Can Owning Less – Now – Give You More?

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The new film Less is Now by the Minimalists is streaming on Netflix and there is so much to unpack!

Of course, there are practical tips and a strong call to action to own less stuff, which are great.

However, it is the reasons behind the tips, strategies, and challenge – the big “why” living with less can help us access more – that is most illuminating.

The now is key, as many of us currently struggle to balance the stuff in our lives, including the physical (most obvious) as well as the digital, mental and emotional.

As a result of Covid, many of us are spending much more time at home, and as such, have become hyperaware of the stuff we have in our homes. In that regard, the timing of this film is perfect as the message is an urgent, “If not now, when”?

As “The Minimalists”, lifelong friends Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus have been sharing inspirational information about minimalism for over ten years through their writing, podcast, live shows, and films.

Their brand of minimalism is very accessible, focusing on how to include more of what you want, need and love into your life, in order to have less of what you don’t want, need or love.

More intention and freedom, less distraction and stress.

Through personal storytelling and reflections, Ryan and Joshua share their individual journeys to minimalism, in which poverty, drive, excess, and pain, play major roles. Less is Now chronicles the personal transformation that both men have made, moving away from “having it all” and feeling unhappy, to having “what adds value” and feeling happier.

An important point to make is that “less” looks different for everyone. The main idea is that less clutter means less distraction from the things you do love and need.

What “less” means is subjective, as some people may own very few items, while others have more but each has a purpose and is an intentional choice.

Deciding what “less” means to you is critical in order to make sense of the insistent messaging we receive about needing more stuff to be happier, more successful, fulfilled, etc.

The marketing message, “you’re inadequate unless you buy xxx” is a powerful force, whether you are conscious of it or not. Creating this never-ending aspiration is a bit like falling into a black hole of consumerism, where the quest for more, more, more is never-ending.

Quite often, more stuff equals more stress, while less stuff leads to more freedom and choice.

If we have the choice to think before we buy, why not choose less?

Their idea? Keep only what adds value, build momentum to get past the cravings, make necessary changes, and ultimately embrace the freedom that comes when choosing clearly.

The final call to action in the film? The 30-Day Minimalism Game, in which you let go of one item on Day One, two items on Day 2, and so on until you let go of 30 things on Day 30. If you complete the challenge, that means letting go of 465 things by Day 30, which is no small feat!

We recommend watching Less is Now…now…as it captures the essence of what it is to live a simpler and more intentional life through the storytelling of the Minimalists, who believe we all need less to have more.

Moving to a smaller space and need to minimize? Have downsizing on your mind? Call us to find out how we can help: 416-819-1576 www.simplyhomeinc.ca

Want to Get…and Stay Organized? Use These 6 Simple Techniques

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As we spend more time at home, many of us are anticipating using the time to get, and stay, more organized.

Sounds simple enough – more time at home, more time to organize, right?

Not always so! As much as we want to get organized, there are many obstacles that can get in our way, including time, energy, a clear starting point, and motivation.

However, there are definitely ways to manage these challenges through the adoption of a few key organizing techniques. Try some of these ideas and notice how they affect your organizing progress:

1. Put Things Away As You Go

This may seem so obvious, but many times we don’t put things back after we use them.

In order to carry through on this “simple” task, we must be willing and motivated to make a change in our habits and actions, which take time, effort and focus. Living with other people’s stuff makes this even harder. Picking up items that are not in their proper home, and putting them back, is a small first step to organizing success. With small success comes greater confidence, which leads to success with bigger projects. 2. Daily Timed Tidying Up (adapted from Time-Management-Success)

This technique encourages you to do a little bit of organizing every day using a timer. Set your timer for a certain amount of time, perhaps 10 min to start, and in this time, focus on tidying up or organizing one small category of items (i.e.: all cans in your pantry, all pens on your desk). The key is to use the technique regularly in order to make daily (or weekly/monthly) progress.

3. In with One, Out with One

To effectively manage your physical and mental clutter, you want to eliminate the old when bringing in something new. Whether this means donating your old coat once you buy a new one, consolidating packaged goods into one box when you buy more, or deleting digital files when they’re unnecessary, the key is to do this consistently to decrease clutter, and be better prepared to organize effectively.

4. Touchdown Station

Usually, where we enter and exit our house is a busy zone! One of the best ways to manage this area is to create a drop off/pick-up “Touchdown Station” where essential items (keys, sunglasses, lip balm, etc.) are kept.

Whether you choose to use a basket, box, shelf, or tray, putting your important items in one place makes coming and going more streamlined. The key is to make it functional and easy to use!

5. Limit Your List (adapted from Mark Forster)

If your to-do list continues to get longer, try this technique to help you focus on accomplishing key tasks. After a certain number of tasks (10 is often a good number), draw a line after those items. As more items come up, add them below the line, but do not do them until the items above are complete. Anything above the line that is not completed can be recycled to your next list of 10.

6. Plan Organizing Time

When we don’t plan our organizing efforts, we often react to what is going on around us and start haphazardly putting things away and cleaning up. Although workable, this approach can often lead to feeling stressed out, pressured and guilty.

By scheduling time to organize (daily, weekly, monthly or seasonally), we can prepare ourselves mentally for what is coming and use our time more efficiently.

Whatever you choose to focus on during your scheduled time, break it into small chunks. For example, if your goal is to organize a closet, start with items on the floor, then the hanging ones, followed by all shelf items. Breaking down your organizing actions into smaller steps can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed or frustrated.

Taking small steps is key to forming new organizing and decluttering habits. By incorporating these six techniques into your life, you will likely organize more efficiently, accomplish more from your to-do list, and stay motivated to keep making organizing progress. If you would like organizing support, visit: https://simplyhomeinc.ca/ or contact us directly at 416-819-1576. Happy Organizing!

3 Ways to Flourish at Home This Fall

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Do you hear the wind rustling? See more yellow, orange and red leaves? Feel the cooler temperature on your skin? Taste the deliciousness of a creamy pumpkin spice latte?

Given that this powerful shift is happening, here are 3 ways to flourish this fall at home!

  1. Mindset Shift – Imagine the Possibilities

Transitions can be exhilarating…and challenging. While they offer us opportunities to grow and learn, transitions also threaten our feelings of safety and security. During these uncertain times, feeling grounded can be especially challenging.

By recognizing and accepting the notion that we are always in a state of transformation, we can use this time to think through how we would like our home to feel, look and function.

Are you feeling guilty about not dealing with the clutter accumulating in your home? Overwhelmed by the options available to organize your space?

Stressed out by all the steps needed to successfully stage and sell your home?

No matter what is causing your frustration, fall is a great time to make a mindset shift and begin to take action. If you need support getting there, we are here to help.

  1. Clothing & Accessories Shift – Decisions Before Storage  

One thing we love about fall is wearing layers. Yoga pants, hoodies over t-shirts, shoes & socks – they all equal comfort! As hard as it can be to let go of the sandals, swimsuits and sunscreen (the last one not so much), the cosiness of fall clothing allows us to shift more easily into the cooler weather.

However, before putting away summer clothes and placing fall clothes front and centre, try to systematically sort both types, letting go of the items that you don’t like, need or wear. Thanks to Marie Kondo for the inspiration behind this technique!

Hold up each item and ask yourself, “Do I like/wear/need the item”?

Trust your gut to reveal the answer and then take action on your decision. Why keep what no longer makes you feel good?!

For fall items, do the same thing, deciding which items to keep front and centre that will make you feel good this fall. Jackets, gloves, hats and scarves get placed near to where you enter/exit your home, making the transition into colder weather a little bit easier.

It is important to enjoy this process, as it gives us a chance to reflect on a summer gone by, and also imagine what new opportunities can emerge this season.

  1. Home Comforts – Form + Function

Indoors and out, your home is where you likely spend a lot of time, especially now. With the emergence of fall, our natural tendency is to stay in bed a little longer, cuddle on the couch more, and create feelings of comfort, safety, and joy.

As we transition into spending more time at home, how can you make your home more functional and enjoyable?

Fall is a great time to commit to creating a home you love to live in. Perhaps a décor switch-up is needed and you can move items around to create the atmosphere you desire. Maybe it’s time to go through your kitchen pantry, tossing old/expired items to make room for healthy autumn fare. Maybe it’s time to create a foyer area that functions masterfully and also makes you and your guests feel welcome.

Organizing your home so that you love to live in it is one of the best ways to move through this fall transition. One way to do this is to do a walkthrough of your home, choosing three spaces you spend the most time in during the fall. Think about three changes you could make in each space that address both form (how it looks and feels) and function (how it works for you and your family). If you’d like help with this process, we can help.

Imagine…the school bell is ringing, and your teacher is calling you into the class of life, asking, “How will you flourish in your home this fall?” What will you say? What will you do? Fall offers many new possibilities – which will you choose to focus on?

If you would like help in envisioning how to flourish this fall, please contact The Simply Home Downsizing Team, we love to help!

Decluttering and downsizing homes in Toronto by professionals Simply Home Inc.

Decluttering and Downsizing During COVID-19

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As we continue to face the challenges and uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be considering how you truly feel about your home – the place you are likely spending A LOT of time.

  • Do you feel like it’s time for a major change in how your home functions?
  • Are you considering downsizing or moving to a smaller home?
  • Is it time to declutter and organize your home once and for all?
  • Are you feeling overwhelmed and then guilty about not having done it already?

These are all valid scenarios, and for many of us, this time of uncertainty leads to some uncomfortable emotions connected to our homes and living conditions including guilt, overwhelm, frustration and shame.

How can we shift these emotions in order to feel more inspired, motivated, and brave?

Whether you are crystal clear about how you feel or need more time to think it through, the two scenarios and actions steps below provide actionable steps that can help you move forward.

If You Feel Burdened by The Clutter in Your Home and Want to Take Action

  1. Take a deep breath and acknowledge that this is the reality now, and it can change.
  2. Imagine, in detail, how you would like to feel if changes were to happen in your home. Trust that you can get there.
  3. Declutter: systematically go through the items in your home and decide – will this item serve me in the new chapter of life? Do I need/use/love it? Or as Marie Kondo suggests, “Does it bring me joy?”
  4. Donate: once you decide what is no longer needed or useful, donating them to a local charity, church, school, or business not only extends their life, but helps someone in the community.
  5. Sell: for items that may still hold value, consider selling online. Auctions sites like com or personal sites such as Facebook Marketplace are good options. To note: Selling online takes time and energy so it’s important to know you have both if going this route.
  6. Organize: decide on a system that works for you, your lifestyle, and your space. Place your most used and desired items at eye level, make them easily accessible, maximize vertical space, and use a lot of hooks and hangers.
  7. If this seems too overwhelming, consider hiring professional help, we are here to assist you and to expertly navigate your transition!

If You Are Ready to Downsize and Want to Prepare

  1. Imagine what your new home will look like, feel like and function. What are the major changes you want to make? What is driving this change in your living?
  2. Take a deep breath and acknowledge that this process will take time, resources, energy and your positive attitude. It will get hectic, and then it will be done.
  3. Plan the practicalities of the transition – timeline, support network and professional help.
  4. Declutter your home. This is the time to decide what you would like in your life in your next home. This is the time to let go of unwanted, unused and unloved items, whether you decide to sell or donate them. Doing this work up front helps manage the move and your time at the other end.
  5. Determine whether you will need a storage solution for this transition period. To note, sometimes putting things into storage delays inevitable decisions that need to be made about various items, while also adding to your expenses.
  6. Trust in the process of letting go of belongings and items so that you can move forward with what is important to you now at this stage in life.
  7. If it all seems too much, consider hiring professional help, we are here to help you expertly navigate your transition!

During this pandemic, nothing is “normal” as we know it, which brings about anxiety and unease. If making changes in your home helps alleviate some of this stress, this is your time. These are big decisions to make, and if doing it alone seems too stressful, please reach out to us at Simply Home Downsizing, we are always here to help.

Three things to do before you declutter your home - Decluttering and Organization services from Simply Home in Toronto

Ready to Declutter Your Home? Take These 3 Steps First

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Feeling pressured to declutter your home during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Ready to declutter and let go of the things that you no longer need, use or love?

Want to feel lighter and more in control of your belongings?

If you are ready to act, here are three steps to follow BEFORE you start decluttering that will help maximize your efforts, increase your efficiency, and ultimately lead to more success in the process.

To note: While it is important to prepare, it is also important not to let this become the barrier in your decluttering efforts. Don’t get too caught up in the planning! Follow these simple steps and then it’s time to simply begin.

Three Steps Before You Start Decluttering

  1. Know “Why” You’re Decluttering

“Why am I doing this?” and “How do I want to feel afterwards?” are two key questions to ask yourself, as your answers will guide you forward.

Whether you want to feel less burdened by your belongings, have more control of your environment, create more free time, or something else, knowing your motivation for decluttering is a crucial first step.

To determine your “why”, you may want to think about what adds value to your life, as opposed to what depletes and adds stress to it.  You may want to close your eyes and truly envision how your home will look, feel and function when it is decluttered. Visual clarity helps immensely in getting us closer to where we want to be.

Breaking this step down into smaller steps is also helpful. For instance:

  • “I’d like to make healthier meals at home” translates into creating a functional, easy-to-access pantry of healthy items for the whole family.
  • “I’d like to enjoy my living room again” translates into finding a practical home for your kid’s toys that are strewn all over the floor.
  • “I’d like to see my desk” translates into finding a proper system to sort, organize and manage paperwork. Imagining the function and form of each space and working backwards from there will help your decluttering efforts.

  1. Develop a Decluttering Plan: How, When, Where, Who

Once you know why you want to declutter and know how you want to feel, you need a plan to help you stay on track. You will want to think through the how, when, where and who of your decluttering plan.

How:

There are so many different decluttering strategies to choose from and picking which one works best depends on your personality, work style, time availability and goals. You can declutter by type of item (all winter clothing in your house, all memorabilia, etc.) or declutter room by room. This is when you can also decide if you are decluttering on your own, with family or friends, or with professional help.

When:

Depending on how much time you have, you may spend a few hours every day for a week, commit 1-2 full days to get it all done, or do a combination of the two. You may find once you get started, you won’t want to stop! Again, there is no one size fits all. Know yourself and your abilities. Adding decluttering to your calendar will help make it a priority and help you avoid the “it’s not the right time” way of thinking.

Where:

This may seem obvious, but it is important to make space for your keep, toss, donate, recycle, and action items, as visually seeing what you have all laid out helps in decision-making. Once you are done decluttering, move items out of sight to avoid second-guessing yourself. Quickly box or bag unwanted items and move them out of your house to avoid any lingering. Keeping a permanent donate box, bin or bag that is easily accessible makes it easy to add unwanted items at any time. Once it’s full, away it goes

Who:

Determining who will want your unwanted items is important to consider during your decluttering. It saves time and possible frustration at the end.

  • Donating: think about which donation centres accept what you have and when you can take items there.
  • Selling: think about where you will sell items and if it is really worth your time.
  • Returning: pack up items and put them in your car or wherever you keep shopping items. After all your hard work, you do not want a pile of unwanted items cluttering up your home.

Setting realistic expectations while developing your decluttering plan is key. This will help you stay motivated to complete the work!  Usually certain areas of a home are easier to declutter than others. For instance, closets and kitchens are normally faster and easier than mementos and books.  Bathroom items are usually easier than paperwork. Knowing that it often takes longer than we think to declutter and organize effectively, leave yourself enough time and energy to do it well. Decluttering is more of a marathon than a sprint, so stay realistic and don’t forget to celebrate your wins.

  1. Prepare your decluttering supplies

You don’t need too many supplies to declutter. But having these essential items will help make the process easier and more efficient:

  • Big bags for trash, recycling and soft donate items
  • Boxes for hard donate items
  • Clear bins with lids of varying sizes for organizing items you are keeping
  • Green tape and a marker to label your bins and boxes
  • Stay hydrated, enjoy yummy snacks, listen to motivating music and enjoy the process

Following these three steps before you begin to declutter will help you declutter quickly, efficiently and effectively.

If it all seems too much, call Simply Home Downsizing at 416-819-1576. We offer services for decluttering, estate clearing, staging and more.

wardrobe

Create a Simplified Wardrobe You’ll Love

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Is 2020 the year to create a wardrobe that you love, that lasts, and is a true expression of who you are? If so, it is possible to create a sustainable and exciting wardrobe by taking into account these five elements.

  1. Set Your Intention – Envisioning the Future

First, being as honest as you can, you’ll want to reflect on how you feel about your wardrobe right now. Do you feel overwhelmed by the amount of clothes you own? Paralyzed by having to make daily wardrobe decisions? Guilty for not wearing what you have? All of these are common feelings to have when it comes to our wardrobes.

Now, envision how you want to feel after creating a wardrobe that suits you, your body, and your current lifestyle. Often, feeling more decisive, intentional, and excited about our clothing is a strong motivator for change. Specific examples include, “I will only keep, and wear clothing and accessories that make me feel confident and authentic” or, “I want to hang up all my clothes in one closet and never search for items again”.

  1. Acknowledging Rationalizations – This is Emotional!

Knowing how you want to feel, and look, is a great start, but we all know that rationalizations (aka excuses) are powerful forces that can easily sidetrack us. Just when we think we’re ready to let go, these “reasons” tend to get in the way of our purge:

  • This will fit when I lose weight
  • I should have one of these – doesn’t everyone?
  • This item cost a lot of money and I’ve barely worn it
  • This was a gift and I feel really guilty letting it go
  • This trend will come back one day, they always do
  • I’ll need this if I get invited to a special occasion
  • I may need this if I overuse/lose the “good” ones
  • It’s sentimental and part of my personal history
  • It’s something I wore before or may wear in the future
  • My child/cousin/friend might want it

These rationalizations can be very powerful saboteurs in our quest for less and must be addressed if we are going to cleanse our closets properly. It is best to acknowledge that our emotional attachment to our wardrobes can run deep, and it takes determination and commitment to work through these challenges to reach our goals.

  1. Implementing a Strategy – Time to Act!

Realize that you will have to overcome challenges inherent in a closet cleanse. Start your decluttering with an easy category such as socks. Gather all like items from ALL places in your home (i.e. gym bags, office, back door, closet) and put them into piles. Once you gain momentum, then move onto another category.

On your own or with someone else (non-judgmental is key!), hold up each item and ask yourself:

  • Do I like this?
  • Do I wear this?
  • Does it make me FEEL good?
  • If I didn’t own this already, would I buy it again? How much would I pay for it?

Decide if the item is for keep, donate, sell, consign, repair, return, etc. Have clear bags ready along with green tape and a sharpie for labelling. With your piles in place, ruthlessly decide what goes back into your closet and drawers. Then, donate unwanted clothes, plan a clothing swap, put returns in your car – do whatever  it takes to get the items out of your home without delay! Celebrate your progress and keep going!

  1. Capsule Wardrobe

Capsule wardrobes are a popular topic lately, and it’s no wonder given our realization that having too many clothes and accessories can be extremely stressful. Creating a capsule wardrobe is a specific type of closet cleanse that involves clearing out unwanted or unused clothes and replacing them with a small number of highly versatile garments, that can be worn together.

As everyone has different tastes and needs, there are many ways to create a capsule wardrobe. However, these tips will help in any situation:

  • Decide on a number you can work with and choose clothes and accessories accordingly. i.e. choose 50 items to wear each season. Replace old pieces with new ones when needed.
  • If decluttering is difficult, put items in a “maybe box” and place the box out of sight for 1 to 3 months. If you haven’t needed, wanted or thought about the items after the time has passed, you can let go of them guilt-free, knowing you won’t miss or need them.
  • You can also try out a capsule wardrobe for a month or two. Put your other clothes out of sight and only use the clothes in your capsule. See how it feels after the time has passed and decide your next steps.

Do your best to only keep the things you love, hold happy or important memories for you, you wear often, feel good in and suit your personal style.

  1. Benefits

After deciding, sorting, decluttering, and letting go of clothing and accessories, hopefully you will feel some of these wonderful benefits:

  • Less decision fatigue because choosing what to wear becomes less stressful
  • More organized and clutter-free closets and drawers
  • Less spending money, more saving money!
  • Increased self-confidence knowing your wardrobe has been intentionally chosen
  • Regain control of your style and no longer be a slave to fashion trends
  • Increased self-confidence learning about your personal style

Whether you create a capsule wardrobe or simply declutter your closet, remember to be purposeful with your purchases so you add things to your wardrobe that will work well for you and you’ll wear often.

If you find that you could benefit from professional support, we are here to help! Please contact us for more information.

Heirloom Avalanche Simply Home Downsizing

Preparing for an “Heirloom Avalanche”

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What do families do when one generation wants to pass on their “valuable” family heirlooms to a younger generation, but there are no takers?

As someone in the “sandwich generation” (raising my own child while also caring for my aging parents), I think about the day when my parents (ages 77 and 84) will be moving out from their house of 50+ years. Their decision might be to downsize due to financial concerns, reduced mobility, increased health-care requirements, or social isolation.

Whatever the reason, there will be many decisions to make, including what to do with the many items accumulated over the years. Some will be easier to deal with than others  – furniture can be sold, clothing and household items can be donated, papers can be recycled, but what will my sister and I do with the items that my parents want to “keep in the family”, as family heirlooms, passed down from one generation to the next?

An Aging Population 

Statistics Canada reports that 1,000 Canadians will be turning 65 every day for the next 20 years, which means a significant increase in downsizing, and by extension, an increase in the desire to find new homes for heirloom treasures. The “heirloom avalanche” is happening and will only continue to grow as baby boomers age and try to purge and pass on their heirlooms to their children or someone else.

Learning to Say No  

I wonder how I can I say “no” to the china set? The brass collection? The end tables from Colombia? The crests from Hungary? Don’t get me wrong, my parents have great taste and there are several items I know my sister and I will enjoy keeping in our families (I do love the Colombian dish set and decorative brass wall plate!), but there is simply too much stuff for us to take. We don’t have room for it all – real estate in my house is valuable – and with more focus on decluttering, living with less, and choosing experiences over stuff, many “treasured heirlooms” that would have been passed down through the generations, may have reached the end of their life.

But how to say “thanks, but no thanks” to the items my parents feel are special and valuable, and want to pass down, without hurting their feelings?

How to Prepare

What can families do to prepare for a possible “Heirloom Avalanche”?

  • Protect your relationships. Be honest and open about the process and discuss how you will proceed as a family.
  • Sort through family items together, reminiscing and reflecting on their meaning along the way. Often taking the time to do this eases the process of letting family heirlooms go.
  • Donate special items to charities and organizations you and your family feel strongly about.
  • Sell your special items in an auction, consignment shop or online (i.e. Kijiji, Facebook Buy & Sell groups).
  • Hire someone to coordinate a contents sale, either online (i.e. Maxsold) or onsite. The cost is usually based on a commission split of items sold.
  • Book an antique dealer or appraiser to visit your house, look at your treasures and make you an offer.
  • Hold a garage sale, which is a good way to connect with neighbours and locals, but not always the best way to make money. Successful garage sales require time and energy, not to mention good weather!

How We Can Help

When dealing with family heirlooms, the key is to take it step by step to determine what works best for these special items. Letting go of items that no longer fit your lifestyle, at any age, is a challenge. As professional organizers, we can help support your process, avoiding the stress of an heirloom avalanche down the road.

Whether you need to organize your own space, help a loved one move into a smaller home, or manage an estate clearing, our team of experienced professionals will guide you carefully and comfortably to your desired result. Contact us today  to learn more about our services.

Until Next Time,

~ The Simply Home Downsizing Team

essentialism simply home toronto downsizing

More Clarity, Less Clutter Through Essentialism

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Do you ever feel the relentless pressure to do, and have, it all? Or feel overwhelmed by the prospect of de-cluttering and pairing down what you own? Do you find it hard to keep your momentum going once you start?

If you are committed to de-cluttering your belongings, streamlining your space, and letting go of the things you no longer need, these feeling are natural. To combat what I deem progress inhibitors, you may want to consider the way of the Essentialist.

Based on ideas of Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown and my own personal experiences as an organizer, the philosophy of “less, but better” truly can help. It allows us gain more clarity, control and joy throughout the process of streamlining our space, belongings, and life.

So, what is Essentialism? According to McKeown, it’s the “systematic discipline of exploring what is absolutely essential, eliminating everything else, and executing a clear plan towards success.”

Why choose essentialism?

By doing so, we can actively choose to live by design; rather than by default, and reclaim control over our choices. Sounds like a great approach. But as we know, it’s not always easy to implement good ideas. Realistic goals must be set, decisions must be made, and courage is required.

McKeown teaches that the essentialist uses a disciplined 3-step approach to evaluate the use of any given thing in your life. Using a closet bursting at the seams with clothes, accessories and more (feel free to substitute any other cluttered space you might have!), below is an example of how to tackle the de-cluttering of that closet using this approach.

Step 1: Explore and Evaluate

Start with your end goal in mind. Ask yourself: How do I want to feel when I open my closet? What items need to be easily accessible? How do I deal with things I no longer need or use? How much time and effort should/can I put into this process? What will be my biggest challenge in all of this?

Step 2: Eliminate

Actively sort clothes & accessories into keep, donate and undecided piles. For the undecided pile, pick up each item and ask, “Would I buy this item at full price if I didn’t already have it?” “Does this item bring me joy?” (Thanks Marie Kondo for popularizing this phrase!) And “Is this representative of me at this time in my life?”

Step 3: Execute

Systematize your actions to stay sorted, tidy and organized. Maybe it’s a one item in, one item out policy, or a monthly purge or seasonal edit – do whatever works for you. Keeping a reusable bag close by for unused items and making sure you know where and when to drop off/donate these things, helps. Removing obstacles (i.e.: not enough time, competing interests, lack of initiative, feeling overwhelmed) and celebrating small wins (i.e.: “I donated two bags to a women’s shelter”) are keys to staying motivated and committed to the process.

This 3-step Essentialist approach takes focus, commitment and stamina to be carried out successfully. Knowing what activities and efforts are needed to keep progressing is key. It ensures that there will be fewer roadblocks in the way.

“It’s like dislodging a boulder at the top of a hill – all it takes is a small shove and then momentum naturally builds,” says McKeown.

Keep At It!

Sometimes we get off to a great start, but then become stuck in indecision. It usually sounds something like this: “I may need this in the future,” “My grandmother gave this to me,” or “My kids might want this.” What to do then?

Try the 90 percent rule. When making decisions, think about the single most important criterion for that decision and give it a score between 0 – 100. If you rate it below 90, it automatically becomes a 0 and you reject it – no more should I or shouldn’t I with something that rates 65%! So, if wearability is your most important criterion, pick up the item, score it out of 100. If it scores above 90, keep it, if below 90, time to let it go.

Although our lives aren’t static like the clothes in our closet, we can use the same Essentialist approach of exploring & evaluating options, eliminating the unnecessary, and executing the plan when it comes to making life decisions. Only we know what is essential in our lives, and hopefully an essentialist approach can help us achieve more clarity and joy, with less stress and clutter. In order to live to our highest potential. Remember, less but better.

Whether you need to organize your own space, help a loved one move into a smaller home, or manage an estate clearing, our team of experienced professionals will guide you carefully and comfortably to your desired result. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

~ The Simply Home Team

Spring Into Spring Organizing!

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Is anyone else excited about the arrival of spring? More fresh air, outdoor time, daylight hours, warmer temperatures, open windows…there is something very motivating about this seasonal change!

It’s also great when you can harness this energy to organize, declutter and get your home spring–ready.

Before starting, follow this 3-step preparation process to help you manage what is coming up ahead!

  • Step 1: Organize and declutter, deciding what to keep and what is no longer needed or used.
  • Step 2: Set aside categorized bins and boxes to ease the “letting go” part – recycling, garbage, donation, electronic waste, toxic chemicals, and action (i.e.: return to Mom, fix zipper, find charger, etc.).
  • Step 3: Just do it! Go to the donation or e-waste centre, take out recycling, return items, etc.

Now you’re ready to tackle the 5 key areas below, and feel the benefits of a spring organizing effort.

1. Closet Clearout

The Front hallway/closet changeover is often the busiest place in the house. Before storing your winter gear (in labeled, clear plastic bins OR at the far end of the closet), go through ALL items and decide what to keep, let go of, or donate, and then place into designated areas/bins. Out with the bulky winter coats, boots and gear and in with the lighter jackets, raingear, and boots!  Doing this usually means more space in the closet – and less stuff you are not going to wear next year, or any year after that!

2. Clothing Declutter

Clothes take up a lot of space, time and effort so make sure you, and your family members, keep only what fits and what they will wear, now.  Go through your clothing and ask, “Will I wear it? “Do I like it?” “Does it make me feel good?” and determine what to keep, let go of, or donate. Once you know what you actually need, pack all your winter clothes into a labeled clear bin and store. Repeat this process for family members who don’t do this on their own! Unwanted items? Take them to your local donation centre/consignment shop and feel more organized AND less cluttered.

3. Kitchen Flow

What makes us happiest in the kitchen, besides good food? Easy to get & use kitchen items to make the good food! The most functional kitchens are the ones where the appliances, utensils & accessories are close at hand, accessible and easy to use. Make sure everything in your kitchen has a designated home – and put things back where they belong! Group all “like” items together – all mugs together by your coffee maker, all breakfast items within easy morning reach, etc. Donate any duplicate items (can openers anyone?) and keep only what you really need and use. For spring, put your outdoor items (pitchers, bbq gear, etc.) nearby so they are easy to reach and enjoy!

4. Garage Control

Get in there and determine what you need for spring, and let go of any holdovers from who knows when. Put away the winter shovels, de-icers, winter mats, skis, toboggans, etc. to make room for your spring sports equipment, camping gear, gardening & lawn care supplies, outdoor furniture. Use hooks and peg boards on the wall for as many items as you can. Let go of anything that’s broken, or no longer useful in your life now. Curbside recycling is fast an easy! For more expensive items you no longer need, consider selling online or taking them to a local church, school or parent group spring sale.

5. Containing Kids Stuff

Kids clothing, books, sports gear and toys have a unique way of expanding…rapidly! To calm the chaos of too much kids stuff, think about what they actually need and use now, and let go of the rest. Donating unwanted items to a school, daycare, church, or community centre, selling items online, or taking items to a consignment store are all ways to feel more organized. Making a seasonal list of what your child needs, going through their items to see what’s missing, and then buying only what’s needed, is a great (and cost-effective!) way to stay organized. Another tip is to create a “kids donation” bin, fill it as things are no longer needed, and donate items appropriately.  Kids need less than we think to be happy.

Harnessing the energy of spring to organize, de-clutter, minimize and downsize is a great way to create more calm and order in your life. Best is to simply start and see how good you feel as you let go of things and create systems that work – for you and your family. Enjoy prepping your outdoor items for their spring awakening!

One last bonus tip: buy some fresh flowers to add freshness and colour to spring’s arrival – enjoy!

Whether you need to organize your own space, help a loved one move into a smaller home, or manage an estate clearing, our team of experienced professionals will guide you carefully and comfortably to your desired result. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

~ The Simply Home Team

Harmonize Your Home for Increased Happiness

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When you think about how you want your living or working space to look and feel, what words come to mind? Organized, tidy, functional, calming, stress-free? All of the above?!

As organizers, we work collaboratively with our clients towards meeting many of the goals above, which is truly satisfying, but there is another one to add to the list when thinking about decluttering, organizing, downsizing, or streamlining your space, and that is the concept of “harmony”.

Harmony, “the quality of forming a pleasing and consistent whole” is likely not a new concept for most people, but in the context of organizing, it has the power to truly change how you, and your brain, feel about your space.

In her fascinating book Joyful – The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things To Create Extraordinary Happiness, http://www.aestheticsofjoy.com/the-book/ designer Ingrid Fetell Lee shares her findings and ideas on what makes people happy through their choice of objects, colours, patterns, and placement. As a professional organizer, I was struck by the stories she shares about the impact harmony can have on our senses, moods and dispositions, not to mention the power that simple choices have on our overall wellbeing and happiness.

As Fetell Lee describes it, “harmony offers visible evidence that someone cares enough about a place to invest in it.” When we consider organizing, downsizing or decluttering, we are often trying to

“lighten our load”, letting go of things that no longer serve us, or our space. We have an internal sense of the order we crave, but are not always sure how to create it. Just as easily, we can see, and feel, disorder, which can bring up feelings of powerlessness, loss of control, hopelessness, anxiety, and depression.

Another story Fetell Lee shares is the behaviour change that occurred among inmates at a women’s prison once broken white shower tiles were replaced with brightly coloured tiles. Once the new tiles were in place, no more were broken, inmates used the showers more often and reports of “unlawful behavior” were reduced. Can adding a bit of colour really prevent property damage? According to the “Broken Windows Theory”, which says that if something looks damaged, broken, or unkept, people won’t respect it and, in turn, make poor decisions.  Adding a touch of beauty in the form of a colour pattern, adds to a more harmonious feel, which in turn encourages people to respond positively.

Why is that? According to the Gestalt principle of Similarity, the brain perceives objects with similar characteristics (colour, shape, size, material) as a group, which makes it less stressful and more pleasing to our senses. These brain connections make us feel more balanced, grounded, and calm, rather than disorganized, overwhelmed, and frustrated.

So, how can we create more harmony in order to feel more balanced, grounded, and calm?

 

  1. Add potted plants to both sides of an object such as a mirror, sculpture, or end table
  2. Group similar objects together; create a photo wall displaying varying frame sizes & photos
  3. Showcase strong repeating patterns as seen in geometric artisan textiles & checkerboard patterns
  4. Arrange objects in a grid, such as candles of various sizes all lined up on the mantle
  5. Coordinate colours. Arrange all of your blue objects, textiles, and décor in one area
  6. Match hangers; use identical hangers facing the same way, which is easy on the eyes & brain
  7. Hang mobiles which call us to look upwards and appreciate a vertical diversion
  8. Add horizontal stripes on a wall to open up the space and create structure for our brain
  9. Colour code books so the eye moves from one section to another seamlessly, creating joy
  10. Add circles where you can, as they represent motion, possibilities, and joy

If your space is an outward symbol of inner harmony, incorporating these elements into your overall plan makes sense. Our brain processes the patterns, rhythms and structures of harmony naturally, as they are easy on the eye, make us feel more relaxed, and ultimately, make us feel happier.