Organizing to Move Archives - Page 4 of 5

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 Toss out all outdated spices, baking supplies, stale cereal, etc.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

Getting It Together FAQ’s – Part 3

Thank you for sending in your questions. It is really fun getting them and then answering them for everyone. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions that I have received.

Q- I have a basket full of keys. I do not know what they are for. What shall I do?

A- Keep a key for a year. If you do not need it within that year I am guessing you will never need it. If you know what a key if for make sure you label it.

Q- How can I keep my freezer organized?

A- Let’s chat about the freezer that is attached to your kitchen fridge as opposed to a deep freeze. Have same size containers. Fill them with let’s say berries. Label them and freeze. None of this tossing items into the freezer without labeling them. You want your freezer to be user friendly for the whole family. You might remember what is in that unmarked container but no one else will.

Q- What shall I do with my grown kids baby teeth? I saved them. Stored them and now what?

A- Ask yourself this question “what is the purpose of keeping them?” Keep asking yourself that question until you come up with a really good answer. If your children do not want them and you do not want them then TOSS!

Q- I’ve downloaded all my music CD’s onto my iPod. What should I do with the CD’s and cases?

A- As long as you have a backup in your computer you can donate, sell or give away your CD’s. There is no point in keeping them if you are using only your iPod for music.

Q- I have all my dolls from when I was a little girl. What should I do with them?

A- Are your dolls in a box or are they on display? Most often they are in a box in the crawl space or attic. These types of items fall into the sentimental “clutter”. Is it safe to say that keeping one very special doll would be good? Pass the rest on with love. Be sure to take a photo of them before passing on. Keep the memory but not the item.

I thought my granddaughters would like my dolls. No such luck. They wanted new up to date dolls.

Q- What shall I do with all my shoes? In our culture we do not keep our shoes in our clothes closet. I have shoes all over the front entrance and even outside.

A- No matter where you store your shoes you will want a shoe rack of some sort. There are wire, weatherproof handy ones that would fit nicely in the front entrance. I’ll have to take her a picture of one next time I head to the post office. There are also really neat ones that hang over a door.

Q- I get asked this a lot. Is your last name really “LIST?”

A- Yes, I was born with that name. I tried to come up with a company name that would incorporate my last name. So far no luck. If you have any ideas please send them my way. For now I am sticking with the company name of “Getting it Together”

Q- How long does it take to get organized?

A- How long did it take for you to get disorganized? How fast can you make decisions? How big is the project? How much time do you have to dedicate to getting organized? These are just some of the questions I ask my clients prior to us getting started. For example: A clothes closet that has not been organized or culled for let’s say ten years would take at least 4 hrs to get organized.

Q- What should I do with the old love letters from my high school boyfriend?

A- Is he the guy you are with now? Would you like anyone else to see or read these letters? For example your current partner/spouse. Then ask yourself this “what is the purpose of keeping these letters?” If you decide to keep them, put them in your memorabilia box.

Q-What shall I do with chipped glasses or dishes I have in my cupboard?

A- Funny how we keep those chipped glasses or dishes yet never use them. If we need a glass we move the chipped glass to one side and get a non chipped glass. You would NEVER give a guest a chipped glass or cracked plate. TOSS the chipped items away. You cannot even donate them because it is dangerous to use a cracked or chipped plate. It might break in your hand or your children’s hand.

What is your burning question? What is your biggest organizing obstacle? 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|2020-06-07T20:52:46+00:00June 8th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization|2 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

What to do when a family member has passed away – checklist

The death of a loved one imposes cruel demands on the closest survivors. You need time and space to handle your emotions, gather your thoughts and say goodbye. Demands are suddenly coming from all sides.

You need to make quick decisions, from funeral arrangements to financial matters, from how to feed out-of-town guests to what to say in the obituary. None of us likes to think about dealing with this sort of thing, however the reality is that at some point in our lives we will probably have to.

It is difficult to think of practical matters when there is a death in the family. There are important things to be taken care of that may have significant effect on the rest of the family’s future. This is where being organized is extremely beneficial.

The following is a checklist of steps to be taken by the survivors and/or executors:

Obtain an original copy of the deceased person’s last will. Notify the executor. (If at this date your will is outdated or you do not have one please treat this as a reminder to get the job done.) Did you know that 55 – 60 % of adults do not have a will?
Make funeral/memorial arrangements.
Put notifications in the local paper. Contact close friends and family. Ask them to spread the word.
Obtain certified copies of the death certificate. Make a few copies. You will need them.
Notify the life insurance agent/company. Look into notifying the house insurance and car insurance companies.
Search likely places (safety deposit box, brief case, desks, filing cabinets, safes, etc) for important papers such as stocks, bonds, bank records etc. This is where it is really helpful if the person is “organized”. You might want to consider having all of your important documents and papers in one file marked “Important Papers”.
Notify your lawyer and accountant.
Cancel SIN #, passport, credit cards, and any services such as phone, cell phone, newspaper delivery, bottled water delivery, etc. Keep an eye open for any pre- authorizations. You do not want the Hydro being cut off if there was a pre-authorization going on the credit card you just cancelled.
Inform the employer to check on benefits available under group plans and or pensions.
Contact the local Canada/American pension office to arrange a claim for any benefits available.
Start collecting material related to income tax. A final return will need to be done.
Contact CPP (Canadian Pension Plan) and OAP (Old Age Pension).
Remove deceased person’s name from any joint bank accounts.
Contact companies where the person has any unpaid debts or loans.
Send notices to business associations, clubs and other organizations to which the person belonged.
Verify all debts and determine cash on hand.
Downsize the persons belongings. This is not something that needs to be done right away unless they are in a rental unit. At which point you will want to give notice to the rental company.
Accept help from family and friends. If people offer to cook, clean, sort, drive, make calls whatever. Accept it with gratitude.
Take time for self care. When there is a death in the family it usually brings some level of stress. Take time for a relaxing bath, coffee with a friend, an afternoon nap or a walk. You will be better able to take care of all the items on the above checklist.
Ask for help. If you are having troubles coping with the loss of a loved one (and who wouldn’t) seek out the help of a grief counselors. I work with a couple of very well educated, compassionate, and qualified counselors.

I am available to help you get your papers in order so that it’s easy as possible for both you and your loved ones in the event of illness or death or any other type of tragedy.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:48+00:00May 28th, 2012|Organizer, Organizing to Move|0 Comments

How to organize a coat closet by Rowena List Professional Organizer and Speaker

When was the last time you organized your coat closet? When the season changed? Four seasons ago? When you moved in? Not sure how to organize a coat closet?

Has your closet become a dumping ground for more than coats? When doing my hands on organizing I find some of the most interesting things in the hall coat closet. After you learn how to organize a coat closet I would love to hear what your best find is. I’m guessing you’ve got something interesting hiding in there too! image via M I T C H Ǝ L L

Please take a moment to watch this short video on how to organize a coat closet.

These quick and easy tips can be done in 15 minutes or less.Why not set the timer and go for it.

I get asked to help organize a lot of coat closets. It is a favorite spot for dust bunnies not to mention old, non fitting coats,boots,hats and mittens.

Be sure to donate any items that are no longer serving you or your family members.Feeling stuck? I’ll come and help you. All you have to do is ASK and book me.

I’ll show you in no time flat how to organize a coat closet.

What is the most interesting thing you have found in your coat closet? Please leave your comment 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|2020-06-07T20:52:48+00:00May 15th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization, Time Management|0 Comments

Storage Locker Auction Part 1 by Rowena List Professional Organizer and Speaker

Have you seen that TV show called “Storage Wars?

It features a storage locker auction.

Have you ever been to a storage locker auction?

I had the opportunity of attending a storage locker auction.

It was so interesting to watch the people as they pulled out their flashlights and sniffed around the lockers. What where they looking for? A valuable treasure or two. A storage locker auction brings out people looking to find that one in a million valuable forgotten item.

Check out this video for some of the top secrets on how to organize a storage locker.

There is a time and place for storage lockers.

Do you have one?

How long have you had it?

I helped a client downsize her storage locker. We came across a 20 pound bag of rice that had been in there for over 5 years. Good thing there were no mice with it! What do you have in your storage locker?

Are you needing help with your storage locker? Please contact me for a FREE phone consultation. We will discuss your needs and how to move forward.

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|2020-06-07T20:52:48+00:00April 24th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move|0 Comments

Storage Locker Auction Part 2 by Rowena List Professional organizer and Speaker

After spending a morning at a storage locker auction I thought it would be fun to do a video.

Do you have a storage locker?

What does it look like? What is hiding inside your storage locker? Would people at a storage locker auction be excited at the haul inside? Would a storage locker auction crowd find that hidden valuable in your locker.

Want to avoid be the subject of a storage locker auction?

Is it time to clear it out? Is it time to downsize and get rid of it?

One of the clients at the storage locker auction shared that he was going to take all the items and sell them. It is interesting how we all think our things are so valuable and important yet we keep them in storage. We might not even go to the storage locker or it might end up in a storage locker auction. I hope this is not the case with YOU!

What is the most interesting thing you are storing? Love to hear in the comment box below.

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|2020-06-07T20:52:48+00:00April 24th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move|0 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

Help a Friend & Help Yourself (to Cash)!

Would you like to earn some extra cash?

Who do you know who is always late?

Would you like to help a friend?

Who do you know who is always looking for their car keys, cell phone or any other misplaced items

Who do you know who is always complaining about being stressed,wanting more time or has no money?

Who do you know who needs to downsize?

Please send them my way!

It’s a great way to help a friend!

It is as simple as one, two, three.

ONE: Think about who you know that would benefit from my hands on organizing services, or from my by-the-minute phone coaching services.

TWO: Fill in the form below with your referrals contact information. I will contact your friend and offer them a FREE 15 minute phone consultation. In the FREE phone consultation we will discuss their organizing and productivity needs.

Your referrals will be given a top secret organizing tip that they can use right away. And of course, they are under NO obligation to hire me. However, if they do decide to move forward with clearing their clutter and increasing their productivity, you will get paid!

THREE: Receive CASH! That’s right. You will receive 10% of your referral’s total invoice back in the form of CASH.

It’s a WIN-WIN. You will be doing your friend a huge favor by giving them a FREE 15-minute session with me, and if they decide to purchase any of my services, you will earn some cash!

Fill in the form below now. This could be the best gift you ever give your family and friends.