Move Organizing Archives - Page 4 of 8

How To Organize And Pack Your Entire House In A Weekend

If moving day has crept up on you and there’s not much time left for packing, there’s no need to panic. You can still get everything together before the moving van arrives in a couple of days time. At this stage your goal should be efficiency and speed and this can be achieved by checking out the following moving tips.

1. Designate a packing area

Select a specific area to do all of your packing and keep all of your supplies there such as boxes, packing tape, marker, bubble wrap, string, scissors, and boxes etc. This way you’ll have everything you’ll need in one location and won’t have to waste time looking for things.

2. Label boxes

It’s a good idea to label every box you pack so you don’t have to go hunting for things once you arrive at your new home. In fact, label or mark them on a couple of opposite sides and don’t forget to mark the breakable items as ‘Fragile.’

Don’t forget to indicate which room the box should be placed by your movers. This will save you lots of time on the other end!

You may want to also pack the daily necessities in one box so you can get at them as soon as you need them. This would typically be things such as a change of clothes, towels, sheets and toiletries etc., toilet paper, some basic cleaning supplies, pet food for a couple of days, baby food for a couple of days, prescriptions and any other necessities needed for the first couple of days in your new home. Basically it would be the items you pack in a suitcase for an overnight trip.

3. Light vs heavy

It’s actually a better idea to put heavier items in a small box and lighter things in larger boxes. If several heavy items are packed in bigger boxes they usually become too heavy to carry or the box could break. You can pack a lot of lighter items in a large box though and this will save space and make it easier to carry.

4. Fill all containers

Since your dresser drawers are already filled with clothes, leave them there. There’s no point taking the clothes out and packing them in another container as it wastes space. Any items that can be used as a container should be, such as an empty chest or suitcase. If it’s going to take up room in the truck anyway so you may as well fill it up instead of leaving it empty. This includes using garbage bags for soft, unbreakable items such as clothes. A bag full of clothes can easily be squashed into a tight area of the truck without causing any damage. You can even use appliances as containers as long as they don’t become too heavy to comfortably move.

Packing isn’t always easy and if you’d like to learn more about how we can assist with your packing email me.

5. Pad your valuables

You can save space by using beach towels and/or blankets to pad valuable or breakable items such as lamps and artwork. The blankets can be wrapped around these items for added protection. And when it comes to lampshades, it’s a good idea to pack them inside each other according to size and keep them together in one box.

6. Use a dolly

A lot of time can be saved by using a dolly to move heavier items and appliances. If you don’t have a dolly it’s well worth the money to rent one for the day due to the time it will save. This is an ideal way to quickly move things such as fridges, stoves, washing machines, dryers and stacks of boxes etc.

7. Don’t pack useless items

If you happen to come across broken, unused and unwanted items while packing there’s no point taking them with you. The same goes for clothes that no longer fit. You can simply place all of these items in one large container. Give it to charity or toss it out if nothing is usable.

8. Teamwork

You can pack a lot quicker if you have helpers. Nobody likes to help move, but don’t be afraid to ask friends and relatives to lend a hand and then turn it into a social event.

Of course, don’t open the beer and order the pizza until everything is done. But the refreshments can be an incentive to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

9. One at a time

It’s tempting to pack as much as possible as quickly as you can, but instead of trying to clear out three rooms at once, just pack the items from one room at a time. Also, keep things that have multiple parts all together with bags or tape.

10. Don’t panic

Pack things at a steady and consistent pace and don’t panic if you can’t find something. Since you’re going to be moving and clearing out your home you’ll come across everything sooner or later. There’s no need to waste time by hunting for a specific item as it will be found sooner or later.

With some pre-planning and organization even a clutter filled house can be packed away in a single weekend! Need help from a professional organizer? If you live in Toronto or the surrounding GTA, contact me here for a consultation. We have helped a lot of clients get ready for their moving day and we’ll ease the stress and anxiety of moving day!

Did You Resolve To Get Organized This Year?

in Downsizing, Estate Organizing, Home Office, Home Organizing, Move Organizing

How is your New Years resolution to get organized this year going?

Like most resolutions, we make, probably not well. Getting organized is one of the most popular resolutions that people make each year. I am not one for setting new years’ resolutions. In fact, my resolution this year was to not make any resolutions!

I believe we set ourselves up for failure when we put expectations upon ourselves when we’re not ready. It’s like quitting smoking or going to the gym. You’re just not going to be successful unless you are mentally prepared. It’s no wonder that less than 10% of those that make new years resolutions keep them.

Until that time comes here are a few things you can do to start the year off right.

One in, one out rule.

This is the perfect time to implement this rule with all the new items you purchased or received over the holidays. Did you receive a new item of clothing that you kept? Great! Did you donate, give away or toss a piece of clothing to make room for it? Follow the simple one in and one out rule to reduce the clutter that accumulates and keep clutter at bay.

Do you really love it?

Over the last few years this has become a mantra of mine. Unless I really love something I won’t buy it. This doesn’t just apply to clothing but to all of my household purchases. Why purchase something that you really don’t just love?

Go paperless.

Paper can be the biggest cause of clutter in a home and we work with a lot of clients reducing their paper clutter and setting up a system to maintain a streamlined and clutter free system.

Most of your bills can be automatically paid through your bank now with receipts and even advance reminders coming to your inbox. And you don’t have to worry about losing a bill or being charged for a late fee.

Be charitable this year.

Charities are always looking for donations to assist those that are less fortunate and can use what you no longer require. Locate your favourite charity in town and feel good about helping others.

Hire a professional!

Just like hiring a gardener or a handyman, a professional organizer is trained in all facets of organizing and downsizing and follows the rules and a code of ethics set out by our association. We have the skills and the contacts to help you downsize, organize, move and much more.

When you’re ready, you’ll know it. Until that time comes, try one or two of these tips to start the process. As always, we are here to help. Just contact us here.

5 Tips For Your Upcoming Move

in Downsizing, Estate Organizing, Home Organizing, Move Organizing, Moving Seniors

I have noticed a lot of “For Sale” signs going up in my neighborhood and the “Sold” signs are going up just as quickly. Regardless of how the economy is doing the real estate market is remaining hot. Spring is the busiest time for the real estate market as families try to coordinate their move with the school years. At ClutterBGone, we have taken on a lot of projects involving a move over the years. They start out as an organizing and downsizing project to get clients ready to move house.

Then during the initial sessions the clients see the value and investment in hiring us to assist with not only the downsizing but with organizing the packing, the move, the unpacking, settling in and then setting up and organizing at the new home to make it efficient and functional from day 1.

So with moving season upon us I decided to let you know how best to organize for your move.

1) Three months before your move have the mover or the rental truck booked. Most important is to get references or a referral to someone you can trust. Summer is a busy time for moving as parents want to get their kids settled into a new school for the beginning of the school year.

Can you move early in the month or in the middle? There will be more availability as most moves are done near month end. If you are hiring a company get references and ensure everything is in writing.

2) At least 60 days before your move begin the job of sorting and paring down. You are going to be busy enough closer to move day than to be worrying about this task and why pay to have things moved that you are not going to need or use in your new home? You will also have a feeling of calm once you’ve moved into your new home without having that pile of stuff that you don’t know what you are going to do with.

3) 30 days out is the time to ensure you have the correct supplies. Boxes can be ordered from your mover or purchased from a local moving supply company or even a hardware store. Three sizes should be sufficient. If you have hired a moving company you may want to inquire about wardrobe boxes and the cost for each. They are very handy for moving your clothes.

You will also need a tape gun or two, good quality shipping tape, box cutters, lots of packing paper, bubble wrap and a few markers and labels.

4) 3 weeks before your move make sure all of your change of address notifications are completed and start packing everything you know you will not need until after the move. As you get closer to the date you can pack more. Once the boxes are sealed mark the room to which they are to be delivered once you arrive at the new home so you are not slowed down. Use up the food you have in the fridge and freezer during this time as well.

5) Moving day. Pack a suitcase with incidentals in case you need anything during the day. If at all possible have someone look after the kids for the day as you don’t want the little ones under your feet during this hectic time. If at all possible have your own lock put on the truck once everything has been loaded so only you can open it at the other end. And finally, don’t stress it. Be thankful you don’t move very often.

If you are moving this year best of luck. And if you would love to be packed up, moved in and settled in all in a matter of a few days, give me a call and learn how we can make that happen, stress-free, so you can enjoy your new home from Day 1!

Want To Get Out From Under Your Clutter Once & For All? Follow These 7 Tips

in Downsizing, Estate Organizing, Home Office, Home Organizing, Move Organizing, Organizing with Kids

How do you do it? What is the secret? Why does clutter continually accumulate in my home? These are all questions I get asked continually when I meet with prospective clients. The answer is quite simple and when I work with clients we work out a system that enables them to keep clutter at bay. But there are tips or rules, that you need to follow.

Know why you want to de-clutter

Really think about this. We all know the benefits of de-cluttering whether it’s for safety reasons, embarrassment when having guests over, peace of mind, etc. Whatever the reason, know what your motivation is and think about that each time you begin the process. It will give you the drive to continue.

Do you really love it?

We all purchase on impulse and sometimes regret the purchase afterwards or worse, don’t even use the item we purchased. When I shop, other than for food, I look at the item and determine if I really love it or really need it. If the answer is no, then I don’t buy it. Regardless of whether the item is on sale or not this rule has rarely failed me.

Create a sorting system

Create a system that can be used each time you organize. As you organize you will want to place items in one of three piles – keep, give away (donate, sell) and toss.

Your system can be something as simple as three signs or 3 baskets or large boxes. Whatever system you use, keep it and use it each time.

Keep flat surfaces clear at all times

It’s so easy to lay something down on a table or a counter with all the good intentions in the world to look after it later. Flat surfaces are like a magnet for clutter. Make this a rule in your home and enforce it. Soon everybody in the family will be on side with it.

Involve others

Like so many other issues in our lives there is not much we can do without the help or support of others. Family members all need to be on side in order for you to stay clutter free and educating them on the benefits will help you with this. Friends too can help by either digging in or giving gentle reminders when things need to be “tuned” up.

Continually donate

As fashion changes or clothing items become unusable (hey! We all change sizes now and again) I like to give to a local charity that I know passes these items on to others that can use them.

I keep a bag in my bedroom closet and everyone knows that items to be donated goes into this bag and about once a month the contents get delivered to the charity.

Don’t click those ads on line!!

Shopping habits have changed with many of us doing a lot of shopping on line. Whether it is an on line retailer or a social media site, almost all of these sites track your “clicking” habits and tailor ads specifically to you. The less you click the less you will be enticed to purchase something you don’t need. Delete your search history and cookies periodically to help.

Follow these tips and I can guarantee that you will live a clutter free life giving you more time to enjoy the things you love.

10 Things That You Can Let Go Of That You Won’t Miss From Your Life

in Downsizing, Estate Organizing, Home Organizing, Move Organizing

The longer I’ve worked as a Professional Organizer the less items I have retained in my life. As Albert Einstein once said – “Out of clutter, find simplicity”. In no way do I lead a minimalist lifestyle but I do find that every time I release myself of something I no longer use or have need for, I feel a sense of calm and organization in my life.

I have purged myself of quite a few things over the years and have not missed them at all. Here are a few items you may still have I’ll bet you will not miss too.

Anything you keep because it reminds you of someone.

Many of us keep items to remind us of a loved one that has passed on. That loved one will always be in your heart. But if you really need to keep something as a reminder consider a treasure box that can be hung on a wall to see the items each day rather than having items stored away in a box (probably in your basement).

Cookbooks

I used to keep several cookbooks in the cupboard over the stove. Now I keep just a few recipes that I enjoy in a binder. I also use a couple of apps on my electronic device and the Internet holds more recipes than a million cookbooks ever could.

Music libraries

A few people I know are music aficionados and I do understand their need to keep a library of vinyl (even though it is probably another fad) but beyond that we don’t truly need to keep CD’s anymore with digital music available in so many formats.

I was shocked (and secretly pleased) when my husband finally went through his library and donated a couple of hundred CD’s.

CD and DVD players

Speaking of which, how many CD and DVD players do you have in your home and how often do they get used?

Clothes

This is the probably the biggest challenge I face in many of the projects that we do. If an item of clothing is worn or damaged or doesn’t flatter you, get rid of it. So many people could use your hand me downs.

Shoes

Same with shoes. Shoes that look worn can make an entire outfit look horrible. If they are worn or uncomfortable get rid of them. Why keep them if you don’t like to wear them?

The money you spent is gone and keeping them isn’t going to bring that back.

School items from your past

I know you’re proud of that high school trophy you won over 20 years ago but when is the last time you took it out to show it off and brag to your friends? I thought so.

Small Appliances

Bread makers and ice cream makers were a pretty hip thing to have. The eighties called and said it was OK to donate them.

Exercise equipment

Only you know when you are going to get back into exercising and if you can’t say when that time is specifically, then it is time to sell those pieces that are taking up valuable real estate. You could use the money to help pay for a gym membership.

Anything with an expiration date

Go through your fridge and your cupboards and check your expiration dates. Those dates aren’t cast in stone but if enough time has gone by, especially if an item has been opened please toss them rather than risk your health. And if you have anything that is still good and you don’t use please donate to a food bank. They can always be used to feed someone less fortunate.

A very important rule to follow while you de-clutter your life : do not take responsibility for items that do not belong to you. Instead, lead by example and I’m sure the others will follow.

So there you have ten items that I think, for the most part, you won’t miss and will create more space, make your home less cluttered and perhaps reduce a bit of your stress. If you think you may need some help in the de-cluttering process we are just a call or email away.

Under Sink Home Organizing – Found Space

in Downsizing, Home Organizing, Kitchen Organizing, Move Organizing

There is a lot of space available for storage under sinks in a bathroom or kitchen if you just have the right tools. We all keep cleaners, rags, makeup, hair dryers and a lot more under our kitchen and bathroom sinks. These are challenging spaces with pipes and corners and bends but with a little creativity, you can take advantage of this space.

Clear bins

I use clear bins for all my projects but especially in these hard to reach and see places. Clear bins allow you to easily see and retrieve what you need. Label them as well so when you open the door you can see what is located where. Clear bins with lids allow you to stack them and use even more of the vertical space.

Shelves and caddies

Wire shelves and risers can almost double your space in these crowded spots. They are available in a variety of sizes at most department and organizing stores. They are easy to install and help to take advantage of height under the sink.

Tension rods

Tension rods, like the ones holding your shower curtain up, comes in all sizes. Measure the space under your sink and install a tension rod to hold cleansers, brushes and the like on the rod freeing up the bottom space for larger items.

Turntables

Instead of pulling everything out from under the sink try putting in a turntable (lazy Susan) to bring what you need to the front. These are normally used in the kitchen but they also work well under the sink.

Storage on the door

Don’t forget the inside of the door if space allows. Kitchen cleansers and sponges can be stored there or hair dryers and make up in the bathroom.

There are many organizing products that can be mounted on the inside of your cabinet door either with screws or heavy duty Velcro.

Gliding trash bins

If your home is like mine you may have your garbage bin, recycle bin and compost bin all under the kitchen sink. That’s a lot of bins all jammed together.

Consider putting in gliding trays to pull them out when making a deposit to avoid a mess under the sink. It will also be easier to take out the trash with a gliding shelf.

Under sink storage can be a real challenge but with some planning and a few affordable organizing items you can make it much more manageable. Good luck! I know you can do it!

Get Organized Week

in Downsizing, Estate Organizing, Garage Organizing, Home Office, Home Organizing, Move Organizing, Uncategorized

Get organized week just past, being the first week of October. Now’s a great time to take part in Get Organized Week with Thanksgiving just over and the Christmas holidays approaching fast. What did you do to get organized?

Being organized isn’t just having a home that looks neat and tidy and where everything has a place. It is also about being able to easily retrieve items you need, not needlessly spending money on items you already have, not having any safety hazards in the home and not wasting precious time. Here’s a quick list of benefits that I promise you will see when you are organized.

Increase your productivity

How many hours do you spend looking for things? If you are part of the national average you are spending one year of your life looking for things. A recent IKEA survey showed that we spend 6 minutes on average looking for our keys in the morning! Newsweek says that we spend 55 minutes each day looking for things we own but can’t find. Get some of that time back and be more productive with your time by being organized.

Improve your health

We all know that stress is a killer and stress can be caused by something as easily as not being able to find something important when you need it.

When you’re organized you will have less stress resulting in more relaxation time or time to do just about anything you want to do. Sound good?

Save money

How often have you gone out and purchased something that you just knew you didn’t have, only to find out shortly after that you did indeed have that item? Now you own more than one and sometimes you will never get any use out of the second one you have.

Do you pay late fees because you can’t put your hands on your bill? You do know that late payments reflect poorly on your credit rating. Get organized and save money.

Be an example to your family

Often when I make an initial visit to a client I find out that they came from a family of disorganization.

Their parents were disorganized with clutter and they didn’t know any way else. Being organized is a skill that will benefit your children throughout their lives in school, at work, and in their own home.

This is just four of the many benefits to being organized. Get Organized Week may have just past but it is not too late to become organized. Give us a call and we can let you know of the many more benefits to being organized.

Fight Procrastination And Stay On Top Of Clutter

in Downsizing, Estate Organizing, Garage Organizing, Home Office, Home Organizing, Kitchen Organizing, Move Organizing, Moving Seniors

Fight Procrastination Day came up earlier this month and it got me thinking about how procrastination really is one of the root causes of clutter, beyond those with a hoarding tendency. There are so many comical quotes about procrastination but it really is a serious issue for a lot of people.

“Procrastination isn’t the problem, it’s the solution. So procrastinate now, don’t put it off.” ― Ellen DeGeneres

When your to-do list is a mile long or the house looks like a tornado touched down, it is so much easier to put de-cluttering and organizing off. But you have to get to it at some point. Here are a few tips to help you avoid procrastinating and staying on top of your clutter.

The two-minute rule

If what needs to get done can be done in under 2 minutes, do it now! I know you’re really busy but in the scheme of things what is two minutes compared to the results you will see? This one simple rule alone will have a life changing effect on your home. We tend to put off the smaller, simpler tasks, which ultimately build up, so applying this rule will eliminate a lot of clutter. For example, when you get home with bags from the store, empty and put items away immediately rather than leaving them lying around.

A done list instead of to-do

If you feel overwhelmed with the volume and scope of work that needs to be done around the house, try starting a “done” list and mark down each task you have completed that day. You will see that although it may look like you will never get through everything, in fact, you did complete more than you thought.

Break it down

Does your room look like a wrecking crew came through? Don’t know where to start in the kitchen? Break the job down into smaller tasks to see your accomplishments as you go.

Tackle just one corner of a room or one drawer and don’t stop until you complete the task.

Know when you are at your best

We all don’t function our best at the same time. Try getting me to perform at my peak level early in the morning. It isn’t going to happen. Know your best time of the day when you are at your peak energy level and get started then. You can focus better and be more productive.

No drop zones

Do not allow any surface in your home to be designated as a drop zone. This is going to be tough to enforce with the kids and your spouse but do not let them come home and drop things on the hall table or kitchen counter to be put away later.

Remember the two-minute rule? It applies to them as well. They can put things away when they get home in less than 2 minutes.

The cost of procrastination

The obvious costs are late payment charges for late bill payment and failing grades for school assignments not handed in on time. More serious is your credit rating being down graded and not being able to enjoy a social life for fear of embarrassment or you need to stay home to get things done.

Have you ever bought a last minute gift for someone that you regretted?

“If it weren’t for the last minute, nothing would get done.” ― Rita Mae Brown

Procrastination is not a trait; it is something that is learned. I even know people who take vacation time from work to get things done at home that they have been putting off. That is no way to spend your well-deserved vacation time. A partially completed task weighs heavily on the mind. Get it done and take the weight off.

Let us know if ClutterBGone can assist you with any project that you have put off to get you back on track. Just contact us here.

Keeping Small Spaces Organized

in Downsizing, Estate Organizing, Garage Organizing, Home Office, Home Organizing, Move Organizing, Moving Seniors

Many of the projects that we work on involve downsizing where people are moving from a larger home to something smaller and more manageable for them. Space can often be a challenge when you’re used to an abundance of storage. The same applies for people moving out of the home for the first time to a condo or apartment.

Here’s list of tips to help keep a small space organized.

Take advantage of the space you think you don’t have

What did she just say? You may have to get creative when dealing with the smaller spaces. Do you have space above your kitchen cabinets? Decorative baskets up there will hold cookbooks or smaller appliances that are seldom used. Space under the bed can be used to store off-season clothing in clear containers. Take a walk around your space with this thought process in mind. Look up and maximize your vertical spaces.

Keep things tidy

It’s especially important to keep a tidy home when space is limited. Even a plate on the counter or a couple of magazines out of place can cause a cluttered look.

Stay vigilant in putting things away and you will be surprised at how easy it is to keep your home looking tidy and organized.

Keep your counters clear

This is mandatory. I’ve been in several small condos where kitchen appliances are left out on the counter and it has made the entire kitchen look cluttered. When not in use (and many are not used all that often), store them away. And whenever possible purchase the smallest version of the appliance that you can, especially for a condo.

Look up

Take advantage of any opportunities that you may have to store vertically. Many new homes and condos being built today have 9-foot ceilings or taller. Use this extra space to store or decorate using higher shelving or taller built-ins and multifunctional pieces.

Store it off site

In a pinch, there is a host of off-site storage companies that have appeared as they know people are always looking for space. The newer ones have all inside storage, 24-hour camera security and free use of dollies and carts.

Rates can be very competitive as well so if there are items you just can’t fit into your new place and cannot bare to part with, outside storage is an option.

Purchase multi-functional pieces

When making purchases for your new space try to purchase multi-functional items like an ottoman that doubles as a storage trunk or a murphy bed that folds away. A room divider can also act as a wall unit or bookshelf. The ideas are endless.

Prioritize

Finally, take a real hard look at what you have and what you use. How often will you use that ice cream maker you received as a gift? Do you really have the space for 2 or 3 sets of dishes? When space is limited you need to prioritize between what you have and what you really need or will really use.

Living in smaller quarters certainly has its advantages – less to clean, less maintenance – but it takes a little work to keep it organized and looking uncluttered.

We have assisted countless individuals in getting ready to downsize and in creating space when you think there is none. If you think you need assistance, just contact us here. We would love to talk.

Exactly How Does Clutter Accumulate?

in Downsizing, Estate Organizing, Garage Organizing, Home Office, Home Organizing, Move Organizing, Organizing with Kids

Clutter means different things to different people. Many of us can work in and actually thrive in, what others would consider a cluttered state. Others have to be in or work in a minimalist state. Whatever environment works for you, at some point we find ourselves with too much clutter around us. How does that happen?

Life happens

You are all so busy these days with raising a family, working (maybe even more than one job) or just not aware or caring what is accumulating around you. Some of you are able to see it as it happens and act on it and some just realize one day that you’re finding it hard to find things and spending more time looking for things or cleaning up than actually getting tasks completed.

Your energy is gone

With a busy life comes reduced energy levels and who wants to clean or organize after a busy week or weekend? You need to be in the mood and have a high level of energy to start the process.

Starting without the ability to see it through will only defeat you and prevent you from going at it again.

Life has thrown you a curve

A critical illness or the loss of a loved one can leave you spinning out of control and put you out of commission for a very long time. You rarely go out and don’t have the energy to do anything at all. Depression can cause you to remove yourself from the rest of the world giving you the same results.

I know a lot of you tend to hang on to certain items thinking you’ll make use of them again whether it’s a broken appliance or maybe even some clothes that you think you’ll fit into again. Lean on your family and friends during these times for help and support.

But it was on sale!

What better way to feel good about something you bought then to know how much you saved? Want to save even more?

Don’t buy it at all unless you really need it and when you do make the purchase remember my rule on clothing – one in equals one out. If you find it hard to resist a good buy try to limit your trips to the mall or the big box stores.

Hoarding tendencies

Maybe you were raised in a household that always had clutter and you don’t know any other way. This cycle can be broken so you can enjoy more free time.

No matter how clutter appeared in your life or what your level of tolerance for clutter is, we can help.

ClutterBGone has helped many clients with all different levels of clutter and disorganization in their lives. If you need help, we’re here to give you a hand and see it through. Contact us here.