I recently addressed this topic on my weekly radio segment on Marilyn Wetston’s “From a Woman’s Perspective” at 8:00 a.m. Saturdays on Zoomer Radio.
It’s spring although the weather doesn’t always feel like it. There are a few more For Sale signs out there now but prices are still great and people are still moving in the GTA. Whether you are planning an upcoming move or whether you would simply like to #reorganize your existing home, there are things that you can do to #reducestress of the project.
1. Start early. You may have lived in your existing home for decades. Sometimes people consider their furniture pieces but they don’t give too much thought to the #contents of each drawer, cupboard and closet in their home. We won’t even mention the basement and garage or storage locker. Start early. It takes longer than you think.
2. Take things a zone or a room at a time. Even if you are working on your own, plan on working for three or four hour sessions so that the process does not become too exhausting. It can be tiring to go down #memory lane. Some memories are wonderful but not all will bring a smile to your face. And if you are working with another #family member know that not everyone will experience these #memories in the same way.Keep the project focused on individual areas. There is a greater sense of accomplishment and it is more efficient than taking items to other rooms throughout the process. It is all too easy to get sidetracked that way.
3. Develop a strategy before you start about how you are going to handle the items that you sort. What to keep? What to sell? What to give away? What to do with what’s left over? People often accumulate a lot of paper over time that is no longer wanted or needed. Separate what can be safely recycled and what should be shredded. If time permits, recyclables can be put out in the Blue Bin over a few pick-ups. Services like Toronto’s Toxic Taxi can sometimes come by for old paints etc. by appointment. It is cost effective to be both organized and strategic when you are approaching this kind of project.
4. Understand how your project will be affected by supply and demand principles. If you own real estate in the GTA you know how supply and demand has increased the value of your house or condo since you purchased it. These supply and demand principles also affect your furnishings and household items. Two generations are currently #downsizing and the third generation doesn’t typically want or value the same sorts of things. Many of my clients are happy to donate some of the things that they have accumulated and sometimes they have inherited other family members’ belongings that are tucked away in boxes in the basement. Moving can offer an impetus to shed these things and alleviate any lingering feelings of guilt at the same time.
The #donations landscape has changed quite a bit but organizations like the Furniture Bank will still pick up some items from your home. While there is a charge for this pick-up, I have found their tax receipts to be generous and welcomed by my older clients and their families.
5. Finally, know when to ask for help. Everyone can benefit from knowledgeable, sensitive and objective support when they take on a project like this. The value of having an experienced #professional with you along the way will really take the stress out of your upcoming move or downsizing project. You will have a #strategy, your confidence level will increase and the entire process can be seamlessly scheduled and implemented with reliable and vetted service providers. Bonded and insured, we do the worrying so that you don’t have to.
If you believe that your contacts may find this helpful, please share and visit us at www.movingseniorswithasmile.ca