FAQ

Most frequently asked questions

What is the best way to downsize from a larger home?

To downsize a larger home, I will start with an initial consultation to assess your space, goals, and timeline. Next, together we will create a plan that prioritizes rooms, sets clear goals and an approximate timeline. I will help you maximize storage and label items for easy unpacking in your new space. A professional organizer can be helpful by emotional support for parting with sentimental items and will provide tips for maintaining organization long-term.

How can I get help with downsizing my home?

To get help with downsizing your home, consider the following options:

Hire a Professional Organizer: Look for someone who specializes in decluttering and downsizing to guide you through the process and provide expert advice.
Ask Friends or Family: Reach out to friends or family members who can lend a hand or provide support as you sort through your belongings.
Consider Estate Sale or Auction Services: If you have many items to sell, hiring professionals to manage an estate sale or auction can alleviate the burden.

By seeking support from professionals and loved ones, you can make the downsizing process more manageable and less overwhelming.

What are some effective home organization tips for beginners?

For beginners, start by tackling one small area at a time, such as a drawer or a closet. Use the “one in, one out” rule to keep clutter under control. For each new item, remove one old item. Group similar items together and store them in labeled bins or baskets. Prioritize frequently used items by keeping them easily accessible and create a new habit of returning items to their designated spots to maintain order. Keeping it simple and consistent is key to long-term success.

How do I declutter my home quickly?

To declutter your home quickly, focus on high-traffic areas first. The kitchen or living room are great places that will give you a high impact. Remove any items that are not used regularly. Use large bins for sorting into Keep, Donate, and Discard categories, making swift decisions to clear space efficiently.

What services does a professional organizer offer?

As a professional organizer, I provide services such as decluttering, space planning and creating customized storage solutions. I also offer assistance with time management, downsizing, packing/unpacking and organizing specific areas like closets, kitchens, offices and paper management. I will also provide strategies for maintaining long-term order in your home or workspace.

Why should I hire a professional organizer?

Hiring a professional organizer saves time and reduces stress by creating efficient systems tailored to your needs, helping you declutter and maximize space. My expertise ensures lasting organization, making it easier to maintain a tidy, functional home or workspace.

How can I help my kids manage their clutter?

To help kids manage clutter, involve them in organizing by creating simple, fun systems. Encourage them to donate items that they no longer use. Make tidying up part of your daily routine.

What are the top strategies for home organization?

To get your home organized, regularly declutter to remove items you no longer need and create designated areas for different activities or items. Use storage solutions like containers and shelves to keep similar items together, making it easier to find what you need when you need it.

How do I start getting organized when I feel overwhelmed?

This can be a challenge. I recommend that when you feel overwhelmed with your space, start with one small area, like a drawer, and break tasks into short intervals. Use three piles—Keep, Donate, Discard—to make quick decisions.

What is the best way to organize clothes?

To effectively organize your clothes, start by regularly decluttering to remove items you no longer wear. Group your wardrobe by type, season or color. Arrange items to maximize space and ensure easy access to frequently used pieces. Reassess your organization system every few months to maintain its functionality.

How do I declutter my clothing effectively?

What is a clothing seasonal swap and how do I do it?

Rotating or Swapping out clothes seasonally and storing them away offers several benefits:

Space Optimization: By removing off-season clothing, you free up space in your wardrobe, making it easier to access and organize the items you wear regularly.
Wardrobe Refresh: Seasonal rotation allows you to rediscover pieces you may have forgotten about, keeping your wardrobe feeling fresh and new.
Maintenance of Clothing: Storing clothes properly can help preserve their condition, reducing wear and tear, and protecting them from dust, pests, and damage.
Clear Choices: With only current season items visible, you can more easily plan outfits and make decisions, reducing decision fatigue.
Improved Organization: It encourages a more systematic approach to your wardrobe, making it easier to identify gaps and what you truly need for the upcoming season.

How can I get my house organized quickly?

To organize your home quickly, focus on high-traffic areas first. The kitchen or living room are great places that will give you a high impact. Remove any items that are not used regularly. Use large bins for sorting into Keep, Donate, and Discard categories, making swift decisions to clear space efficiently.

What should I do if I have too much stuff?

If you have too much stuff, start by decluttering one area at a time and sort items into categories like Keep, Donate, or Discard. Create a storage system for what you decide to keep and responsibly dispose of items you no longer need. To prevent future accumulation, be mindful of new purchases and consider adopting a “one in, one out” rule.

How can I manage feeling overwhelmed by clutter?

To help with feelings of overwhelm caused by clutter, start by breaking the decluttering process into small, manageable tasks, focusing on one area at a time. Set a timer for short intervals (like 15-30 minutes) to work without pressure and be proud of your progress as you clear space. Additionally, establish a regular maintenance routine to keep clutter away and remind yourself to be patient with the process, this change takes time.

Where can I find moving help?

Decluttered by Kelly – Thunder Bay, ON

What are the essential steps for setting up a new home?

To set up a new home with a focus on decluttering and organization, start by planning how you want to use each room and decluttering your belongings before moving in. Unpack strategically, focusing on essentials and keeping similar items together. Create designated areas for specific activities, use storage solutions to maximize space, and maintain a routine to keep everything organized. Finally, add personal touches to make your space feel comfortable while minimizing visual clutter.

How do I organize a toy room effectively?

To effectively organize a toy room, group toys by category – dolls, action figures, and building blocks. Store them in bins or on shelves for easy access. Label each container for quick identification. Get the kids involved in the process – this will be helpful when it comes time for them to tidy up!

What should I consider when setting up my home for a new baby?

When preparing for a baby a great place to start is by decluttering your space to make room for baby essentials. Organize items like clothing, diapers, and nursery supplies in labeled bins or drawers for easy access. Finally, establish a dedicated area for baby gear and necessities, ensuring everything is within reach for convenience during those busy early days.

How can I prepare my home for a home birth?

A home birth is a special time and a professional organizer can be helpful prior. Creating a clutter free space for the big day and ensuring all necessities are organized and available when needed.

What are some good organizational systems for small spaces?

To organize a small apartment, maximize vertical space with shelves and hooks. Choose multi-functional furniture like a sofa bed. Regularly declutter to remove unnecessary items. Create defined zones for different activities and utilize under-bed storage for out-of-season items.

How do I edit clutter without feeling guilty?

To edit your belongings without feeling guilty, focus on the value each item brings and remember that letting go creates space for what truly matters. Adopting a “one in, one out” mindset can also help make it easier to part with things you no longer need.

What’s the best way to clear out a cluttered basement?

To effectively clear out a basement, start by setting specific goals for the space and sorting items into categories such as Keep, Donate, Sell and Discard. Focus on one section at a time to prevent feeling overwhelmed. Store items you want to keep in clear bins with labels.

How do I organize my office space at home?

To organize your home office effectively, follow these steps:

Declutter Your Space: Remove unnecessary items, papers and supplies to create a clean workspace.
Create Zones: Designate specific areas for different tasks, such as a computer area and storage space for supplies.
Use Storage Solutions: Incorporate shelves, bins, file organizers to keep documents and office supplies neatly arranged and easily accessible.
Cable Management: Use cable clips or ties to organize cords and prevent them from tangling, creating a tidier appearance.
Establish a Routine: Set aside regular times for organizing and decluttering to maintain an efficient and organized workspace.

What services are available for helping the elderly organize their homes?

Decluttering and Downsizing

Tidying Up: I help seniors get rid of clutter and make the home more comfortable and safe.

Moving Help: If a senior is moving to a smaller place, I assist with sorting and packing essentials.

Improving Safety

Making Spaces Safer: I rearrange rooms to reduce tripping hazards and make important items easier to reach.

Adapting for Mobility: I organize furniture so it’s easier to move around with walkers or wheelchairs.

Supporting Memory

Simple Organization: I create easy systems to keep track of medications, bills, and other daily needs.

Labeling: Clear labels help seniors quickly find what they need.

Reducing Stress

Creating Calm: A clean, organized space can reduce stress and make daily tasks easier.
Setting Routines: Organizers can help seniors keep up with schedules and appointments.

Maintaining Independence

Empowering Seniors: By organizing the home, seniors can do more things on their own.

Personalized Solutions: I create setups that suit the senior’s specific needs.

Working with Family

Coordinating with Others: Organizers often work with family members and caregivers to ensure the home is well-managed.

Future Planning: I help organize important documents so they’re easy to find when needed.

A professional organizer helps seniors stay safe, reduce stress, and maintain independence at home.

How can I effectively organize my garage?

To clean out a garage effectively, start by sorting items into categories – keep, donate, and discard to make the process organized. Clear out everything from the space, clean the floors and surfaces. Only put back what you truly need. Arrange items by function. Finally, use shelves, hooks and labeled bins to maximize storage and keep the garage tidy.

What is residential organization and how can it help me?

Residential organization involves organizing your home for better function and efficiency. It maximizes space, keeps pathways clear and reduces stress by making it easier to find things. An organized home helps you focus and simplifies cleaning, preventing clutter from returning.

What are the best strategies for dealing with chronic disorganization?

To manage chronic disorganization, start small by focusing on one area at a time and set realistic goals, like decluttering for just 10-15 minutes a day. Create a simple organization system with bins and labels, and establish routines for regular tidying. Declutter often and be patient with yourself as you work towards a more organized space. A Professional Organizer can be beneficial to people who live with chronic disorganization by using their skills to create solutions and implement strategies that will prevent backslide.

How do I make my home safe for someone with dementia?

To make a home safe for someone with dementia, reduce clutter and remove potential hazards like sharp objects, loose rugs, and electrical cords. Use clear labels on doors and drawers and consider installing safety devices such as grab bars and non-slip mats to help prevent falls. Door alarms and home alert bracelets can be helpful as well.

What are some tips for organizing medications at home?

Use a Pill Organizer: Invest in a weekly or monthly pill organizer to sort daily doses, making it easy to track when medications have been taken.
Label Containers: Clearly label medication bottles with names, dosages, and expiration dates to avoid confusion.
Create a Medication List: Keep a written list of all medications, including dosages and schedules, in an easily accessible place.
Designate a Storage Area: Choose a specific, consistent location for all medications, away from moisture and heat, like a dedicated cabinet or drawer.
Sort by Person or Purpose: If multiple people take medications, consider using separate bins or containers for each person or grouping medications by purpose (e.g., pain relief, vitamins).
Set Reminders: Use alarms or apps to remind you when to take medications or refill prescriptions.
Regularly Review and Dispose: Periodically check medications for expiration dates and safely dispose of any that are no longer needed.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a safe and organized system for managing medications at home.

How can I find a professional organizer who specializes in elderly services?

Hiring a professional organizer who is certified will ensure that they have the essential training that you are looking for.

What is the best way to organize seasonal clothing?

To organize seasonal clothing effectively, follow these steps:

Sort and declutter: Go through your clothing and separate items by season. Consider donating or discarding anything you haven’t worn in the past year.
Use clear bins or containers: Store off-season clothing in clear bins or vacuum-sealed bags to save space and protect them from dust and moisture. Label each container for easy identification.
Use a dedicated space: Designate a specific area in your closet or storage space for seasonal clothing, making it easy to access when needed.
Rotate regularly: When the seasons change, swap out clothing so that the current season’s items are at the forefront and easily accessible.
Maintain a list: Keep an inventory list of seasonal clothing to track what you have and what you might need for the next season.

By following these steps, you can keep your seasonal clothing organized and easily accessible throughout the year.

What are the benefits of hiring a professional organizer?

Hiring a certified professional organizer can offer numerous benefits, including:

Expertise and experience: Professional organizers have specialized training and experience in decluttering and organizing, providing effective solutions tailored to your needs.
Time savings: They can quickly and efficiently organize spaces, saving you time and reducing the stress of tackling the project on your own.
Personalized systems: Organizers create customized systems that fit your lifestyle, making it easier to maintain organization long-term.
Stress reduction: A clutter-free environment promotes a sense of calm and order, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Enhanced productivity: By organizing your space, professional organizers help you find items quickly and streamline daily tasks, boosting your overall productivity.
Accountability: Working with a professional provides motivation and accountability, encouraging you to stick to your organizing goals.
Support and guidance: They offer support and guidance throughout the organizing process, helping you make decisions about what to keep, donate, or discard.
Improved quality of life: An organized space can enhance your overall quality of life, making your home more enjoyable and functional.

What’s the best way to organize a shared family space?

To organize a shared family space, begin by creating designated zones for various activities, ensuring everyone knows where to find what they need. Involve all family members in the organizing process so that everyone gets input. Utilize storage solutions such as baskets and labeled bins to maintain organization and set clear expectations for keeping the space tidy. Regularly decluttering is essential to keep the area functional for everyone.

What are some tips for creating a functional home entryway?

To organize an entryway, start by creating designated storage for shoes, coats and bags. Use a shoe rack or bins for footwear and wall hooks for jackets and bags to keep the floor clear. Add a small table or shelf for keys, mail and essentials to ensure everything has a place. Regularly clear out items that don’t belong to keep the space welcoming and functional.

How do I organize and store important documents at home?

To organize and store papers at home, begin by sorting through all documents and categorizing them into groups such as important documents, bills, receipts and personal documents. Use labeled folders or binders to keep each category organized and easily accessible. Consider setting up a filing cabinet or a dedicated drawer to store these items, ensuring that frequently used papers are within reach while less frequently accessed items can be stored further away. Implement a regular maintenance routine to go through your papers, removing anything that is no longer needed and keeping your filing system up to date. By creating a structured system for your papers, you can reduce clutter and quickly find important documents when needed.

What are the best methods for managing and reducing kids’ toys?

To manage or reduce toys – start by sorting through them and selecting items to keep based on what your child actively uses and enjoys. Consider donating or recycling toys that are no longer played with or that are not in good condition. Establish a rotation system where some toys are stored away and swapped out periodically, keeping the play area fresh and reducing clutter.