can’t wait for the school year to begin, it’s time to get the kids organized for back to school. Being organized at the start of the year will lead to organization throughout the school year.

Leading up to school starting

I’ll bet there have been little to no restrictions on bed curfew through most of the summer. Start to wean them back on to a schedule a week or two ahead of school opening so they are not dragging their you know what from the very start of school.  You know your kids and their interests. Plan on which extracurricular activities they’re going to participate in during the school year and keep in mind that these activities, although beneficial, can impact their grades so make sure your child can balance both school and activities they participate in.

Shopping for school

Back to school shopping can be fun as well as daunting.  back to school organizingTry to purchase only what you require to start the year as you will find additional items need to be purchased as the year gets under way.  Try to have one binder for each subject or at the least have dividers to separate the subjects in one binder.  Remember the one in, one out rule on clothing too. Teens have an opinion and are not afraid to give it so have them come along when shopping.  It will go easier when they have some input. Bring your patience and negotiation skills as well as your wallet.

Study space

Students need a clean and quiet area to study in – no matter what they will tell you.  Set aside an area that is clear of all clutter and is relatively quiet for studying and have the student choose the time of day they want to study.  Giving them some input stands a better chance of them following the schedule.  Have this area stocked with the “tools of the trade” (pens, paper, etc.) so there are less interruptions during this study time.  A planner in this area can also be helpful to keep track of what is due when and which days of the week sports fall on.

Be organized prior to each day

Pack what is required the night before.  back to school organizingThis may be a challenge for you and your kids, but if you remember when you were a teen every minute of sleep in the morning is needed.  Packing the evening before will ensure that they have everything for the day so when they blow out of the house in the morning like a hurricane they will have all they need.  Throw a few healthy snacks into their bag, so when hunger sets in there is a lesser chance they will head to the junk food machines.

Teens have been through this before but still need assistance and sometimes a bit of a push to get ready for the new school year.  Making sure they are ready and organized will give them a head start and perhaps teach them a bit about being organized.  ClutterBGone has assisted many families in getting homes, rooms and home offices organized for the start of the school year.  If you require assistance you can reach us at info@clutterbgone.ca or 905-642-5669.