Tag Archives: Declutter

There Are Benefits Of Downsizing

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Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels.com

You spend a large part of your life and hard-earned money on the concept of the American dream, buying and living in your forever home. Your home is a special place, filled with lots of memories, love, and tons of laughter. As you age, you might start asking yourself whether your home works with your changing daily routines and needs. 

To ease challenges and simplify living, you may want to consider downsizing. Downsizing can offer many financial and lifestyle benefits for seniors.

Why Downsize? Downsizing is the idea that your current space is more than you need and moving to a smaller space may fit your future needs better. Minimizing your living space and the amount of stuff you have can lead to less stress, lower living expenses, and a simpler overall life.

What to Look For. Before you downsize, create a list of your needs and wants in a new home. First and foremost, make sure you are moving to a space where you feel safe and comfortable. If you are going from a single-family home to a condo, consider that you will now have neighbors and the style of living will be different, but sometimes different is good and can expose you to new things you would never enjoy if you didn’t downsize.

Also, consider your future health needs. You may no longer want or be able to go up and down the stairs easily, so consider a ranch-style home or a first-floor unit. Ensure you have optimal mobility in your new living space to help prevent accidents and falls.

YOUR FIRST STEP:

Declutter.  As we get older we seem to accumulate a lot of treasures over the years. Moving into a smaller space forces decisions on how to sort through treasures. There are some basic ways to streamline possessions when downsizing:

  • Determine what is going on with you
  • Give items to the adult children
  • Donate
  • Sell
  • Create 4 piles when decluttering  each space – K-T-D-S = KEEP TOSS DONATE SELL

Packing. If the senior and family members are packing up instead of using professional movers, there are a few tips to consider:

  • Pack one room completely before moving on. This means making the more difficult decisions up front without leaving items to decide on late in the process.
  • Pack dishes and glassware with care. Use extra packing paper and wrap each individual piece. Stack dishes vertically, not horizontally. Pad the container’s top and bottom with cloth or towels and mark the box “fragile.”
  • Pack essentials separately. Consider what will be needed in the first week in the new home—examples: medications, toilet paper, shower curtains, towels, and hand soap. Make sure you Label the boxes so that each container does not have to be opened to discover what is inside. Label each box with – WHAT ROOM DOES IT GO, CONTENT believe me as many times as I have moved your friends will appreciate these two bits of information.

Consider a portable storage unit or a moving pod, which will provide a less stressful experience because it can be loaded over time. Make sure when you’re setting a new budget for your new home – you budget this item.

Consider hiring professionals. There are Professional Organizers (like Lifestyle by Design) who specialize in assisting older adults and their families with the emotional and physical aspects of relocation or a transition in your lifestyle.

If you’re looking for guidance beyond this article today, my Coaching Programs can be customized just for you. Book a Complimentary Session to discuss what’s holding you back. I look forward to guiding you on your journey to achieve organized spaces in your home or business.

𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓕𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓵𝔂 𝓞𝓻𝓰𝓪𝓷𝓲𝔃𝓮𝓻, 𝓒𝓱𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓵

𝑾𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒖𝒔!

Call/Text 860.961.6824 or email envisionsdesigns@gmail.com for your free 1/2 hour complimentary consultation.

Let me coach you to transformation by getting rid of Clutter and bringing Clarity to your life. 

Declutter Tool

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picture-your-sentimental-possessionsDownload

Do you have “Those Items” around your house that don’t fit into your style but you can’t quite find it in your heart to depart with them? I remember years ago, a client had lost her father “the fisherman” when they cleared out his fishing cabin they brought home these freaking fish that were mounted onto a wooden plaque and would sing, and flip their fins . . . do you remember them from the 1980s?

Well, everyone and anyone must have brought him one of these fish that sang songs like; “Take me to the river” and many other hits! My client had a what I called a vintage-glamourous home decor – the fish did not have a home in her home to say the least – but, she had a hard time parting with them because they brought back funny memories to her when she and the family would spend time with their father at the cabin.

I created this form for her, she could take a picture of each of the plagued fish and write a funny memory to share with her family, children and grandchildren. I took the pictures had them developed at The Mystic Color Lab and together with her family they shared stories and laughs while attaching the pictures to the sheet, writing the stories, then inserting them into a report covers to be placed into the 3-ring binder I purchased for her.

I would laugh when I’d hear her grandchildren going through the book and telling stories that were half their imagination and the other half the facts . . . it was hilarious!

Download the form – Start sharing stories with pictures – Declutter the fun way!

Peace ♥ Harmony

Cheryl XO

20 Ideas To Declutter Before The Holidays

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20 Ideas To Declutter Before The Holidays

I know . . . it may feel a bit unusual to declutter before the holidays. It took some time but I had finally convinced my organizing clients if you declutter and organize the home BEFORE the holidays you would actually enjoy the season with the family.

Let’s showcase the home and your lifestyle to make room for the holiday festivities either in person or online. You get to choose how you participate in this most memorable holiday season. Being intentional with a clear mindset about how you will celebrate will create a most meaningful holiday with family and friends near and afar.

Declutter the home before the holidays: 20 Ideas to create a mindful holiday

  1. Kitchen Pantry ~ Start in the pantry. There are probably things in there you don’t remember where they came from. Check the expiration date on the items to make sure it still good if it is and you won’t use it put items in a box and drop off at your local food bank. If they are currently NOT taking donation please consider making a monetary donation . . . Thanks!
  2. Closets ~  This is a wonderful time to look at the clothes you purchased in the last year. Will you wear it again? If no, give them to a friend, consign them, donate them or bring to a local thrift shop or Goodwill.
  3. Give Away Warmth ~  Take your extra winter coats, gloves, scarves, and socks (New) to a homeless shelter. Warmth is in high demand this holiday season.
  4. Books ~ I love giving books for gifts! I found this great idea from a vintage book I bought years ago; write a letter on the inside cover about why you choose the book for someone you care about. If you find it as hard as I do to let go of books, Dedicate them to a new heart & home helped me. Looking to re-gift this year ~ start with your books.
  5. Bye ♪ Bye ♫ Bye ♪ Gifts ~ Remember the gifts you ended up with at the company office holiday swaps – you never took them out of the box or bag. Say bye, bye, bye!
  6. Medicine Cabinet ~ Check the expiration dates on anything over a year long. Dump your old stuff responsibly.
  7. Design Items ~ What graces your shelves and countertops? If you’re going to do some holiday decorating it may be the best time to let go of some vases, candlesticks, and other decors you don’t use anymore. Yes To Less Dusting!
  8. Paper management ~ There will be pleather of incoming paper over the next couple of months catalogs, cards, to mention a few. Start the new year with a clean slate along with an organized area.
  9. Junk Drawers ~   Get into those junk drawers and toss all the things you’ve been holding onto – this is a great drawer to re-gift items for grandkids, nieces, nephews, coworkers. My mom used to say “One man’s junk is another’s treasure”.
  10. Make-up! ~ I think we all have simplified our make-up routines since Covid has been in town. Get rid of the stuff you aren’t wearing and don’t enjoy anymore. I want to add a Housekeeping note: this is a good time to replace or clean your make up brushes and wands. TIP: DAWN dish detergent (2 drops) works wonderfully!
  11. DIFY Goodies ~ Do It For Yourself crafts are a great escape. This is a whole season of some very different memories from those of the past. Make room to create scrapbooks, vision boards, crafts to celebrate the year 2020, to make it meaningful.
  12. Health Check-Ups ~ Schedule your routine appointments and screenings now so you don’t have to think about them. See if Tele-Health options are available – I do know at this point of the pandemic you have the option to ask your doctor, for a Tele-Appointment Great health makes life simpler.
  13. Burdens ~ Make sure you make room on your calendar for the things that make the holidays purposeful to you and your family by getting rid of the things that burden you.
  14. The Drama ~ I believe this is more important this year than any other year, clear up the family drama. You can simplify the gatherings you know that are coming either in person or over Zoom this year. This is brain clutter, clear mental clutter so you can welcome peace and calm back into your life. Without this brain clutter, you will become a more productive, happier, and all-around healthier soul.  
  15. Your Finance ~ Gift, events, travel and other seasonal items will put pressure on you to spend more. Assess your dollars now and make decisions about what you have to budget for the holidays. Avoid splurges and creating new debt for the coming year – be completely transparent and honest about your finances.
  16. Mental Clutter ~ This pre-season release of all of the mental clutter like perfection, comparison, doubts, and expectations will give the holiday season a chance to delight you and your family.
  17. Morning Chaos ~ Do you ever dream of a morning when having time to watch the leaves blow, the snowfall, or ocean waves rolling in? You can set your alarm clock earlier than usual then you can get up to listen to your favorite music, read a book, or quietly pray or meditate. Simplify the morning chaos and make time for YOU!
  18. Busy & Clutter life ~ Simple. Say Goodbye!
  19. The Guilt . . . Let it go! ~ Give and do what you can. Let go of any quilt that says it’s not enough. It is enough. YOU ARE ENOUGH.
  20.  Emails & Cell Phone ~ Clean up your phone by dumping apps and deleting old contacts. Unfollow and unsubscribe in order to make more space in your inbox and social feeds. To really show up this holiday season – show up UNPLUGGED (if you can).

Choose a few or all of these 20 ideas to declutter your lifestyle before the holiday season. Think about how you want to enjoy the holidays. Be intentional and mindful about what rituals, activities or traditions will make it meaningful for you.

Declutter now for less stress and a more merry and easier lifestyle!

Peace ♥ Harmony

Cheryl XO

#SuccessfulSaturday

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RelaxRefreshReconnect

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The Art of Placement _ (2)

4 Tips To Clutter Free

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Clear your Clutter Clear your Mind (1)

Make a decision now that everything that takes up space in your home has to have a purpose for being there.

Here is a simple CLUTTER TEST:

  1. Does it lift my energy when I think about it or look at it?
  2. Do I absolutely love it?
  3. Is it genuinely useful?
  4. Does it bring me joy?

If your answer to questions 1-4 is a definite NO, then what is it doing in your life?

Simple Challenge-of-the-Day:  Organize your Vanity Make-Up Drawer

Peace & Harmony ~ Cheryl

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Check out How to Work with Me for information about how my process works in order to bring you a Clean & Tidy space along with Peace of Mind!

Call or Text 860-961-6824 to start your journey of Home or Office organization today!

Comment me at  cchomeconcierge@gmail.com – we can talk about what the next step will be, you already made the first step. I’m so proud of you!

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Do You Call It A Yard Sale or Estate Sale?

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vintage chic dresser

It doesn’t matter what you call it, it can bring you Cha-Ching!

I don’t know about you, but this time of year always has me feeling like shedding that extra weight. I can’t help you lose weight, but I can help with the removal of clutter. You know, that weight that waits for you each time you enter your home or office.

Take a look at the flyer for simple tips to get you started on planning your “Yard or Estate Sale” this Spring – Setting Up an Estate Sale

It’s a great way to rid your home of stuff that no longer brings you joy, at the same time put a few coins in your pocket.

Peace & Harmony ~ Cheryl

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Are you looking to gain Clarity in your life? Comment me @ cchomeconcierge@gmail.com. We can talk about what the next step will be, you already made the first step. I’m so proud of you.

Like me here – Facebook – homeconciergeandorganizer

20% off First Concierge Service Booked – Offer good until 4/30/19

 

Show Your Clothes Some Love

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I just want to know one thing. . . Does Marie get pissed off like I do when the piece of clothing doesn’t freakin’ stand up . . . I know I know it means I didn’t fold right. Okay, Let me get back to finding my joy! Enjoy the folding session.

Here’s to your Image result for two wine glasses clinking clothing standing tall!

Peace & Harmony ~ Cheryl

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Are you looking to gain Clarity in your life? Comment me @ cchomeconcierge@gmail.com. We can talk about what the next step will be, you already made the first step. I’m so proud of you.

Like me here – Facebook – homeconciergeandorganizer

20% off First Concierge Service Booked – Offer good until 4/30/19

Are You Up For A Challenge?

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Its challenge time 2

This weekend I have a Simple but Powerful Challenge for you ~

You ready? Starting this weekend get rid of 1 pair of shoes that you’re not wearing because of style, fit, color . . . whatever the reason!

If you’re not wearing the shoes . . . if they’re not bringing you JOY get rid of them.

Give them away, consign them, toss them,  just make a decision about 1 pair of shoes this weekend. I was going to go a little drastic on this and say 2 pairs . . . but, one pair is enough for now.

How is this powerful? Because, just doing something small, a little tiny step toward the direction of a goal is Powerful.

If you get rid of 1 pair of shoes from now until the first summer weekend ( that’s comes to 13 pairs of shoes).  You will then find more room in your closet for the things you truly need and bring you JOY!

Remember an organizer is skilled to help keep you motivated towards the goal of “clearing clutter” throughout home or office.

Peace & Harmony ~ Cheryl

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Are you looking organization in your life? Comment me @ cchomeconcierge@gmail.com. We can talk about what the next step will be, you already made the first step. I’m so proud of you.

Like me here – Facebook – homeconciergeandorganizer

20% off First Concierge Service Booked – Offer good until 4/30/2019

Are You Trying To Do It All? Why?

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Why use a concierge service? Because trying to “do it all” is really hard…and stressful.

Like, trying to get to your kid’s soccer game (before it’s over!) when you still have to get across town to the dry cleaners before they close.

Or, trying to get a plumber for the clogged sink in the kitchen when you’re already running late to a business meeting.

Does This All Sound Familiar?

I get it, the constant pull you live with and the feelings of overwhelm, guilt, inadequacy and frustration that comes with it all.

Home and Business Concierges can help you with life, not just your lists!

All the Services 2

Peace & Harmony ~ Cheryl

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Are you looking to gain more time with whats most important in your life? Comment me @ cchomeconcierge@gmail.com. We can talk about what the next step will be, you already made the first step. I’m so proud of you.

Like me here – Facebook – homeconciergeandorganizer

20% off First Concierge Service Booked – Offer good until 3/31/2019