5 Questions to Ask Professional Organizer

5 Questions To Ask Any Professional Organizer

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

What are your qualifications?

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

5 Questions To Ask Any Professional Organizer

Do you have insurance?

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

Pricing

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

How long have you been doing this?

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

Do you have references?

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

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

Overwhelmed? Declutter to Reduce Stress

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Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed in your home; has your safe and peaceful place become your private hell? Do you find yourself easily distracted and unable to focus or is restful sleep eluding you? As humans, we accumulate things, many things, too many things over time and these very same items that may have once brought joy into your life are now causing distress. It’s time to get serious about decluttering. Parting with once prized possessions can be very stressful for some people but once they understand that clutter is a cause of stress and can negatively impact mental health it does become easier to take steps to eliminate the clutter.

Decluttering: Plan

Think about what will work best for you. For some people a weekend focused entirely on decluttering is a challenge they’ll happily rise to, for others 4 hours a day for a month could be a better option, keep in mind this method will take more time to get it all done but you will eventually get there. If you don’t have the time and want it done ASAP consider contacting a professional who can make this process a joyful breeze. Are you really going to be able to conquer the clutter in an entire house? A room-by-room strategy we find works best. In Decluttering to Reduce Stressfact, it’s best to plan to spend a few hours at a time organizing and decluttering this way you don’t burnout and your motivation will remain charged. Be honest with yourself and set achievable and realistic goals.

Decluttering: Pitfall Warning

It’s all too easy and enticing to head out and buy lots of containers and storage bins thinking that they will motivate you to get down to the business of decluttering – DON’T DO IT! Pick up free boxes to use while you sort but save the bin shopping until you know exactly what you need otherwise you may be stuck with bins that don’t work in your space and add to the clutter. A helpful tip, stay away from coloured bins, use clear bin where possible.

Decluttering: Complete the Task at Hand

Once you have created a plan and have your goals fresh in mind, dive into the clutter and begin sorting. Complete one task before moving onto another. For instance, start by grabbing a garbage bag and take out all the obvious garbage in the room you are starting with, remove all garbage before starting to organize remaining items. Completing one task before you start another will help you to feel like you are making progress and will keep you on track.

If you find yourself overwhelmed with the clutter – feel free to reach out to us for a consultation. We specialize in giving you back your peace of mind!

Your Step by Step DeCluttering Guide

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Living in a cluttered environment can prove to be very stressful and pave the way to a whole host of other issues as well. Chaotic working and living environments have often been linked with anxiety, stress, depression, and other mental health problems. In addition to that, a space that is not clean and tidy could undermine productivity and prevent you from performing at your best.

Here we will provide some tips on how you can prevent the aforementioned issues, as well as keeping your home or workspace decluttered and inviting, with this step by step decluttering guide!

Cleaning and Rearranging

People often think that their spaces are cluttered because they have too many things. At times, however, this Your Step by Step Decluttering Guideisn’t the case. In most cases, a cluttered space is that way only because you might not have found the right way to flatter your area with the way it’s set up and organized. Some organization experts have saved people thousands of dollars, and even saved them from having to get rid of some of their stuff, by simply helping them rearrange their spaces in a more suitable way. Sometimes, keeping a space clutter-free could really be all about redefining its layout and organization.

Removing Unwanted or Unnecessary Items

If all else fails, and you find it hard to organize your space due to the sheer amount of the things that you own, you should consider getting rid of some of your belongings (downsizing or decluttering). This could be quite a complex task for some people. Many of us struggle to see things we care about gone. Others always think that they might need something later on in life, so they don’t want to get rid of those things, just in case they might end up finding a use for them later on. Whatever the reason that keeps you from getting rid of your stuff, you should take a deeper look at yourself, and your things. Although you might feel like you’re giving up on something by throwing things out, you might stand to gain much more than you could possibly imagine, particularly in terms of peace of Your Step by Step Decluttering Guidemind.

Adopting healthier habits

Getting your space clean and organized is only half the battle. The other half? Keeping it that way! It’s quite easy to slip into your old habits if you are not careful. In order to prevent such issues, be sure to embrace a steady routine, and be mindful about keeping your space clean and organized on a regular basis. This way, daily maintenance will only take a few minutes of your time every day, and you won’t run into the same debilitating space issues again. 

Decluttering your space doesn’t have to feel stressful. If at anytime you’re in the midst of your decluttering process and need a little more guidance and support, we’re here for you! We here at ClutterBGone love supporting others in this journey!

 

the difference between a professional organizer and a cleaner_

Professional Organizer or Cleaning Service?

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What’s the difference between a professional organizer and a cleaner? How do they compare, and which one is best suited for your lifestyle? 

What’s a professional organizer?

A professional organizer is a trained and seasoned professional that teaches important organizing skills. Organizing may seem like a small thing but it’s essential to learn how to order the chaos of everyday life. An organizer will teach the client innovative and forward-thinking techniques to get in control of their household. On top of this, a professional organizer will also ensure that these methods are sustainable for their client’s day to day life, providing systems and homes for their client’s items. The end goal is to seamlessly integrate these lifestyle changes into the clients’ daily routine.

What does a professional organizer do?

When most people imagine an organizer, they start to get a little anxious. Do I want a stranger to tell me how to run my life? Will they make me throw everything away? Well, it’s a lot simpler then you think!

An expert organizer helps people to develop tried and tested techniques to bring order to their living space. This not only helps with maintaining a clean and tidy home but also managing daily stress and anxiety. Living in a home where every object has its place and is easy to find can have a significant impact on day-to-day life. De-cluttering the difference between a professional organizer and a cleaner_your home and discovering an organizing method or system that works best for you can be life-changing.

A professional organizer is friendly, open, and a great listener. They are dedicated to discovering the best solutions for their clients. It’s not about creating a perfect minimalistic space, but focusing on the clients’ goals and making their dream home a reality. A professional organizer understands it’s okay to want to live in abundance with the things you love, we just help to filter the things that you don’t love so you can make more room to enjoy the things you do.

What does a cleaning service entail?

A cleaning service is quite straightforward. A cleaner is an employee who regularly completes household chores. These duties may include washing the dishes, vacuuming floors, and completing laundry.  A cleaning service can be helpful to get control of the household mess and chaos. Yet, a cleaning service doesn’t instill life changes, values, systems or methods. An organizer not only helps you to organize effectively but also encourage you to take pride of your possessions and home.

In comparison to a cleaning service, an expert organizer can be a game changer. They can help to completely renovate your space without breaking down walls or structurally changing anything. We don’t hide the clutter, we confront it!

The difference between a professional organizer and a cleaner

The main difference between a cleaner and an organizer is that an organizer wants to help their clients realize their ideal life and home potential. Together, the customer and organizer will visualize what they want the future to be and break it down into manageable steps. The goal of an organizer is to create a technique and outlook that will last the test of time. A clean and organized home will leave the client more hours to relax and enjoy their new and improved space!

Looking for some support with your home organizing needs? We here at ClutterBGone service the Greater Toronto area – helping you bring calm to your chaos with our professional organizing services. Give us a call – we’re happy to get you a quote!

Spring Organizing Tips

Greet The Season With These Spring Organizing Tips

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All the best ways to greet spring with a decluttered home. Here are some Spring organizing tips!

Spring is finally here! Organizing your home is a great way to freshen up your living space to prepare for the beautiful weather ahead. Continue reading to discover some great Spring organizing tips for organizing your wardrobe, drawers, and communal spaces!

As the weather improves and flowers start to bloom it’s time to kick- start spring-cleaning. If you’re new to spring-cleaning or just want to change up your technique, check out our tips to revolutionize your clean this year! Continue reading to discover how to save space, time, and energy this spring.

Spring Organizing Tip 1: Say Goodbye To Winter!

Winter clothing usually takes up the most amount of space in dressers and closets. These items could anything from winter hats, scarves, jackets, thermals, socks, and boots. With the coming of spring, you can expect warmer weather so why keep all those bulky winter items in your valuable closet space?

Get all the winter goods that you don’t need for months ahead and place them in storage containers. You can keep these containers under the bed, attic, garage, or spare room. This will free up space and give you some room to start organizing! Keep in mind that this should be the first step in your spring-cleaning routine. It will make it a whole lot easier to start organizing and categorizing your space. There are still some chilly days ahead, so keep out any light spring gear to keep warm!

Spring Organizing Tip 2: Have a Garage Sale

Have you been obsessing over Marie Kondo’s brand new Netflix series? Well, its time to stop watching and start doing. It’s important to reduce the clutter of your home and only keep items that are important, useful, or make you happy. Spring-cleaning is the perfect opportunity to clear out junk, make some extra cash, and start off with a clean slate.

Organize a garage sale with your neighbors or take your things to local weekend markets. When spring rolls around you’ll be so glad that you cleared out so much space! By decluttering your home before you start to organize, you’ll make the job much easier on yourself.

Spring Organizing Tip 3: New Storage Units

Are you struggling to organize all your things? Do you feel like you never have space? Then it’s time to asses your current storage options and update your furniture. Many furniture stores offer innovative storage solutions that can revolutionize the way you organize. From hanging shoe racks to stylish document folders, check out what options there are that can help you to organize and style your home appropriately. Make sure you take advantage of vertical space and label every different section in your wardrobe. By giving a clear space for every item in your home you will

Spring Cleaning Tip - Have fun

Spring Cleaning Tip – Have fun

find it easier to keep organized all throughout the year.

Spring Organizing Tip 4: Make It Fun!

Re-organizing and clearing things out can get a little stressful. So reward yourself with making some interior decorating changes. You could create your own unique wall hanging or dye an old tablecloth a different color. Get into the DIY spirit and customize your home to suit your taste and personality. It will bring a distinctive edge and highlight all of your beautiful spring-cleaning efforts!

If you’re like us, you love checklists! You can download our Organizing Checklist here to help you along the way. And as always, if you need a little guidance or support, we’re just a call away. Happy Spring cleaning!

A Guide To Helping Your Parents Downsize

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Seniors downsizing

One of my family members is a senior who is currently going through the process of downsizing. It got me to thinking that most of us will have to address this at some time in our lives with a loved one.

Some of our parents are not going to be able to stay in the larger family home and are going to need help in downsizing to a smaller dwelling be it a smaller home, a condo or even a retirement residence. If you find yourself in the position of having to assist a senior in downsizing here are a few things to keep in mind when doing so.

Emotions

The move and the preparations that are required are going to be an emotional time for both you and your parents. seniors downsizingExpect some tears, some smiles and maybe even some arguments. Keep your feelings in check and remember that it’s your parents that are being uprooted and moved leaving behind a lot of memories. Remember how you felt when your parents moved when you were young and the feelings you had? Most important is do not be judgemental. Perhaps a third party will be required to help with the process

Plan the new space

You will know the approximate size of the new rooms so sit down with your parents and decide what pieces of furniture are just not going to fit into the new living quarters. Maybe now is a good time to help out a child or a grandchild that could use a piece of furniture that is not going to fit into the new place. Explain that the piece will still get good use and will provide memories of them to the new owner. Maybe a sale would be in order with the money from the sale being used for something special that they want or need.

Precious memories

Decorative items are really the ones that make the place feel like home. Ensure that you know which are most important and pack them carefully. Once in the new place have them hung or displayed in a place for all to see to reduce the anxiety of the move. These memories will bring a sense of home and calm to them.

Now is the time to purge

I don’t know if it’s an age thing or not but many elderly people I’ve met tend to hang on to things and don’t want to let go. downsizing seniorsNow is a great time to go through the closets and drawers and toss anything that is worn to the point it is no longer wearable or donate anything that just doesn’t fit anymore.

As you go through the process remember the three piles – toss, donate and sell. Don’t be judgemental, be patient and let them know that there are people that could use the things they don’t need or don’t have the space for anymore. And remember – we are all going to be there at some point so compassion and empathy now will probably come back around later.

ClutterBGone has assisted countless GTA families with this process. We’re non-judgemental in our approach, compassionate and caring. If you need assistance with helping a loved one downsize just call (905-642-5669) or click here to contact us.

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.

 

Will You Resolve to Get Organized in Toronto This Year?

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get organized in Toronto

Are you one of those people that ring in the New Year with resolutions? Personally, I don’t but many of you likely do. If getting better organized is one of your New Years resolutions then help is just a click away.

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. get organized in the new yearDid 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? I’m obviously not talking about the necessities in life, just the things you buy that you would like to have.

Go paperless

Paper can be the biggest cause of clutter in your Toronto home and we work with you to reduce your paper clutter and set up a system to maintain a streamlined and clutter free system in your home. get organized in the new yearMost of your bills can be automatically paid through your bank now with receipts and even advance reminders coming to your inbox. And then you don’t have to worry about losing a bill or being charged for a late fee. Do you still receive magazines and newspapers? If so, make sure to recycle them before the next issue comes in or better yet, go electronic.

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 Toronto and York Region 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.

So, if you have a resolution to get better organized ClutterBGone would love to help you start the year off clutter free!

How To Stay Organized Over The Holidays

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Organize during the holidays

Well, here we are just over a month before the holiday season. I know! Where did the time go? With shopping, parties, entertaining, wrapping and everything else you need to do (besides your regular work and home life) this time of year makes it difficult even impossible at times, to stay organized through the holidays period. Here are a few tips to help keep you organized and hopefully a little calmer during the holidays.

Holiday Shopping

I know a lot of you put off the holiday shopping until the last minute but try to set some time aside to get it done earlier. With all the stress that the holidays already put on you why add to it with last minute shopping? Put it in your calendar and treat it like an appointment – no changes.

Arrange a babysitter if need be or if you’re able to book an afternoon off work, even better. The shopping malls get crazy with each passing day, as you know. Last minute shopping is the perfect recipe for stress. Leaving shopping to the last minute almost guarantees that you are buying something that may end up as clutter in somebody’s home.

Many malls are now offering valet parking service for a small fee. The money goes to charity and what better way to start a nerve racking adventure than being able to pull up to the front of the mall and have your car parking looked after.

Gift Wrapping

If you haven’t already, gather all of your wrapping supplies and keep them in one place. Organize during the holidaysMake a list of what you are short of and get out to buy what you need before the selection is minimal in the stores. I created a wrapping station several years ago with all of the wrapping essentials for all occasions stored there. Everyone knows where it is and it saves time running around looking for the paper, tape, bows and everything else.

Planning The Feast

Holidays to me are all about the meal with family and friends. Sure, the gifts can be nice but there is nothing like the laughs and conversations you have around the dinner table. Make a list now of everything that you will need for dinner. Order the turkey, the ham or whatever you cook now to celebrate to ensure you have the size you need.

If wine is on your list you can expect crowds at the stores so get out there early while your favorite is still in stock and avoid the long line-ups. Don’t forget the extras like the cranberry sauce and rolls. Oh, I’m getting hungry already!

Make Room For New Gifts

Now is the time to go through the toys and your clothes and pare down what is no longer usable, appropriate of just doesn’t fit any longer.

You know family is going to spoil the kids with a lot of gifts so make room now and reduce the stress of trying to make everything fit into the same space later. Have the kids involved. It will build their excitement leading up to the big day.

The Art Of Gift Giving

I’m sure you have already given plenty of thought to what you’re going to purchase for your loved ones. Many of us anguish and plead for hints or ideas trying to give that special gift.

My children are all a bit older now so one year we purchased charity items for people in need in third world countries on behalf of each child as part of their gifts that year. School supplies for a school in need, goats for a family that would produce milk, things of that nature. They were touched by it and it got them to thinking of what the holidays are all about.

Many gifts over the holidays are returned or even worse, not used at all and end up adding to the clutter that people already have. When thinking of charities there are a few websites that track how much of your dollars actually make it where the funds are really needed. When in doubt gift cards are always appreciated and with the new consumer laws most will not have an expiry date.

The holidays can be a very stressful time for most of us but with a little bit of planning and home organization we can reduce the stress and stay organized during this time.

To learn more about how us professional home organizers in Toronto can get you ready for the holiday season there is still time. Contact us here to see how we can help. We even offer home holiday decorating services!

Are You Organized Enough For Santa?

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organized for Santa

The Holiday season is coming soon! Are you ready for the mountain of new toys about to arrive in your kid’s rooms?

Now is a great time to take stock of your child’s toys to make room for the new toys that will be coming into your home and make the holidays less stressful than they already are.

Whether they have been naughty or nice, kids receive a lot of toys during the holiday season. Many toys are abandoned right after the holidays and left at the bottom of a toy box or closet as your child quickly outgrow certain toys or is so overwhelmed with the volume that they simply get frustrated.

Or it could be that the item just didn’t hold their interest. All kids have their go-to toys and many have toys that are no longer required. Here is how to get your child’s rooms organized for the toy windfall.

Broken toys

These are the easiest to deal with. We all have them. organized for SantaToys that are broken but were never dealt with at the time and now reside at the bottom of the toy box (which, by the way, is the worst way to organize and store toys). Out they go! Even those toys with critical missing parts that you think just may turn up………it’s time to discard those as well to make room for the new stuff.

Out with the old

With toddlers and younger children it’s easy to go through the toys and make the decisions yourself. You may want to separate the toys into categories and then separate those into toys you will toss, toys you will donate and toys you will store for later (visiting children, more children, special treats for sick days, etc.). Now is a great time to donate to your favourite thrift store so there are toys available to those in need.

Get the kids involved

Older kids like to be involved and will want a say in what decisions are made with their “stuff”. It’s only fair and sets a good example of respect. Have them start with choosing the toys they no longer like or play with. It often helps to separate the toys into categories and then have them pick their top 5 from each category. Explain to them that some of their toys are no longer appropriate as they have grown, and space is needed to accommodate the new toys that are sure to come their way.organized for Santa

Your children can also help to take the donations to the donation center to see what happens to them and how they have helped others. Donation centers love to receive toys before the holidays to help out those that need the toys as holiday gifts.

Plush = dust

Those plush toys are nice and there is nothing wrong with having a few on hand, but they really are dust collectors and magnets for dust mites (YUCK!). Unless you are willing to clean them at least once every couple of months, try to keep the quantity to just 4 or 5 absolute favourites for space, allergy and health reasons.

Gain some insight

As you sift through the toys and work with your kids you’re going to find out what type of toy they now like and perhaps what exact toy they would love to have. This information will come in handy when Grandma and Grandpa ask what they want or need for gifts. It should also help to reduce the number of toys they receive that they just won’t use.

Take stock of your storage

This is also a great time to determine if your child requires any additional storage space for toys or if the storage system you use is still workable for you and them. Make sure you have enough clear plastic bins to store the small toys so they don’t end up in the bottom of a toy box and never used. In fact, I recommend you discard the toy box entirely. If you insist on keeping it, then only one category of item should live in the toy box. For example, many clients use a toy box for a dress-up chest, so all the costumes live in that box.

Now is the perfect time to start paring down the toys before the chaos known as the holiday season sets in. As professional home organizers in Toronto and the York Region area, ClutterBGone and our organizing elves are ready to travel across the GTA to help you get organized for the holidays. Contact us now to learn more about how ClutterBGone can take the stress out of the holiday season.