Decluttering Checklist For The “Big Move”

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moving seniors

Guest blogger : Alejandra Roca

Adjusting to life in a senior living community can be tough. The move represents a fresh start with new friends and fun, but also the loss of a home, belongings, and freedom. You can help your loved one transition smoothly by planning in advance, staying organized, and honoring their feelings throughout the process.

Start planning early!

Create a calendar and set dates for moving-related activities. moving seniorsYou’ll need plenty of time to pack as there is likely to be quite a collection of items accumulated over the years. Items not moving with you can be set aside for donation or hold a garage or estate sale.

Limit your time

Seniors typically tire a bit earlier so limit the packing to just a few hours a day. This will probably turn into a bit of a trip down memory lane. If your loved one wants to stop and reminisce, join in – it won’t hurt anything.

Documents

This is a good time to go through all the important papers in the home. Make sure documents like passports and licenses are up to date. Wills and power of attorneys can be reviewed to ensure they still meet the wishes of your loved one. If one has not already been created, now is a good time to open a file or binder for easy access to records and other documents. Keep these documents in a central location, like a safe deposit box, and let other family members know where they are so nobody feels left out of the process. Now is also a good time to update the address of everything that requires updating.

Decide on the what comes

Your loved one can and should bring keepsakes to their new home, but they probably won’t have the square footage to accommodate everything they collected over the years. downsizing seniorsYour local donation centers can use a lot of what is not required in order to help others. Valuable items can be sold or gifted to other family members. Remember that, first and foremost, it’s your loved one’s decision whether or not to part with items. If you’re too close to the situation and your help becomes frustrating for them, consider hiring an impartial third party – like a professional organizer – who’s used to helping people let go.

Be kind, patient, and understanding with your loved one. Support them during the move, follow up after, and check in regularly as your senior settles in to their new home. Remember that you, too, will one day be in a similar situation!

ClutterBGone has assisted many families with moving a loved one to asssited living facilities and we can help you too. Just contact us here.

Alejandra Roca is part of the content marketing team at Redfin and enjoys writing about home decor and real estate trends.

Originally published on: https://www.redfin.com/blog/senior-guide-for-decluttering

Downsizing During Divorce

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downsize during divorce

Nobody likes to think of divorcing another. It means the end of a relationship and probably starting all over again. It’s a terrible thing to have to go through but sometimes it’s the only option left. The thought of moving, downsizing and separating yours from theirs can be overwhelming. ClutterBGone has helped couples through the process – here’s a few things to watch for.

Emotions

Your emotions, and those of your partner, are raw and things can quickly boil to the top making a peaceful separation of items extremely difficult. Friends and family are typically not impartial. Keep your emotions in check anytime you are dealing with the physical aspects of a separation.

The new space

Typically a move after a divorce is a move to a smaller space, rarely is it a move to larger premises. Be ready for the move and be realistic about the space you are moving into. Downsize ahead of the move to prevent clutter and disorganization from day one in the new place. Bring with you only the things that you absolutely love and let them be the start of your new lifestyle.

What to keep

Decorate your home with a mix of old and new. downsize during divorceYou may not want to bring those wedding gifts you received from his/her family but a few pieces that you love from your old home will make you feel at home in your new place right away. You don’t need to keep everything that your spouse gave you either but try to be practical about what you need and what you want. This is where a third party can help.

Do you need help?

There’s a lot to do when going through a divorce and you don’t have to do it alone. You will need a lawyer and perhaps a realtor. If emotions are getting the better of you both then maybe a professional organizer can assist during this time. ClutterBGone is impartial, non judgemental and has helped other couples through this difficult process.

If you need help during divorce or any other life change just contact us here. We would be happy to have a chat.

Life Transitions And How ClutterBGone Can Help You

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life transitions

Life seldom follows the path that we think we have set for it. It always seems to throw us a curve. Here are a few of life’s changes and how ClutterBGone can assist you with adapting to them.

The move

Moving is a big change in your life. Being prepared and organized all through the packing and moving process can reduce stress and save you money. life transitionsOrganized homes sell faster, pack easier and move quicker. We have assisted many clients on this big day. We can pack, help you move and even help unpack on the other end. We’re pros at any stage of the move. When you are ready just give us a call.

Divorce

Nobody likes to think about the end of a relationship but it does happen. Sometimes we are just too emotional to purge, sort and handle the things that need to be done. Perhaps you are still working or you’re busy looking after kids. We will come in and do the sorting, purging and organizing for you. We can even help you get organized administratively if this wasn’t your responsibility up until now. Divorce is overwhelming and we can impartially help you through it.

The returning child

Some kids are like a boomerang in that they will always come back. life transitionsMaybe you’ve already dedicated their bedroom to another use. Perhaps you have even already downsized and moved. We can help get your child settled in and their space organized. We will even leave them with a system to stay organized to relieve your stress. When they leave again though is totally up to you.

A death in the family

We’ve worked with quite a few clients where either a spouse or a parent has passed away and they are responsible for the disposition of the deceased’s belongings. We are sensitive to the fact that emotions are raw and have the experience to sort and purge items with your guidance. We have the contacts to handle the loved ones goods whether they are donated or sold.

The newborn is here

Welcoming a baby in to the world is one of life’s greatest joys. Be ready with a neat and organized space for your bundle of joy. We’ll make it easy to put things away and have easy access to them whether they are clothes, toys or supplies.

At ClutterBGone we have seen the impact that life’s transitions can have on people. We have assisted many of our clients through all of these and more. We can help you too. Just contact us here.

Obstacles To Being Organized

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organizing obstacles

If you have ever tried to reduce clutter in your life and get better organized, you may have noticed some obstacles that may have gotten in your way. Or maybe you didn’t realize why you couldn’t get organized. Here are some of the obstacles you may, or may not be, aware of that keep you from getting organized.

You are blind to your own clutter

You may be so used to the clutter in your life that you just don’t see it anymore. Clutter accumulates every day and its very difficult to see it grow when you live with it daily. An extra set of eyes may be all that is required to get your space organized and clutter free. So many of our clients have told us that they couldn’t have done it without us.

You lack a system to stay organized

Living in an organized space is like everything else we accomplish – it requires maintenance. organizing obstaclesOnce you have reduced clutter you don’t want it creeping back in. A system needs to be in place that works for you and enables you to maintain a clutter free, organized space. At ClutterBGone we don’t come into your home or office and just reduce the clutter and organize your space. We leave you with a system that works for you. We look at how you live and operate and leave you with a system that enables you to maintain a clutter free and organized space.

You don’t know where to start

Is your home or space so disorganized that you are having a tough time getting started? Do you start but can’t finish because it seems so daunting? That is where a professional organizer can help. We come in and assess a space to determine where to start. We can be as hands on or as hands off as you want. If you don’t know where to start maybe you just need a little coaching.

I’m too busy

Are you really? If you really want to reclaim your space, live a more organized life, find things easier or just have friends and family over again then you will make the time or make the investment to get organized. It really can change your life.

You aren’t an inherently organized person

We hear this a lot from most of our clients. organizing obstaclesMost of our clients aren’t really organized, that’s why they call us. If you aren’t organized, then help is just a call away. If you can’t fix your car you call a garage. If you don’t have time to clean your house you call a cleaning service. Getting organized is no different. If you really aren’t an organized person, then give us a call to help.

There really doesn’t have to be any obstacles to keep you from being organized. At ClutterBGone we have come across all the obstacles and have overcome them all. We can help you too. Just contact us here or call us at 905-642-5669.

Clutter And Seniors

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clutter and seniors

We recently received a request from a person who wanted to discuss the effects of clutter on seniors, specifically Diogenes syndrome.  Diogenes syndrome, also known as senile squalor syndrome, is a disorder characterized by extreme self-neglect, domestic squalor, social withdrawal, apathy, compulsive hoarding of garbage or animals, and lack of shame. Clutter can have a dramatic impact on the lives of seniors with 1 in 20 seniors having tendencies consistent with hoarding. I think you will find her blog to be interesting, especially if you have a senior in your life.

Watching Out for Diogenes Syndrome in Seniors

It can be very hard to part with things we think we may need in the future, yet learning to let go of what we don’t have room for, is one of the first steps to a neat, tidy and hygienic home. If you have an elderly relative and you notice that they tend to hoard things, it’s important to understand that this can be very common; studies show that around one in 20 seniors have hoarding tendencies. Sometimes hoarding behavior can be extreme, or be accompanied by self-neglect, social withdrawal, and squalor. If so, your loved one may need specialist help, often a combination of pharmacological and psychological treatments, closely related to treatment for obsessive-compulsive treatment.

When does Hoarding Amount to Diogenes Syndrome?

Diogenes syndrome is characterized by the above-mentioned behaviors, in addition to a lack of ‘shame’ or sense of embarrassment about these extreme behaviors. clutter and seniorsIt was coined after Greek philosopher, Diogenes, a Greek philosopher (412-323 BC) who expressed contempt for social organization and promulgated the advantages of a lack of shame. It can exist on its own, or be a secondary effect of mental illnesses such as depression, schizophrenia, dementia, or alcoholism. It is also commonly associated with Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior (OCD)

Diogenes syndrome, which has an average onset age of 75, can be very hard to deal with for family members of affected seniors, since it is accompanied by an inability to attend to basic needs such as nutrition and hygiene. In very extreme cases, it can result in anemia, skin conditions and malnutrition. Seniors can also pose a fire risk for themselves and others, which is why it is important that seniors obtain professional help if extreme hoarding behaviors and other symptoms are noticed.

Hoarding can sadly involve animals; rescue organizations often find cats, dogs, and birds hoarded in homes, as well as dead animals buried beneath furniture and other hoarded items.

How to Help those with Diogenes Syndrome

Because seniors with extreme hoarding behaviors tend to be socially reclusive, it can be very difficult to convince them to see a doctor to obtain diagnosis and treatment, but efforts should be made in this sphere, since treatment can be life-saving. clutter and seniorsTests carried out when this syndrome is suspected include cognitive and malnutrition tests. Specialists will help set up a management plan, which may sometimes lead to institutionalization if the person is mentally ill or has dementia, legal interventions to determine competency, and the involvement of a public guardian or trustee. Experts always aim to balance the right to autonomy with responsibility for the affected senior. If possible, the person is sent home, but cognitive behavioral therapy and other treatments are usually prescribed, and affected seniors are encouraged to start making small changes that can increase in scope as time goes by. When hoarding is severe, family members should abstain from forcibly entering their loved one’s home and throwing things out, since Diogenes patients become increasingly depressed by this type of invasive action and begin hoarding new items in a short space of time.

Diogenes Syndrome involves much more than being untidy or collecting things; it is an extreme behavior which most often occurs in individuals aged 75 or above, and which can be accompanied by other illnesses, including dementia. The consequences of Diogenes Syndrome can be severe, but invasive action should be avoided, since it can worsen symptoms. Seniors should be gently referred to specialist services, so that treatment can begin as soon as possible.

Our guest blogger is Cassie Steele. Cassie lived through this with her parents and is now the content editor for a small senior care and information website. For more information, here is a link to her guide on this topic – https://www.shieldmysenior.com/diogenes-syndrome/

ClutterBGone has assisted many seniors with reducing clutter, downsizing and life transitions. Contact us here to see how we can help your loved ones.

organizing your kitchen

De-clutter and Organize to Improve Your Home Appeal for Sale

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organizing with multi generation families

Spring will be upon us before you know it. Talk to any senior real estate agent in Toronto and they will tell you it’s the best time to sell your home. If you’re one of those selling your home there are quite a few things you can easily do to improve the re-sale value of your home.

Organize by room

Don’t panic. Start your organizing early and work on one room at a time. You may have lived in your home for a while so it may feel daunting. Don’t get the urge to scurry from room to room. Set up regular donation drop offs or pick up dates, so things don’t get left in the house too long giving it a cluttered look. ClutterBGone has helped many families with their moves to make this time less stressful.

Create space

Any real estate agent will tell you that space is very important to a potential home buyer. They will look in your closets and cupboards to see how much space there is for their items. An organized, decluttered space will look larger than it seems.Organized closet

Horizontal surfaces

Horizontal surfaces are magnets for clutter. It’s too easy for you to put things down on the kitchen counter or an occasional table when you get home. Get out of this habit and make your home look organized and clutter free.

The dreaded closet

Do you have one of those closets that you don’t like to open? We are often called with a mess S.O.S. to assist with those beasts. Organized closets can help sell your home faster. An unorganized and cluttered closet gives the look of reduced space. Let us show you how to organize your closet and make the best use of the space you have and get you more money for your home.

Maintenance is a must

You maintain your car. You maintain the exterior of your home. Your home interior is no different. Take 15 minutes a week to tour the house and have things put away that may be where they don’t belong. Don’t be afraid to get on the case of other family members too, they create the clutter as much, or even more than you do.

An organized home with the appearance of a lot of space can gain you thousands in the selling price of your home. ClutterBGone has helped many clients prepare their home for sale as well as packed and organize for their move. Click here to learn how we can prepare your home for sale and make you thousands of dollars in return.

 

5 Questions You Should Ask A Professional Organizer

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I just got back from a Professional Organizing conference and I can tell you this business is booming! There was so much more that we learned. With most families having dual incomes there seems to be more money to spend on things you don’t want or like to do yourself. This saves 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 too do the companies and individuals that provide the service. I really want to work with informed clients so I 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.

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 in to.

Pricing

Make sure you have a complete understanding of what you are being charged and for what services. An hourly or a 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?

I 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 (I did not give her any!). It was obvious she had never done this before and after I 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!

organizing your kitchen

New Home Building And Space

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ClutterBGone, your home organizers in Toronto, have been to many newly built homes and we’re constantly amazed at how little thought goes into storage when designing and building new homes. Sure, you get closets and pantries and kitchen cupboards but regardless of whether your home is a small condo in Toronto or a large estate home in Aurora, more thought needs to go into how you’re going to store your belongings to get and stay organized.

The ceiling is the limit

Think height when you design new homes and where you will be storing your items. Nine-foot ceilings, and higher, offer a lot of potential space for storage but ensure you have incorporated accessibility as well. Shelves, racks and cabinets can all be installed to take advantage of wasted space.

Kitchens

The kitchen is the most used room in your home and is normally the most disorganized and cluttered even when you have loads of cupboards and shelving. I would never build a home without slide out shelves in the kitchen cupboards and pantries or rotating turntable in every corner cupboard.

Slide out shelves allow you to bring everything to you without having to play Tetris knocking thing over just to find what you want. Putting items away and keeping them organized is so much easier as well. A turntable that comes in various sizes eliminates those hard to reach areas in the cupboard. You know the ones I mean. The areas where we literally toss items into and hope we don’t need them again for a long time.

As professional organizers working in Toronto, Oakville, and York Region, we’ve worked on many new builds to ensure that the space being designed will actually work for the belongings you own. When designing your kitchen, it’s a good idea to call in a professional home organizer before the design/execution process.

The laundry room

Putting laundry rooms on the top floor, where all the laundry is created, was one of the greatest things builders have done. I hope you aren’t one of the unfortunate ones who still must travel to the basement to do laundry.

A shelf or cupboard in the laundry room should also be a standard feature. Having an organized laundry room with a space for your cleaning aids, ironing board and other items helps you stay organized in this area from day one. Ensure any cupboard shelving is high enough to contain those large laundry products.

What you can do

Know the space that you’re moving into. Many clients that we’ve worked with haven’t allowed for smaller bedrooms, and when they put their huge king-size bed with their large headboard and the rest of the matching furniture in there it just doesn’t fit. This leads to an unorganized and cluttered room.

Work with your home organizer and home addition contractor to make the rooms that are important to you larger with better storage for all your clothing items. Add to a walk in closet by reducing the size of a guest room. Add a pantry to the kitchen by eliminating a closet. Think about the space you need and what’s important to you. It will be too late during the final inspection tour or when you have moved in.

ClutterBGone, home organizers have an eye for space and can help you get organized before or after your move. For your mess SOS contact us to learn more about how we can assist you with your new home organization.

7 Tips For Keeping a Small Space Organized

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organized condo

My last trip into downtown Toronto opened my eyes to the number of condos going up in the city (and in many others) and the small spaces that we are now living in. Whether you have downsized into a condo for ease of upkeep or whether you choose to live in a condo to be close to work or a downtown area, it can be tricky to keep a small space organized. Here is a list of tips to help you do just that.

Floor to ceiling

organized condoUtilize all the space you have including your vertical space. Nine foot ceilings (or higher) allow for you to store above cabinets and furniture. Don’t forget the space above your doorways – great for shelving!

Use your imagination

Sliding drawers under beds, storage boxes under furniture, baskets over cabinets can all be incorporated into your storage plans. ClutterBGone has shared many of our ideas that we have gained over the years with many clients living in small spaces.

Offsite storage

We don’t often suggest this but sometimes there are items you just cant part with for a variety of reasons and you just don’t have the space for them in your living space. Offsite storage companies have become increasingly popular for just this reason, especially if your unit does not come with a storage locker.

Prioritize what you need

This is tough and this is where a Professional Organizer really comes in handy. organized condoYou need to really make tough decisions on what is needed and what is nice to have. What do you really have space for? When is the last time you used it or wore it? Prioritizing and making decisions will be the toughest part of the downsizing and organizing process. We have the expertise to make the downsizing process much easier.

Store it where you use it

One of the processes that we at ClutterBGone use is to determine how you operate in your space. Are you left handed or right handed? Do you cook a lot? Is everything you need within reach? We ensure that what you need and use daily is stored for easy retrieval and access.

Keep it tidy

Take 5 minutes a day, whatever time best works for you, and use this time to tidy up and put things away. It is so easy and it takes so little time for things to get out of hand and before you know it you’re clutter has the best of you.

Rethink that purchase

No matter what it is I always walk away from a purchase to rethink it. Do I love it? Do I really need it? What will go out to replace it when I get home? As yourself these questions to save clutter and quite possibly a few dollars.

Living in a smaller space can be a challenge for many of you. Get organized and control your chaos!

5 Clever Steps To Downsize & Ease Your Mind

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Downsizing is more than just a term to throw around for liberating yourself of items when you no longer have enough space. Downsizing is essential to most of us at some point in our lives. Whether you’re moving yourselves into smaller quarters due to aging or moving closer to the city where house prices are higher and therefore you get less for your money, we are all going to downsize at some point.

Have you seen those reality shows where people try to move into the smallest homes they can find? Do you wonder how they do that? Here are some guidelines that will assist you when the time comes for you to downsize.

Do I really need that?

That is the first question to ask yourself. The fact that you need to ask the question is telling you something. Take a good look around and make a list of everything that you just can’t live without. Now look at what’s left and ask yourself that same question.

If you have not used an item for over a year chances are you really don’t need it. downsizeHow about that chair that you “inherited” from a family member? Saving it for the kids? They are not likely going to want it either, so why not donate it to someone who can truly appreciate it now? Be practical knowing that space may be at a premium for you.

What about those duplicates?

Again, make a list. Are you moving in with someone? What do they have that you already have and vice versa? Go over this list before the move and decide what is coming with you, as good intentions tend to fly out the window after you have settled in. How about your dishes? Have duplicates there? Everyday dishes, “good” dishes, dishes packed away somewhere? When is the last time you entertained for a large gathering? Do you need enough wine and beer glasses for a sorority party or is rental an option? It may be time to pare them down.

Donate, gift or cash?

A lot of items that you no longer need can be used by many charities to help others in need. You can check on line for charities in your area. Many will have a free pick up service and will make good use of your items.

Your children may have their eye on a special item that you have or perhaps they could use an extra chair or table now. downsizeGive some thought to gifting to them now rather than later so you can see them enjoying your items. You can always sell what you no longer require as well. You worked hard to downsize so why not sell the items and use the cash for something you have always wanted? Go ahead, treat yourself.

Have the tools ready

When moving into smaller quarters you will have to think like a professional organizer. Containerize when you can and use clear plastic containers so you can easily see what is stored inside. Lazy Susan’s are great to take advantage of minimal cupboard space and double up your storage in your closets with extra closet rods.

Maintenance is key

Once you have completed the task of downsizing you will wonder how you lived with everything you did. Remember the number one rule – one in = one out. Regardless of what it is but especially with clothing, when one comes in select a similar item to go out. Schedule periodic times to take stock of what you have and what you can do without.

To learn more about how ClutterBGone can assist you with your downsizing dilemmas, simply contact us here. We would love to have a chat.