professional organizer Archives - Page 8 of 13

100 Bags: Organizing Fabric

Mary’s “Before”

Have you ever wondered what a Professional Organizer might do with 5000 pounds of fabric?

The best part of my job is to support my clients in moving forward with clearing their clutter. The next best thing is seeing how they feel and how their lives move forward because they have cleared their clutter.

The most important thing in my job is to not judge. I go into a situation with no attachment to my clients things. I go in with an attachment to the outcome. I am working with a client right now (we will call her “Mary”) who has given me the permission to write a little bit about the journey of her stuff. Thank you Mary for this opportunity. I admire you for stepping out of your comfort zone and tackling your sewing room.

First things first.

It has come to my attention that there are homes which have an over abundance of fabric.

I can see the fascination with the beautiful textures, colours and styles of fabric. The key, as with anything is “nothing takes on value unless it is being used”. I can see how a person could get caught up in a fabric store. They see all the fabrics and their creative mind starts to wonder. I could make this; I could make that and so on. Dreams and goals are being set right then and there. But do you have the time for all of those projects?

It is important to buy only what you need at the moment. I’ll explain why.

Boxes and boxes of fabric sitting in a fabric room are not taking on value. The volume is so large the fabric will never get fully used. A person may tend to get overwhelmed by the volume and may become paralyzed from moving forward.

It is important to have a project in mind when purchasing fabric. Buy what you need and what you will use in a reasonable amount time.

“Mary” had been collecting fabric for over 20 years. Will you ever be able to use all that fabric? Probably not.

So “Mary” and I went about sorting, purging and organizing fabric.

Some of the fabric was outdated because it had been there for so long.

What once looked like a cool piece of fabric now looked “old lady-like” like or too high maintenance. (Only dry clean, etc.)

“Mary” feels she has about ten more years of sewing in her. Sewing is her hobby. With that in mind it was time to seriously downsize.

Each time we worked together she commented on how great it felt to go into her sewing room. The room felt lighter. She felt more creative. It was no longer a fire hazard or trip zone. The rest of the family was happy and thrilled to see the transformation. Her husband was so excited he built shelves for the rubber containers that will hold the fabric she is going to keep. It will all get labeled.

Are you curious as to where all the fabric went?

The Salvation Army took all “blanket” fabric. They make nice thick blankets for our homeless. A friend of hers took 8 bags (at 40-50 lbs per bag). A Halloween costume business took ten bags. A photographer took all the boudoir fabric. A family of sewers took 16 bags and was thrilled to receive the fabric. One of the family members is starting out in a purse making business. This really helped her. 50 plus bags went to the Mennonite ladies. They make blankets and clothes and send them all over the world.

Because all the fabric was going to a good place “Mary” was motivated to really purge. I am so proud of her and all of her efforts. Everyone involved is happy and the fabric is being put to good use.

Do you have an over abundant amount of fabric? Finding it hard to sort, purge, donate or keep it? Please contact me for a FREE 20 minute session.

We will discuss organizing fabric,your sewing room, craft room, or fabric situation and help you move forward.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:46+00:00August 6th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer|0 Comments

Organizing Your Inbox: 15 Minutes to Freedom

How do you feel when you look at your email inbox?

Are you overwhelmed by the number of emails you receive every day?

Do you wish you could tame your inbox?

Become a pro at organizing your inbox?

Would you like to be more productive?

I use to pride myself on getting my inbox to zero by the end of each day. As time went on and life got busier, I began to feel comfortable with having 20 unread emails still in my inbox. Then it went up to 40. After writing this article I am committed to getting it back down to zero.

Every day I get calls or requests for organizing emails. I think many of you, like me, have a love/hate relationship with our inbox. What was life like before email? It is so hard to remember. Email can be a real time buster however, it can also be a real time saver if used properly.

I think of how I used to “snail” mail my newsletters and now with a click of a button I can send out thousands. Since the computer is here to stay why not try these-

Simple tips on organizing your inbox

Please let me know how you do with these tips on organizing your inbox. Write your comments in the box below.

Tip#1 Exercise control. This is a tough one for me. I am so use to checking emails first thing in the morning. The more I learn about productivity the more I can see how this is a BIG time buster. Do you catch yourself checking emails and then wondering off to social media or the internet? Before you know it an hour or 2 has gone by. To be the most productive, check emails 2-3 times per day at most unless your job requires otherwise. I am committed to doing this. Please join me. Most importantly turn off email notifications!

Tip#2 Unsubscribe. Take a close look at all the newsletters you subscribe to. Are they of importance in your life right now? For example, you might have subscribed to “child care” newsletters when your children were first born. Now that they are older, is that information relevant? When your organizing your inbox set up a “to read” folder for all other newsletters you enjoy and find helpful. Immediately move them from your inbox to your folder. Or you can set up a RRS feed in Google Reader. Put a filter to go straight “to read”. Once a week or on your lunch break go through the folder. If you find your “to read” folder gets overloaded then it is time to reassess.

Tip#3 Action Folder. Create an action folder. Store all emails that you need to take action on. These are not important or urgent emails. Take 15 minutes a day and deal with each email one by one. Can you delegate any of the “actions” or can you delete them?

Tip#4 Important Folder. Pick the top 10-15 most important emails and move them to this folder. Deal with these right away. Because they are in this folder you will not get side tracked. Once you have dealt with those 10- 15 then move another 10-15 over and deal with those.

Tip#5 New Policy. Every new email that comes in will follow this new policy of being filed. Say goodbye to inbox overflow and hello to 15 minutes of freedom. Let people know you will only be checking emails 2 – 3 times per day and that you will get back to them in a timely manner unless your job/personal life requires different. Ask friends and family to take you off their “joke” list. Yes it is fun to get them and funny to read however it is not productive and again it is so easy to get sidetracked. If you absolutely love getting jokes then set up a folder for them. Read them at the end of the day or on weekends.

80% of what we file never gets looked at again!!

Try to keep your outgoing emails short and to the point. One subject per email. Be mindful to change the subject line if you have changed subjects in a reply. I like to give as much information in the subject line as I can. For example: “Birthday Party for Sue on Friday night 7 pm-please confirm.” This is so helpful for filing purposes and quick references. When necessary pick up the phone. Things can get lost in email translation.

Are you still feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of emails? Pick up the phone and get your FREE consultation.

I will support you in moving forward with organizing your inbox

We will discuss strategies that will be best for you and your inbox situation. You will be so much more productive and stress free.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:46+00:00July 9th, 2012|Organizer, Time Management|0 Comments

Moving Checklist

How many people love to move? I have yet to meet anyone who gets excited about moving.

The key to a stress free, successful move is “ORGANIZATION” and good labeling!

The other key to a successful, stress free move is proper planning. Give yourself enough time to do all the tasks. Do not leave things to the last moment. Be ruthless with your sorting, purging and donating.

Follow this moving day checklist and be the envy of everyone who has every moved.

4-6 weeks before moving day

1. Start collecting boxes and packing paper. Your local produce store will have beautiful apple boxes. Having all the same size boxes makes for better packing. If you would like to use “green” boxes be sure to check out http://www.frogbox.com.

2. Go around your house with post it notes. Label all large items that WILL NOT be going with you. Be ruthless. Consider having a moving sale, use a consignment store, Craigslist, or donation. (I can help you with this is you do not feel comfortable doing it yourself.)

3. Start purging your clothes closets and storage areas.

4. Begin the process of contacting “People to Notify”:

Electricity and gas
Water and milk delivery
Telephone and internet
Cable TV
Home and auto insurance
Drivers License and Passport (change of address)
Newspaper and magazine subscription
Doctors and Dentist (get referral in new neighdorhood)
Banks and credit cards
Post office (change of address) www.canadapost.com

5. Decide if you will pack/move yourself or if you are going to hire professionals. (I work with some very reputable movers.) Only use well known movers who will come to your home and give you a quote.

6. Start really downsizing your deep freeze. The goal would be to have it empty by move day. If your move is local, your frozen food can be packed in a cooler. If your move is long distance, you will need to make arrangements for any frozen food left. This is a great way to get to know your neighbors!

3 weeks before moving day

1. Pair down your pantry. Use up canned goods and dried goods. Toss out all outdated spices, baking supplies, stale cereal, etc.

2. Cleaning supplies, flammables, and aerosols cannot be moved by professional movers. Use these up until move day and then leave behind for the new tenants.

3. Decide what you would like to do with any or all plants. Indoor and outdoor ones. Will you be moving them or donating them?

4. Dismantle gym equipment, patio furniture, trampolines and large power tools.

5. Do any of your appliances need services? Now is the time to do it.

6. Pack (unless you have hired professionals) all items you do not need. Seasonal clothing, most of the kid’s toys, seasonal cookware/platters, books, CD’s, sporting equipment, etc.

2 weeks before moving day

1. Pack a suitcase for each family member. Include a towel, toilet paper, hand soap, special medications, toiletries, fresh set of sheets, toys/books and a few clothes. Just enough stuff to get your through the first 2 or 3 days in your new place. This saves on opening boxes and trying to find the favorite toy or pillow.

2. Arrange transfers of any school records.

3. Check to make sure your insurance covers you while moving.

4. Return library books, pop/beer bottles and any borrowed items.

5. Pack as much of the house as you can. When we moved I had 2 special boxes. One had the plastic cups, plates, etc. and the other had the champagne and non-perishable snacks. As soon as we got our keys I set up a little celebration area.

6. Make any travel arrangements.

7. Accept all help. Do your friends want to cook for you? Do they want to help pack? Say “yes please” and “thank-you”.

8. Be sure to do some self care. You do not want to strain your back. This is an important time to keep up your yoga, walking and hot relaxing baths.

1 week before moving day

1. Take down drapes, and blinds.

2. Dismantle TV, desks, and any other furniture you do not need this week.

3. Make sure all the laundry is done. Do you have any dry cleaning to pick up?

4. Make arrangements for any pets. Keep their food close at hand along with leash and blanket.

5. Pack everything except for the bare necessities.

6. Use up all the food in your fridge (as much as you can).

7. Do you need to do a run to the dump or will your local garbage pick-up do?

One day before

1. Make arrangements for your kids to be at a play date/sleep over. This will help lower the stress level. It is also safer for little kids to not be under foot.

2. Do all last minute cleaning.

3. Defrost freezer and wipe down inside of fridge.

4. Put the self clean on your oven.

5. Unhook your computers, radios, coffee maker, phones, etc.

6. Go out for dinner to a friends, family or local café.

7. Check the house for any last items that need to be packed. Hopefully there is nothing left.

8. Say goodbye to your neighbors.

Moving Day

1. Load the truck or get your professional movers to do it for you.

2. Have cold drinks and snacks on hand.

3. Load your car with what you can. Use a cooler for any last minute items from the fridge.

4. Leave the keys and your contact information with your landlord or Realtor. Your contact info is handy if there is any mail that does not get redirected. It is also handy if the new tenants/owners have any questions about your house/condo.

5. Collect your kids and pets.

6. Prepare for a new start. I trust it is a happy, joyful experience.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of packing, moving or unpacking?

Please allow me to support you in this process. Have you taken advantage of my FREE 30 minute phone consultation? If not, than contact me today. We will discuss a plan of action to help you have a stress free, ORGANIZED move.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:46+00:00June 22nd, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move|2 Comments

Organizing a deep freeze by Rowena List Professional Organizer of Getting it Together

When was the last time you thought of organizing your deep freeze? Never? Years? You aren’t alone. In the day to day rush many of us don’t remember that organizing a deep freeze is actually really important! image via (a)artwork

Organizing a deep freeze is one of those 15 minute tips I like to share.

Most of us have our deep freeze in a basement, or room we don’t frequent. That leads to out of site out of mind! And that leads to trouble. Organizing a deep freeze can mean less waste, and that means money saved! And if you could bring down your grocery bill and waste wouldn’t you?

Be sure to use the oldest items first. Toss anything that is older than a year or has major freezer burn.

Check out this video for some other hot tips on organizing a deep freeze.

Do you have unmarked items in your deep freeze?

What is the most interesting thing you have found in there? My grandkids put their hampster in the deep freeze until they were ready to bury him. I really should check on the statis of that!

Would love to hear your interesting stories about the contents of your deep freeze. Please leave them below in the comment box.

If you like this video, please click the “like” button and then share it with your friends. And if you are not in the “Getting it Together” community,head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list. You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your home in 15 minutes or less.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:46+00:00May 30th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer|6 Comments

What to do with your grown kids stuff by Rowena List Professional Organizer and Speaker

So many people are wanting to downsize these days. Are you one of them? Are you starting to see the benefit of a smaller space, and easier to care for home?

Have you been in your family home for 10,20 30 years? How much room does your kids stuff take up? Do your grown kids use your basement as their storage locker?image via Ed Yourdon

You are hardly alone in that either. We keep our kids stuff while their lives are in transition. It seems like the right thing to do. Then they settle down and get more stuff. Suddenly the kids’ stuff in your home has become a permanent fixture that no one wants to deal with or talk about!

Now that you are thinking of downsizing you will have to deal with your grown kids stuff…….or they will!

Check out this video to get some tips on what to do with your grown kids stuff.

My girlfriend has her kids school year books. Both her daughters have moved away and clearly do not miss,need or want their year books.

Best to ask them before tossing.Be sure to give your grown kids a deadline. Please clear out yur items before this date or I will donate them.

What do you still have of your kids? Is it time for them to come and clear out their clutter?

Let me know by leaving your story below in the comment box.

If you like this video, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends. And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list. You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your home in 15 minutes or less.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:47+00:00May 30th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move|0 Comments

How to Organize Your Car: Honk if Yours is a Mess

“They” say you can tell a lot about a person by the way they keep their car.

What does your car say about you? What would your car say if it could talk?

“Please get me out of here or thank you for taking good care of me or can we please get an air freshener.”

How much time do you spend in your car? Are you a sales rep, a busy mom driving kids all day long or a business executive?

It is important to make sure your car is a good representation of you and the image you would like to project. I’ve had people refuse to let me inside their car…and we were going to carpool! This type of unnecessary stress and potential embarrassment can be avoided.

Simply follow these quick tips and learn how to organize your car.

TIP #1: Have a small garbage can or plastic bag in your car. Toss all finished coffee cups, gum wrappers or any other garbage items in the plastic bag or garbage can. When you stop to fill up for gas simply toss out the trash. This small detail, done once a week or so will keep your car looking and smelling fresh.

TIP #2: Keep a small basket in the front passenger seat floor area. This basket will come in handy for CD cases (if your music is not on an iPod), mobile device chargers, flashlight, etc. I like to keep a small tube of hand cream and nail file in mine. If I am stopped in traffic I like to apply hand cream or file the odd nail. In the summer I carry sunscreen in my basket as well. This is really important if you like to have your sunroof open. Here in Vancouver the day might start out cloudy and then turn to sun. You do not want to get burnt. Be sure to not let your little basket become a dumping ground for unwanted car items. For example your kids homework or kids toys, etc.

TIP #3: What does your glove box say about you? If you were to look in mine you would find healthy snacks. I keep a couple of protein bars and a bag of dry nuts. I also store my sunglasses in there along with a small note book and pen. This is not the place to keep your car insurance papers and documents. If someone were to break into your car you do not want them to have access to your home address. Store your important papers in your trunk under the spare tire. Along with a first aid kit.

TIP #4: Let’s talk about your trunk. What is in yours? It is amazing how trunks can become a dumping ground for all sorts of things. It is important to clear out your trunk at least twice a month. You’ll be amazed at what you will find.

I like to keep a collapsible plastic box in my trunk along with a collection of reusable shopping bags. I also have a spare pair of runners, a pair of gloves, an old sweater, and warm ear protectors. It never gets that cold here in Vancouver however being an ex-girl guide I like to always be prepared. If I were to ever break down I could walk for help.

TIP #5: This tip is for those of you who live in very extreme weather conditions or maybe your car is a little older. You will want to make sure you have the items required for snow removal and icy conditions. Jumper cables, small tool box and like new spare tire…or a valid triple A/BCAA card!

I would love to hear some of your funny car stories. What have you found in your car when getting it organized and cleared out? One of my clients found a piece of toast! She had wondered where her daughter’s breakfast had gotten too.

We all know how it feels to sit in a brand new car. The smell of a brand new car. The look of a brand new car. Even if you have never had a brand new car you might know of someone who has or you might have gone to a dealership to check them out. Keep that feeling/smell in your mind while organizing your car. Make it a goal to keep your car in the nice new state. Keep the outside shiny as well. You’ll be amazed at how many compliments you get on your car.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:48+00:00May 1st, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Travel Organization|2 Comments

Getting Your Socks Organized and Together

Do you have a basket of unmatched, single socks?

Do you wonder where those single socks get to?

Would you like to never again have an odd sock drawer?

Do you dream of having socks organized and together?

As a professional organizer I support people with hands on organizing. Every home I work in has a box, drawer or basket of unmatched socks. Why is that? How does this happen the world over? Where are all those lost socks?

Once a week for well over 15 years I hear an “unblemished record” coming from the living room. This triumph happens without fail. This claim to fame comes from my partner who is responsible for doing the laundry. His unblemished record is that we have never had a pair of socks that don’t match up and we have never “lost” a sock. No spare socks, no missing socks just paired up socks.

Mark is not a professional organizer we just have a system which I will share with you right now.

The 5-step system for saying goodbye to a pile of unmatched socks:

Step #1: Limit the number of socks you own. Ask yourself how many pairs of socks do you or your family members need? How many do you wear? Toss the ones with holes. Give away the ones you do not like or wear. Match up all remainder.

Step #2: In the future buy several pairs of the same socks. For example 6 pairs of white socks and 6 pairs of black.

Step #3: Pin each pair of socks together before washing them or make sure you put a matched pair in the washer. You might think all the socks are in the laundry hamper however some socks do not even make it to the hamper. One could be hiding under the bed or in a sports bag.

Step #4: When you are folding your dry clothes check the corners of fitted sheets. This is the best hiding spot for single socks (that is if you did not pin your socks together). Another great hiding spot is down the outside of the washer or dryer.

Step #5: Every so often go through your odd sock box, drawer or basket and match up any pairs. Toss the rest or use them as a hand held dust cloth.

Are you feeling a bit lost on where to start or need to get your whole bedroom organized (not just the socks)? With spring here, now is the perfect time. If you live in the Vancouver area, contact me today for a 30-minute complimentary no-obligation phone consultation.

During this consultation we will discuss your biggest organizing challenge, what is frustrating you most, and changes you can make to ensure you can enjoy the upcoming summer months with ease, and of course have plenty of time and energy to enjoy them! Then we will discuss organizing packages and pricing. If we are good fit for one another, we can schedule your first personalized in-home organizing session.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00April 16th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization|0 Comments

Getting It Together FAQ’s – Part 2

Thank you for all of your questions. You know I love hearing from you. The interesting thing is that most people share very similar questions and concerns when it comes to clearing the clutter and getting organized.

Please keep those questions coming. Together we can help each other.

Q- What should I do with those plastic bags that a set of sheets comes in? I hate to toss them because they have the zipper closure and look so handy.

A- You are right! They can be handy. I have used those bags to store my good round baking tins. I find by putting them in the bag they do not get scratched. They are easy to see and store. I have also used those bags with my clients. We put all electrical cords in one. Again easy to see.

I don’t know about you but I have NEVER been able to get the set of sheets back in those bags. Have you?

Q- How can I tell my friends and family to stop buying me presents? I just do not need anything and I am trying to downsize.

A- Most grownups do not “need” anything. We are all so blessed. Many years ago I sent a letter to all my friends explaining that I was no long going to give gifts. Instead I wanted to make memories with them. They were all so happy to get this letter because they never knew what to buy me or their other friends. Now we get together for lunch, a movie, or have our nails done. Anything that is memory making and consumable. Be the first to start a trend. Think consumable!

Q- How many sets of towels should I have?

A- This depends on the number of people in the house. I would recommend 2- 3 bath towels per person, 1-2 hand towels per person and 5-7 face cloths per person. Most homes have a washer these days. If you go to the laundromat then you might want a couple of extras. Use one bath towel per person per week. It is better for the environment and laundry bill. Use one face cloth per person per day. The common used hand towel can be changed every few days.

I can never figure out how the hand towel can get so dirty when we are drying our clean hands! I keep a few “older” towels on hand for when we are heading off to the pool or beach.

Q- What can I do with all the recycling my local garbage company does not pick up?

A- Do you live in the Metro Vancouver Area? If so, you know your local company only picks up plastic, tins, glass and paper. Here are a couple of options. Call BC Recycling Hotline 604-RECYCLE (604-294-7972) or take your items to a local recycling depot. There is one in Burnaby at 4800 Still Creek Ave or once a month you can go to Britannia Center in Vancouver. Check out their site at http://www.pacificmobiledepots.com/Mobile-Depot-Info-Rates.html

Treat yourself to a nice coffee after.

Q- How can I tell if I am disorganized?

A- The rule is if you cannot find what you are looking for in 20 seconds or less you are considered disorganized. This might sound harsh. What it means is that if your keys are on the hook you’ll find them right away. If they are not then you might go searching. If your eye glasses are always put away in the same spot you will be able to find them. If they are not, it might take you longer than 20 seconds to find them.

What is your burning question? What is your biggest organizing obstacle? Inquiring minds want to know. Please leave a comment below or contact me at www.gettingittogether.ca for a FREE 30 minute phone consultation. We will discuss your burning question and how you can move forward with clearing the clutter.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00April 2nd, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization, Tax Organization, Time Management, Travel Organization|2 Comments

Global TV is a local Vancouver newsroom.

They like to focus on people in the community. Showcase events around town and report on the news. It was so much fun being on Global TV. I was able to share one tip in the short 6 minutes of air time on Global TV. Check it out!

Those darn fitted sheets. They work best when ironed. Who does that anymore? I actually have a couple of friends who love to iron. They find it relaxing. Not me!

How abut you? Do you iron or is it all wrinkle free sheets and clothing for you?

Love to hear your comments below.

Thanks for sharing this Global TV moment with me!

Satoru Kikuchi

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00March 27th, 2012|Home Organization, Media Appearances, Organizer|0 Comments

Collections vs. Clutter: How to Tell Them Apart

Collections and clutter are two different things.

Clutter is an untidy collection of things where as collections are several “like” items intended for display or investment. Now a collection can be untidy if it is not stored, displayed or cared for properly.

Ask yourself these questions:

Did you start the collection?

Is the collection something that you love to look at?

Do you use the collection?

Did the collection happen by accident and then get completely out of control?

Below I am going to explain Collections vs. Clutter. Are they the same or are they different? My 5 simple tips will help you determine this difference.

Tip #1: Is this collection something you started? In the case of Mary. NO! Her parents thought it was a good idea for her to have an owl in her office. Then a friend and then another friend. Never once did my client buy herself an owl. She did not start the collection nor did she ever intend to have an owl collection. This is important to note.

Tip #2: Do you like the collection? My client thought it was ok to have one or maybe two owls in her office, however by the time I started working with her she was not happy with the takeover of owls. They were everywhere and it was looking “cluttery”.

This is where a collection starts to become a problem. Another client of mine inherited a salt and pepper shaker collection. She had at least one hundred pairs and only used one!

Tip #3: What to do with the collection? In the case of Mary she was ready for a change in her office. She had enjoyed the owls for many many years.

We decided to keep her top 3 favorites. The one from her parents and two other neat looking ones. The rest we put in the hallway of the university with a sign that said “free”.

Tip #4: What happened next? The interesting thing is that all the people walking past her office door thought she was leaving the campus. They did not understand why all of a sudden she wanted to get rid of the owls. It made them a little uncomfortable at first until they heard she was just going for a change.

All the “free” owls were gone by the end of the day. They each got a new home in several other offices. Mary can go visit her owls any time she likes!

Tip #5: How to stop a collection. If you no longer like the items you are collecting, or someone started collecting for you, or if they have taken over it is time to put a stop to it. This can be a little delicate especially if family and friends have always bought you something to go with your collection. It is an easy gift giving idea for them and now what will they do?

You will need to let EVERYONE know that you are no longer collecting XYZ. Instead you would prefer they give you consumable items or donate to a charity of their choice in your name. Let them know you are downsizing. This might even give them permission to start downsizing too.

Some collections can be sold on EBay, Craigslist or at consignment stores. Some collections can be passed down to other family members. Unfortunately, some collections end up in the landfill.

Be careful what you start to collect. Be mindful of what type of collection you start for others. Is it something you will enjoy for years, does it have a purpose or value?

Once it starts to take over, becomes a dust collector or not serve you any purpose it is time for it to go.

I like to collect interesting people, memories and cash!

Are you having trouble knowing what to do with your collections or clutter? Not sure of its value or whether to keep it.

Please call me today for a FREE 30 minute phone consultation. We will discuss your collections versus your clutter, your specific needs and come up with a plan of action.

www.gettingittogether.ca

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00March 19th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move|4 Comments

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