A Place for Everything ...

There are a few things that are the “foundations” of an organized home, ideas so basic that they seem like second nature to us, we don’t have to think about doing them, they just happen. But considering what we see when we arrive at someone’s house (and to be honest, see in the houses of friends and family … but we don’t judge!) these principles aren’t as basic as you might think. So, for a few posts we’ll cover what we consider the things that make a house “organized” and keep it that way.

If the idea of putting things back “where they belong” sounds like a nagging parent and sends chills down your spine, it may be time to rethink your reaction. You’re not a kid anymore and it’s your time and money that’s at stake.

Why bother ???

The simplest answer is … it saves time and money. How much time do you spend looking for things you know you have? How many times do you give up and just buy another one? We were working with clients recently, a young family, that was expecting a second child. They had a relatively good-sized house but limited storage space. Over time, the closets and drawers had filled to capacity and things got out of hand. Things were “put away” wherever there was room which caused some serious disorganization and frustration. The breaking point was when they came home from the store with groceries and everyday supplies and had nowhere to put them. A second child meant more “stuff”, more groceries and more supplies.

Their busy lifestyle and impending addition to the family meant the needed a helping hand. With a bit of manpower, we quickly moved from room to room, gathering like items and categories and creating space to store what we found. As we collected, the family was able to identify things to keep, donate and trash, creating even more space. We asked questions along the way to determine where best to keep things so that things were stored where THEY needed them, not where we thought they should be.

On our second day in the house, we had our big “aha” moment when the wife realized how easy it was to put things away (groceries, toys, papers, etc) because there was a defined spot for them. What had been a chore quickly became easy and satisfying. Items were removed from the shopping list when we “found” what they thought they needed.

 

From “ugh” to your own “aha”

Hunt and gather …

Sorting what’s in your house is perhaps the most tedious part of this process. You’ll be amazed at what you find and where you find it. The old saying “it gets worse before it gets better” may apply as you create “piles” of items and categories before you’ve created the space to organize and store them. Don’t get put off when this happens, it’s a natural part of things. Bins, bags and boxes help contain categories (especially the small stuff) while you make space and house the donations and trash you’ll find along the way.

Close at hand …

As you start to open up space, drawers, shelves, etc. think about where you use things most. Office supplies in a desk drawer is an obvious example, but things may not always be best where traditionally kept. Your family is unique and every home is different. Putting things where you and your family use them will make life easier. Getting others on-board with any new “system” is easier when it works naturally and doesn’t require changing how you think and act. Labeled bins make it easier to "remind" everyone where things go, especially for smaller items like phone chargers, office supplies and toiletries. 

Breaking the rules …

While most things are best grouped by category or use (vases, spices, candles, envelopes, stamps … the list is endless), it may not make sense to follow the rules for everything. Again, think about how you use things. I keep a flashlight in every room, close at hand if the power goes out. I keep pens and a pad of paper in a few places where I find I use them most. Breaking the rules as needed can make the system work better. Frequency of use is a good guide. Just because you needed an aspirin once while you were working in the garage doesn’t mean they’re needs to be a bottle there. But if you find yourself needing one often, perhaps it makes sense.

It takes a village …

Getting and staying organized is a group effort. You can lead but will struggle if others don’t follow. Get some buy-in early and motivate others to follow by talking up the benefits. Gathering can be a game …  who can find the most pens & pencils? Stand back and watch your family look for and use things to determine where things should go.

Overwhelmed? Get some help!

Most people wouldn’t try to paint the outside of their house. They don’t have the time, tools and expertise to accomplish. Organizing can be a big job with big benefits that might need some professional help. Professional organizing may not be the most well-known profession but companies exist in most communities throughout the US. A quick internet search will lead you to qualified professionals in your area. 

Deciding to help ...

We’ve all done it, started cleaning out a closet, garage or attic only to end up keeping way more than we wanted and feeling like we didn’t accomplish what we’d set out to. As you consider each item, you give up a few things freely but hesitate on so many more, ultimately holding on to things not so much because you love or need it but you don’t have enough motivation to let it go.

I’ll use a personal example to demonstrate. A few weeks ago, I was going through the storage room that came with my apartment. Having this room is both a good and bad thing, it is a place for useful things that don’t fit in my apartment and, unfortunately, things I don’t need but can’t seem to get rid of. Among the items I found was a small decorative tin box that I used to keep on my counter. As my taste changed, it got packed away with the other décor that no longer “fit in”. As I looked at it and tried to add it to the items I was donating, I hesitated and almost put it back in a box to spend a few more years in my storage room. I can honestly say that it would never have seen the inside of my apartment again. I ended up donating it later that afternoon.

So … what helped me make the right decision? I used a technique that we utilize with our clients but hadn’t applied to myself before. What did I do?

I selected a charity I wanted to support BEFORE I started cleaning out my storage room. The motivation of knowing that my decisions wouldn’t just affect me impacted my choices. Not all choices, that is. The things that were easy to get rid of were still easy, the things I wanted to keep because I felt a connection to them I still kept. It was the items that fell in between, I probably knew I should let them go but hesitated. Knowing that I was going to help a cause I believed in made it so much easier to let go, I hesitated far less and donated more.

Getting back to my tin box, I’ve considered donating it many times. I used to like it a lot and it was easier to keep it than to decide whether it should stay or go. I think that’s what fills up so many garages, attics and closets. It’s not stuff we necessarily love or need but things we don’t want to make a decision about. It’s simply easier to keep it. You need to give yourself a reason to make the decision. Helping others is a great reason! In my case the local children’s hospital needs support more than I needed to hold onto something I didn’t care about or use anymore. This hospital, CHKD in Norfolk, has a series of thrift stores in our area that generate $2.5 million dollars a year. That’s a sizable amount and a meaningful contribution to their mission.

Finding this motivation isn’t hard, and you only have to do it once. A quick internet search will help you find a charity that you can help. Once you find one, just remind yourself whenever you’re going to start going through something to “clean up”.

Do I miss my tin box? Not in the least!

Things to do NOW for a less stressful holiday season ... part 2

Continuing on with our holiday readiness plan, this week we’ll talk about the guest bath, whether you have a dedicated bathroom for guests or if they'll share with your family.

Second task – The guest bath

The following are true whether your guests will have their own bath or one shared with your kids :

·      Give the bathroom a good cleaning and decluttering - a little glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner and Tilex will go a long way to get rid of all the things that build up over time in the bathroom. Although you might have to spruce it up again right before company arrives, do the heavy cleaning now to make that job easier. Also, take time t go through all the drawers, shelves and cabinets to clear out all the mostly empty bottles and anything else that's not been used in the last year. Having some room for your guests to store their toiletries will make them feel welcomed and comfortable.

·      Create a “stash” of travel sized toiletries - whether you bring them back from a hotel you stayed at or purchase them at your local drug store, almost every product you could need is available in a travel size. Include a few new toothbrushes, nail files and a blow dryer in case your guests forget theirs.

·      Over the counter medicine – keep a supply of basic medicines in the guest bath, just in case. Tylenol (or its equivalent), cold/sinus and medications for “tummy trouble” can be a lifesaver for your guests.

·      Time for new towels? - check out your towels to see if it's time to replace any that are worn or discolored. There's nothing like a thick, fresh towel! While your looking at the towels, check out the shower curtain liner. Its something you don't see unless you shower in that bathroom. 

·       If you don't have a trash can, get one - it can be embarrassing to have to carry your trash through the house. Places like Bed, Bath & Beyond have attractive, reasonably priced alternatives for any décor. If you don't have a soap dispenser or cup, pick those up as well, your guests will appreciate those little luxuries.

·      Stock up - having a healthy supply of toilet paper, tissues and feminine products can prevent unnecessary embarrassment for you and your guests. Keep a plunger in every bathroom, when you need it you don't want to have to go looking (or asking).

Next up - the heart of the home, the kitchen ...

Things to do NOW for a less stressful holiday season

First off, let me clearly admit to having been a “part of the problem”. For many years I was directing the set-up of the Christmas shop and store decorations at your local department store. I know how you feel … ugh! Setting things up in September & October (and even sometimes August) for a December holiday seems excessive and hyper-commercial. Though there are some very good reasons stores do this , I'd personally have followed Nordstrom’s “day after Thanksgiving” mantra if it had been my choice. But my last name wasn't Macy (or Hecht or Thalhimer before that), so I did what the company I worked for asked me to do.

So, now free from that corporate oversight, why would I possibly suggest getting ready for the holidays so early? Well, because it makes sense. I'm not talking about setting up decorations now (PLEASE wait until a few weeks before each holiday for those). What I'm going to suggest are things you can do now that make the most hectic time of the year a bit less hectic, allowing you to enjoy the holidays you work so hard to celebrate.

I know what you're saying … you don't have time to do any of this stuff. So, the question I'd ask is this “Are you busier now than you will be the weekend before Thanksgiving? Or Christmas? I'd bet I know the answer. So, here's the first in a series of posts with some great projects to do now to save time (and stress) when the holidays come around.

Start with - Make room for guests

Some of us have an actual “guestroom” some don’t. Either way, there are things you can do now to make planned and unplanned overnight guests comfortable.

If you do have a Guestroom :

·      Clear out the clutter. A little bit of cleaning up is an easy way to give your guests a calm, relaxing spot to relax in. Clear away stacks of paper, magazines and anything else that’s unnecessary.

·      Clean out the closet. We all know that one of the first hiding spots for “stuff” is the guest room closet. It doesn't need to be empty, but should have room for your guests to hang a few things, put their shoes on the floor and stow their bag. Sometimes, you don't need to get rid of anything to make space, just organize what's there, but I'd guess you'll find lots of things to donate/trash in the process.

·      Empty a drawer or two. Again, you don't have to empty the bureau, but a few empty drawers so that your guests don't have to live out of their suitcase will make them feel welcomed.

·      The little luxuries. Think about the amenities you enjoyed during your last hotel stay. From the practical (universal phone charger) to the decadent (snacks and sweets) you can wow your guests with a little forethought. We’ll deal with the guest batch In another post. Here's a list to consider :

• Extra pillows 
• An extra blanket
• A couple of robes
• A small basket of snacks/sweets
• A few books (romance, mystery, biography, history)
• Suitcase stand – the foldable kind are great and can be stored in the closet when not in use
• Small alarm clock
• Wall mirror

·      Share basic info.  Create a small card that lists important info (wifi password, phone numbers, household instructions) that your guests might need but don't want to keep bothering you for). Think about what previous guests have needed to create your card.

·      A spare key (and a place for it). Having a dedicated key that stays with the guest room makes things easy for you and your guests. Put it on a ring and put it on a labeled hook, tray or small dish so your guests know here to get it and leave it.

If you don't have a Guestroom :

·      Invest in a few air mattresses. A couple of twin size work well, add a full or queen size if you have the room.  Buy them early, while they're still in stock. Make sure you have the linens you need to make is a “proper” bed … sheets, blanket, pillows. The linens can make all the difference to transform an air mattress.

·      A folding suitcase stand. Nice in a guest room, even more important when you don't have one.

·      A guest “box”. Dedicate an attractive bin to items for overnight guests so you know where they are and ready for them. Pick the things from the list in the previous section that you think will be most meaningful for your guests. A set of towels, disposable ear plugs, an eye mask and a laundry bag  will be sincerely appreciated.

·      A folding screen. You may not be able to give your guests four walls and a door, but a bit of privacy can go a long way. Shop very reasonable options on amazon.com and wayfair.com

Take a bit of time over the next few weekends. When the crunch times comes and the guests are literally “on their way”, you’ll be glad you did … and so will they!

Next up ... the Guest Bath

Stop clutter before it gets to your door ...

We did a fun presentation for an audience at the beautiful Windsor Meade community in Williamsburg this week on reducing stress. Our “prescription” wasn't medicinal, it suggested decluttering your home, getting control of paper around the house and being more intentional with your time. I'll likely cover some or all of these in future posts but wanted to zero in on some of the questions and challenges we heard from the participants at this event.

The most emphatic questions posed by the audience had to do with junk mail, unsolicited calls and requests for donations. We were able to provide some tips but these questions inspired me to do some additional research. There are some great sites out there that cover each of the topics, but that means a lot of searching and reading to get the full picture. So, as I often do, let me share what I learned, to save you the time and trouble. Let's call it a “5 step” program!

Before I start, let me say that there isn’t really any way to stop 100% of you might want to prevent in terms of mail and calls, but there are some quick and easy things you can do to greatly reduce the inflow (80-95%). They are all free unless noted otherwise.

1.     Stop Unwanted Calls - Get on the “do not call” registry. This only works on your personal landline and cell phones, not at work. Simply call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to impact or visit donotcall.gov and confirm your request when they email you in response. Once it’s set up, it stay in effect until you request otherwise or the line is disconnected.

2.     Stop Unwanted Mail – Visit dmachoice.org to get off most mailing lists. This will stop mailings, catalogs and some charitable solicitations. This won’t impact mail from companies you are already doing business with, if you prefer. It can take up to 90 days to take full effect. I'll also be listing some other sites that can help with this below, but DMAChoice is the primary site to visit and will prevent the majority of junk mail. To prevent even more mail, opt out via to sites listed later in this post.

3.     Stop Unwanted Credit Solicitations – Call 1-888-567-8688 or visit optoutscreen.com. You'll have to option to opt out for either five years or permanently. For cards you already have, ask those companies to put you on their “in-house” list so that your information is not shared.

4.     Stop Unwanted Phone Books – visit yellowpagesoptout.com and dex.com  to opt out.

5.     Stop Unwanted Charitable Solicitation Calls and Mail – this is the most difficult to prevent but there are some things you can do. Make larger donation to fewer organizations versus many small donations. Ask organizations that you donate to “opt out” and not sell or rent your information. Registering on the dmachoice.org site (above) will reduce the solicitation mail. Calls are the toughest to stop, but when you do get a call, simply use the script below to impact future calls :

“Hello, I appreciate the work you’re doing, and I realize it’s your job but I’d rather not get these calls. Please put me on your Do Not Call list. Also, does your organization make calls for any other charities? Yes, please put me on those Do Not Call lists as well. Your floor manager has a form you can fill in to remove me from all the databases, and I’m happy to wait on the phone while you do it. Thank you.”

The five steps above won't stop everything, but will go a long way toward greatly reducingclutter before it ever crosses your threshold.

As promised, here are some additional sites to control junk mail :

1.     Visit catalogchoice.org to stop catalogues from coming that you don't want. You can also sign up to receive catalogues you do want.

2.     Visit directmail.com to opt out on their site

3.     Stop those thick Valpak envelopes by visitingvalpak.com or call 1-727-399-3000

4.     There are paid services (nominal fees) like 41pounds.org and greendimes.com that offer to help you stop the junk mail and can help if some does slip through.

One more thought I'll share based on the research I did. Beyond stopping the solicitation for donations, you may want to do some research on charities you do want to help. It can be very enlightening to visit sites like charitynavigator.org or give.org to research the reputation of the charity and understand how they use your donations. Charities vary wildly in terms of how they spend the money they receive and just how much ends up helping the cause.

Anyhow … I hope this helps!

Is a storage unit a good idea?

The number of storage facilities in the US doubled from 1998 to 2012 and now, in 2016, there are well over 50,000 facilities with over 2.5 billion square feet of available storage. That’s almost 8 square feet for every man, woman and child in this country. I’m not using my portion and many of you aren’t either. So who’s using all this storage and why?

Before I go any further, let me state clearly that I’m not against self-storage. There are a lot of good reasons to use a storage facility, I’ll cover those. I’ll also look at the not-so-great reasons people use a storage facility and ways to avoid them. If you’re already using one for the wrong reasons and want to end the monthly payments, I’ll make some suggestions that could save you a lot of money … if you’re interested.

So, what’s a good reason to rent a storage unit? There are lots of them … most of them with a limited time span :

·      Renovating a home or business and need space for furniture and housewares.

·      Space for furniture you’re saving for someone who’s not ready for it.

·      Seasonal storage (snowboards/skis in the summer and pool toys in the winter)

·      Inherited items that you want to work into your home but need time to clear out room.

The list reasons that aren’t so good is a bit longer, here are a few examples :

·      Acquiring things that don’t fit in your home or moving things from your home to fit in new things with no plan to get rid of anything.

·      Storing inherited items that you’re not ready to deal with (ok in the short term but not a year or two later).

·      Clearing out clutter to make room for a new baby or for a special event like a wedding.

About half of the storage units are rented for a period of less than a year, but 30% are for 2 years or more. With rents for an average sized unit (10 feet x 15 feet) running over $100 a month, the bill adds up quick. What you initially imagine being a short term solution costing several hundred dollars becomes a crutch costing well into the thousands.

So, what are the options when you need some extra room and don’t want to fall into the trap of long term storage?

1.     Get some help – hiring an organizer can help you think through what you should keep and what to get rid of. Once you’re organized, they’ll help you with donations, disposal of trash and/or selling items (possibly paying for the organizer and a bit of profit for you). They can even help you with things in a storage unit. Most organizers can pull together a team and deal with whatever size issue you have … quickly.

2.     Plan a yard sale - Yes, it's a lot of work, but the space you open up and the money you can make it worthwhile. Anything leftover can be donated to a local charity (if there enough, they may even pick it up from your home). 

3.     Rent a “pod” – Pods are weatherproof containers delivered to your home. Once filled, they can stay on your property, moved to a storage facility or moved to another location. Keeping it on your property makes it hard to ignore so that’s preferable. Plus, having it close makes it easy to deal with when you do have time. Be sure to check with your local authorities to find out if they allow pods on your property and for how long. Also, if you need climate controlled storage, you’ll need to have the Pod moved to a facility that offers that.

4.     Use a storage unit - BUT have a plan (with a timetable) to get out of it. As I mentioned there are lots of good reasons to use storage and many people (50%) are able to use it for a short period of time.

 So, before you make what seems like a quick and easy decision, think it through. If you’ve got a plan to keep it short term … go ahead. Otherwise, it may be better (and cheaper) to get some help to solve the problem in the short term. 

Sell or donate?

In the time since I starting writing the three posts in this series, the final section grew from two options to three. The more I read up on the topic, whether it's best to donate or sell, it became apparent that I should add a third category, when is it best just to throw it away?

A good cause ... 

We've covered selling pretty well in the last post so this one will focus more on donating, with just a bit of time spent on what to throw out. With the number of options available to sell an item, it might seem like people would be donating less than they used to. Thankfully for the charities, even though more and more items are being sold, thanks to our rampant consumerism (fancy term for all the shopping we do) there are also lots more items donated than ever before. Think about all the thrift stores you see (in our area Goodwill and CHKD have the most locations) with more and more opening in strip centers all over town. Bargain hunters love to hunt for treasure and provide the charities with a strong source of income (CHKD raised 2.5 million dollars last year in its 28 Hampton Roads, Richmond and North Carolina locations). We link to the majority of local charities on our site if you’re looking for a place to donate.

There are two key reason people choose to donate rather than sell. First off, it feels good to donate your gently used stuff, whether it's going directly to people who need it or will raise funds for a worthwhile charity through its thrift stores. The guilty feeling of wasting money and/or buying things you don't really need can be assuaged with a quick trip to the Goodwill drive-through (yes, they actually have those!). Picking a charity before you declutter or organize can help motivate you to rid yourself of even more stuff you don’t need/want. Knowing the cause that you’re going to support can help you when you’re “on the fence” with a certain item.

The other primary reason is how easy/quick it is to donate. It takes time to haul your things to the consignment store, only wait (sometimes months) for your items to sell and reap the proceeds. Garage sales take even more time and add the pressure of haggling with your neighbors over whether that unused stationary bike is worth $30 or $35 … I had one a few years ago and hated the entire process (but maybe that's just me?).

So the general rule of thumb when considering whether to sell or donate is “Is it worth it?” in your time and energy to go through the process of selling. If it's a valuable item, it's probably worth it. If you have a lot to sell, it might be worth it. But everyone values their time differently so the decision is quite personal. The other consideration is the tax implications of donating. Depending on your income and other deductions, you may get more from donating than selling, you or your tax advisor will know best. Determining the value of the donation will factor into your decision. Goodwill has a valuation guide for everyday items. If you think your items are worth more than that valuation, the “sold-listings” on eBay may justify a higher deduction. For more valuable donations, single items you claim are worth $500 or more and groups of items over $5000 require an independent appraisal as proof for the IRS.

When in doubt ...

There is a basic premise we follow  in our organizing business that I grew up with. “When in doubt, throw it out” has served us and our clients well over the years and is a good rule to follow when determining whether to donate something or simply recycle/trash it. If it's in tough shape, torn, tattered, rust, broken … it's not a donation, its trash you should take care of. Donation centers have thousands of items to sort, organize, price and sell. You’re not doing them any favors by sending them your trash. It simply slows their process down and adds to their burden. The idea was to help the charity, not cause them extra work … right?

Have any thoughts on the topic? Share it in the comments. This blog is simply our impression of things. If you agree, disagree or have something to add, let us know. We learn every day and appreciate other ideas …

More on selling things ...

What's the best way to sell? 

There are a multitude of ways to sell things these days. The Internet has expanded the number of options and encouraged creative solutions to sell both on and off-line. With as many options as there are, it can be confusing and overwhelming, leaving you uncertain about how best to proceed. Professional Organizers and Downsizers (like Arange) can help you navigate the various options and will have vetted the best, most reliable and trustworthy providers. 

Here are the most common methods :

•          Estate Sales – a very popular and productive way to sell a large quantity and variety of items. There are many local estate sale companies and it's good to do some thorough research before signing a contract. Visit one of their sales and see how it's run. Is everything priced? Is there staff in the house to answer questions and protect the property? Is the checkout process well organized and controlled? Like most businesses, there are good and bad options. Most will organize and price everything, run the sale and offer complete clean-out of the house once the sale is complete. Compare commission rates, services included in that commission, other services offered and the rates for those services. Your particular situation will influence which company is best for you. One tip – dispose of trash only if you're having a sale. Everything has some value and a bunch of small amounts add up. The estate seller will have some guidance for you, but typically they want to sell as much as they can.  

•          Online Estate Sale Auctions – similar to on-site estate sales but instead of a 3-4 day sale, each item (or groupings of items) is photographed, a description written and posted online along with all the other items in your sale. The “auction” is usually up for a week and the highest bid at the end of the sale period “wins”. The online auction company then arranges either for the item to be picked up within a certain time period or shipped at the buyers expense. This is a growing industry and an internet search would yield a full list. The major players are :

but there are others. I've spent a fair amount of time on these sites so that you don't have to (you're welcome!). Caring Transitions has a local office with free assessments. Max Sold lists Williamsburg as a”covered” city on their website, best to contact them for details if you're outside of Williamsburg. I'm very excited about the growth of Everything but the House! Their technology and marketing are very high quality and, due to the size of their customer base, claim to secure prices 3-4 times that of other sites and estate sales. That said, they do not list Hampton Roads as a market they cover but I’ve heard they may accept a sale in our area or soon will. Stay tuned …

•          Auction Houses – hold auctions either at your home or at the auction house, depending on the company and the number of items to sell. Most companies auction larger, more valuable items individually and group smaller items (kitchen items, décor, books, etc) in lots where you bid on a grouping of similar items. While these auctions can be appropriate and productive, remember that your results are dependent on the audience that the house can draw to the sale. While there are companies that accept phone and online bids, many do not so it’s whoever “shows up”. Some of the better companies have built up a loyal following and will market the sale to attract bidders. I'd ask prospective companies about how they will market the sale and about past sales to understand what they can do to ensure a good audience for your things.

•          Garage Sales – these are familiar to most of us, you see signs every weekend drawing you to these casual, DIY sales. These can be a good option if you don't have a lot to sell, but be realistic about the amount of work  it takes to prepare for and hold a sale. I'm not great at “haggling” especially with my own things, so this isn't my personal favorite. We have had a couple of clients who's kids or grandkids offer to do the sale for them but none (yet) that have done their own sale. If you have valuable items to sell, this may not be your best option. 

•          Antique Stores – local antique stores may be interested in your things if they are unique, high quality and/or interesting (have a great story behind them). They generally won't take everything you have, but cherry-pick the items that will work in their store with their clients. If you see something similar to what you're offering, be prepared for them to offer you roughly 50% of that amount. They will then mark it up to a “retail”price to cover their overhead and profit. There can be some negotiating if you have some reason to believe the item is worth more than they're offering. The more you know about the item and similar items, the better chance you'll have in ensuring you get a fair price. Some antique stores will take an item on “consignment” meaning that when they sell it, they take a percentage of the sale and pass along the balance to you. 

•          Consignment Stores – there are a lot of great consignment stores in Hampton Roads that will accept your items to sell. You maintain ownership of the item(s) until they sell.  When an item sells, the shop takes a percentage of the sale and sends the balance to you. In general, consignment stores will take a wider variety of items than an antique store but still may not take everything you have to offer. I'd read the contract carefully to understand how and when you'll be paid, what the commission is and if there are other potential fees. Also, it's good to know what happens if an item doesn't sell after a period of time, it may be returned to you or the retail price reduced.

•          Online Sale Sites – probably the fastest growing segment of sellers is online. There are new options added everyday that help you sell your item(s). Most people are aware of eBay and Craigslist, the rest may be new to you. I've linked to all sites for details on how they work.

With eBay there are local resources like Drop Click that will help you with the sale process. You simply drop off your items, they photograph it, put it on the site, manage bidding and ship the item to the buyer, for a fee of course.

Craigslist can be a terrific way to sell things quickly but be aware that there may be some safety concerns in terms of fraud, etc.  If you're not comfortable with strangers contacting you and coming to your house, Craigslist may not be for you.

Easy features handmade and vintage items. Provides and easy shipping service to easily print post-office and FedEx labels at a savings.

Chairish specializes in high-style furnishings from all time periods and styles with a resource guide to help you price your items.

Krrb offers vintage, handmade and second-hand goods. You can add a “Krrb it” button to items you’re selling on eBay or Etsy to reach a broader audience.

Specializing in antique and mid-century furniture and second-hand modern pieces, AptDeco also offers a shipping service.

Next up … Is it better to Sell or Donate?

Have things to sell? Read on ...

There are a number of reasons why you might want to sell some of your stuff. The quest for minimalism, downsizing, changing tastes or other life changes (marriage, having kids). Once you've made the decision to sell, a couple of questions arise.  I'm going to break this into three posts so that I can do each justice. The first will talk about what things are worth, the second will cover the various ways to sell, and the third will consider a related topic … sell or donate?

What's it worth?

The most honest answer you're going to get when you ask this question is “It depends”. Though not the most specific or reassuring response, it is the best way to ensure that your expectations are somewhere near reality. So many times, we grow up with family “heirlooms” and assume (or are told … repeatedly) that they're valuable. What something is worth is really what someone else is willing to pay for it at a given time.

Timing, location and audience all impact the sale price. Trends change over time … Delicate crystal and china is not as popular as it once was, so in general, it's brings in less than it used to. Where you're selling matters … an important Tiffany lamp will likely sell for more in a major market like New York, Los Los Angeles, and Washington DC. Getting your item in front of the right audience is tied to location but also tied to the method of sale … coins, stamps and other collectibles are worth more to a collector than to the general public.

All that said, there are other factors to weigh.

·      Timing is hard to control. Most people need to sell their items in a given time period. If you're downsizing, as an example, you’ll likely need to sell things before you move. While it might make sense to hold onto a very valuable piece of art to maximize the value, most items won't vary in value over a short period of time. Sell when it works best for you.

·      There is an expense in moving an item from a smaller to a larger market. Packing, shipping and insuring valuable and sometimes delicate items can be very costly. You'll need to recoup that and more to make it worthwhile.

Be careful about the generalizations you hear and read. While they may be true in many cases, there are still many exceptions. I keep hearing about no one wanting “brown furniture”, the traditional dark chests of drawers, secretaries, table, chairs and breakfronts. In general, yes, prices are lower than they had been. Yet, there are still sales of this type of furniture from the high thousands of dollars into the millions. Quality, rarity and provenance (history of the piece) still matter and influence the result. Similarly, while fancy china, crystal and silver are less popular, I still see it being purchased in a range of prices in stores, estate sales and online. 

You hear the opposite about modern and mid-century (designed and created from roughly 1933-1965) furniture and art. It is more popular now and thus brings in higher prices than 10-15 years ago. But, prices range from $5 to several million, depending on the piece. Just because it's mid-century doesn't mean it's valuable. 

One last caution, one man’s trash can truly be another man’s treasure. Although a bit sexist, that's how the saying goes, so you get the idea. Before you consider something “trash”, look for a few things. Does it appear well made? Does it have a signature, brand, label or any identifying information (for example, an invoice taped to the ask of a painting)? Does it seem hand-made? If you answered yes to any of these, it might be worth a quick Internet search (Google - web and images, eBay and 1st Dibs are my go-to’s) to see if you can find it or something similar. It can be fun to do the research and find out that what you thought was junk is actually valuable. 

Next up … the best way to sell

Honey, where's the sunscreen? Beach ready for summer fun ...

We live in a community where you're never that far from the beach! With an abundance of choices, you can be on the sand in minutes from most location in Hampton Roads. Sounds quick and easy until you go to get ready and have to pack the car …

There's a ton of info out there about getting your body ready for the beach, but we thought it might be helpful to think about being "beach ready" in another important way. There are a few things you can do around the house to make getting ready for a day at the beach much easier. By setting up a few things in advance, you'll be able to enjoy the surf, sand and sun in no time!

·      Keep a tote bag or two (depends how much stuff you take to the beach) prepped and ready with towels, games, sunglasses … you know, all the stuff you might forget when you're packing up. Anything you take out, goes back in for the next time. When you get home and wash/dry the beach towels? Roll them up and stick the right back in the tote.

·      Dedicate one place in the garage (or mud room, closet … whatever's most convenient to pack up and load the car). Everything you need for the beach goes there and stays there. Umbrellas, beach chairs, tote bags (see above), coolers, volleyball set, so you can’t forget anything and save precious time.

There are some multi-function items that will make life much easier once your at the beach, so consider including these in your “stash” of beach ready equipment :

1.     A box of ziplock bags. Stick your phone in one to keep out the sand and water. Fill them up with sand as weights for the orders of your beach blanket. Their uses are endless ...

2.     A fitted sheet – placed upside down with tote bags, coolers, etc. in the corners. Makes a nice “box” to keep the sand out. 

3.     Baby powder – great for getting the sand off your feet (and any other unmentionable spots).

4.     Mesh bags – to schlep all those beach toys around. Load them back in when you're done and give them a good shake to keep all that sand/water out of your car.

5.     Use one of those roll-up toiletries cases for sunscreen, swim googles and all the small stuff that gets lost at the bottom of a tote bag. They have compartments so you can easily find what you need and quickly know if you have everything. Include a few first aid supplies just in case. If you've got a bunch of kids, you might want two cases, one for them and one for the adults.

6.     A small blow-up kiddie pool - Keep toddlers contained (and amused) with some toys in the “pool”. Can use empty or with some sand or water, whatever you feel is safe for the little ones.

Getting all this together is a great protect for a rainy day. With the promise of a carefree day at the beach, you might even get some help from your family!

A Lifestyle Change Starting with Garage Organization - from our first guest blogger

We want our blog to be interesting and informative so from time to time, we're going to invite some experts to contribute. This is our first post from a guest blogger, Kenady from Garage Solutions in Richmond. Thanks Kenady ... we hope you all enjoy it!

Life is short. Focus on things that matter, and spend your time doing what you love. Don’t waste time looking for lost items and stressing about your unruly garage. An organized garage facilitates your life and hobbies, letting you get back to the things you love most. Consider making a lifestyle change, starting in the garage.

Eliminate Stress: Studies have shown that disorganization has an adverse effect on mental-health. According to Psychology Today, “clutter bombards our minds.” In addition, losing items in a disorganized room causes serious frustration. Relieve stress by establishing a garage organization plan.

Downsize: Now more than ever, people are looking to simplify their lives. Movements like minimalism, capsule closets and tiny homes inspire people to downsize and consolidate.

Schedule a day to pull out everything in your garage. Separate your belongings into 4 piles: keep, sell, donate and trash/recycle. When deciding what stays and goes, ask yourself the following questions:

Does this item support my life-priorities?

Is this item contributing to the life I want now?

Have I used this item in the last year?

If the answer to these questions is no, it’s time to part with the item.

Liberate: Acknowledging the reason why you’re clinging to these items helps you purge them. Often we keep stuff for sentimental reasons. Some belongings carry emotional baggage because it was a gift or is attached to a memory. Maybe you're fearful or nervous that you will need the item once it’s gone. A good solution is to simply take a photo of the sentimental items that take up too much space.

During the consolidation process, imagine the satisfaction that will come with eliminating that unnecessary, garage clutter. Find liberation in saying goodbye to old baggage.

Optimize: Store the “keep” pile on garage storage products that will maximize your garage space and facilitate your hobbies. Products like garage cabinets and garage shelving get everything off the floor and within easy access to grab and go. Consider storage accessories like bike racks, sports ball bags and saddle racks to support you favorite pastimes. Garage flooring alternatives like epoxy and floor tiles are easy to clean and give a modern, updated look to your space.

New Habits: To maintain an organized space you need to create new habits. Create a routine with tasks that you do daily, monthly and yearly to keep your garage organized.

Change your life by simplifying it. By making small, gradual changes and organizing your garage, you develop a more positive lifestyle.

For professional garage storage help visit: www.garagesolutionsrichmond.com

Bio:

Kenady works for Monkey Bar Storage, a garage storage and organization company that provides homeowners with efficient products to organize and simplify their lives. Kenady is a recent graduate from BYU-Idaho in Public Relations and Visual Communications. When she's not working, she enjoys outdoor activities, taking pictures, trying new recipes and giving old things a new purpose.

The Upside of Hiring a Downsizer

There are many things most of us can do for ourselves … mow the lawn, clean the house, clean out a closet, paint a room. If we want to do it and we have the time, we can accomplish almost anything. So, why would you ever hire someone to do something you can do yourself? There are lots of reasons that we all hire people to do things, time, motivation and sometimes just because we can. For many people downsizing is something they can accomplish on their own, so why should they consider bringing in a professional?

Downsizing is often a complex, overwhelming process that requires time, effort and some level of knowledge. We encounter many people that have accomplished it on their own or with the help of family and friends. If you've done it, congratulations! There are an equal number of people we’ve met that are very apprehensive about the process, some have put it off or abandoned their dream to achieve a simpler lifestyle and the ability to live like they want. It's not always a move to a senior community, there are many ways people choose to restructure their life. Sometimes it's a condo so that they can come and go as they please without all the worries of a home. Sometimes it's aging in place, but decluttering the house so that it's safer and less stressful. Whatever the goal, there are several benefits of hiring someone to help you downsize, benefits that extend well beyond simply accomplishing the physical work. Here are the top 4 advantages of bringing in a professional to help:

1.     Maintaining Independence and control – getting some help allows you to keep control of every phase of the process and every decision. Having experts on hand can help you think through the decisions you have to make and provide unbiased information. It's done the way you want, how you want and when you want. Without the stress of “getting it all done”, you can make well thought out, well informed and independent choices. Without the burden of the workload, you'll give yourself the ability to pay attention to all the details, giving you more confidence in what you've done. You've ensured an organized and dignified transition … exactly what you want, need and deserve.

2.     Avoid the potential of being exploited – downsizers bring with them a network of trusted and tested service providers. You won't have to worry about finding, trusting and following up with contractors, movers, estate sellers, etc. Those service providers have relationships with the downsizing company that they need to protect, guaranteeing you fair pricing, great service and quality work.

3.     Decreased family stress - this is a big one! Even the most well-adjusted families strain under the pressure of the complexity and stress of a project like this. I’m not suggesting that family can't or shouldn't help, they should. But, if there's a third party focused solely on the needs/wants of their client with practical, unbiased ideas and opinions, there is far less emotion. There’s also a side benefit … without the the mental and physical burden, the family can focus on the parent or relative and their emotional needs during the transition. They can focus on the person while we focus on their “stuff”.

4.     Built in problem solving – every project hits a bump or two. With a professional on your side you've got someone with the both the expertise to foresee potential problems and the skills to solve them when they do happen. They'll either know the solution or be able to quickly research so that you have the information you need to look at the problem and feel confident in the solution you choose to stay on track.

What to do with that box of photos?

We were recently arranging for the remaining items in an apartment to be sent to an estate sale. The family had been through the apartment, collecting all the mementos, treasures, heirlooms and paperwork they wanted and what was left was a collection of furniture, accessories and the everyday things we need, use and have in our lives. After cleaning out all the items that shouldn't go to the sale (food, papers, etc.) we were checking everything to ensure that nothing had been missed, I opened a drawer in a chest in the bedroom and was surprised to discover a cache of old photos. We quickly called one of the family members to alert them to our find and get some direction. The family member told us that they had gotten all the photos they wanted and that these could be discarded. It was an easy job physically but more difficult emotionally. It's not often that I get caught up personally in this type of work, after all we help people get rid of things all the time with positive results. In this case though, I got caught up in the nostalgia that photos evoke, and these weren't in any way connected to my family.

If I had to guess, the family in this situation, already grieving their loss, came upon a huge stash of old photos. Overwhelmed by the thought of going through them in detail (in addition to sorting through the entire contents of the apartment) they saved what seemed pat important in the moment and left the rest for another day … which never came.

So, what’s the takeaway here? It's time to tackle those boxes of old photos. Looking for some motivation to get started? Think of it as a gift, one your family will enjoy for years (and generations) to come. You have the opportunity to give them the gift of warm memories instead of the stress and foreboding that accompany the dreaded box(es) of unsorted, unidentified photos.

Where to begin?

 Start by pulling all your printed photos together (digital images are a separate topic that we’ll cover later). Make sure you have lots of room to spread out.

Review every photo. Purge all duplicates, blurry images and bad photos. Believe it or not, most people are able to edit out 70% of their photos based on these categories! You don't have to get rid of them right away if you're not ready, just set them aside in a box so you only have to deal with a much smaller number of photos. Within the next week or so, review this box, pull anything you've changed you mind about, then trash what remains in the box.

Take the remaining “good” photos and organize. There are two ways to organize, chronologically (by time) and by theme (travel, celebrations, etc.). neither is better, it's just a personal preference.

Once you've gotten them organized, note on the back of the photo whatever basic info you know … ideally the who, where, when. This is an important step, if not for you, for everyone else that will look at these pictures in the future.

This step is optional but highly recommended … Digitize your collection. You can scan them yourself of have it done professionally. Reason #1 – Security. Lots of things can happen to photos (fire, floods, loss, etc.), this way you’ll have the ability to reproduce what might be lost or damaged. Reason #2 – Sharing. With digital copies of your images you can share them with everyone. No need to decide “who gets what”, everyone can get everything!

Figure out how you want to store what you've organized. The “best” way is in a set of matching albums that you can display and pass down. Depending on how much you're willing to spend, there are tons of alternatives. Look for albums that allow for different sized photos and allow you to put labels or write beside the image. Try not to select trendy and/or cute albums, you’ll want these to stand the test of time and be something you and your family can be proud to display and look at for years to come. Now, that doesn't mean they have to be boring, there are lots of beautiful alternatives out there. Buy more than you need and leave space in every album so that you (or someone who ends up with these albums can add to them. If not albums, invest in archival boxes that allow you to keep things organized however you decided (by time or theme).

Now that you’ve created this gift, show it off. Keep the albums and or boxes in a climate controlled place (no attics or garages) and accessible so you can share them with family and friends.

Although a bit of time and money, there is nothing more valuable than memories. Transforming a cluttered mess of photos into a rich family history is a gift that keeps on giving!

Summer Cleaning

Everyone has heard of “spring cleaning”, well let me introduce you to the next best thing … “summer cleaning”. Not only is ideal for procrastinators, but with more reliable weather (no more excuses when it's “too cold”, “too wet” or any of the other perfectly justifiable reasons for putting off all those great spring projects.

First on the list of things to do is to take a hard look at all the summer items you didn't use last year and probably never see the light of day this summer as well. Those stacks of pots and planters sitting lonely under the workbench (even the ones with the long dead plants still in them). The beach games that haven't been to the beach in years. Lawn mowers, tools and supplies no longer needed now that your lawn service does all the work. These are all items that should be easy to let go of and free up space to be more organized (or room for some new things!)

One of the joys of organizing is donating, whether to friends and family or charity. But to make sure that the “gift” is appreciated and used, it should be given in a timely manner. You'll find that we try remind you to clean things out at the beginning of a season (like holiday decorations at the beginning of December). Why do we do that? Well, for a few reasons but most importantly because that's when you can see what you like most and use. If a planter isn't planted by the beginning of summer, likely it's not going to be. We pick out the best and our favorites first, leaving lots of opportunities to share the rest with someone else.

When I said “timely” above, I wasn’t talking about “quickly”, rather I’m talking about donating things that are in-season. Donating something when someone needs it makes it that much more useful. Think about a young family planning for summer with really limited resources. Instead of heading to Lowes, Home Depot or Target, they’re heading to a thrift store. By donating at the beginning of the season, you’re stocking the store with items that their customers are looking for and items that will “move” quickly. That’s a good thing for the thrift store and its clients.

We call that a win … win … win! Good for you, the charity and the beneficiary of your generosity. 

Can you be TOO organized?

 The quest for organization has become a more and more important topic for people these days, and with good reason. Never before has life been so complex … we have so much more to manage than ever before! When I think back to when I was younger, life was so much simpler. Not better, necessarily, but simpler. No email, few gadgets, less stuff and far less going on. 

Take pictures as an example. You had a camera and a roll of film that had to be sent off to develop. When you wanted to take a picture you really had to think about it and save the shots for what was truly important. You could only carry so much film and each image had a cost. Now we have thousands (if not tens of thousands) of images, videos, etc. saved to all kinds of devices. The need for organization when you have a library of thousands of images is exponential when compared to a box of snapshots. 

Lots of things in life are like that, there's so much more to manage now and it can get overwhelming. We live in an era of abundance, regardless of your level of “success”. We have more clothes, more stuff, more information, more to do …

So, in that quest to keep it all organized, can you go too far? The short answer is … yes! Organization is productive and positive if it helps you live your best life. Being able to find what your looking for, knowing what you have and being able to enjoy it are all positive outcomes. It's when it becomes organizing for organizing’s sake that it can go astray. I’ve been guilty of that. 

Social media, newspapers, blogs and magazines sometimes (often) show us unrealistic images of what organized should look like. I'm all for minimalism … if you have what you need/want and you can use it easily. “Cute” and “pretty”are great if they work but it's ok to challenge the images people suggest as examples of what to do. It's situational, what works for one family may not work for another. 

At the end of the day there are a couple of ways to keep yourself in check. 

•    If it makes you happy, it's all good! 
•    If you spend more time organizing than you gain from being organized, you may have gone too far.
•    If being organized is causing you stress … it’s not working for you.

If all else fails, call in a professional. We can often figure out a system that will work for you based on our experience with working with all kinds of families. 

Why we keep things ... part 5

The next reason we keep things in this series (and the last) …  “I might need it someday”

Yesterday Lisa and I were doing a presentation for a group of prospective residents at a lovely senior community nearby. There were about 70 people there, all contemplating downsizing significantly in the near future. When we opened it up for questions, a lady asked “Well, what if I give something away and need it the next day?” Lisa and I both shot each other a look that said “Like that’s going to happen …” But, we were more professional and talked through her concern. The audience, however all started to laugh a bit because they all knew what I’m sure she knew as well, the chances of that happening are quite slim.

Yet, that’s a big reason that we hold onto something … just in case. As I’ve said before, if you’ve got the room to keep it and stay organized, go for it! But the majority of us don’t have unlimited space and have to focus on the stuff we either love or use frequently. If you haven’t needed it in years, you’re probably not going to need it in the near future. And, on the off chance you do, perhaps you could borrow one or buy and inexpensive version given that it’s not something you’ll be using a lot.

So many of us use social media to keep up with friends and family, but it can also be a resource to help each other out. A quick post asking if any of your “friends” has a punchbowl or a sewing machine you could borrow is a great way to keep from buying or keeping things you’ll only use once or twice. What a great way to support each other!

So, as they say, “when in doubt, throw it out” (or donate/give it away) is a good general rule to follow. 99% of the time, you won’t be sorry and for the other 1% of the time, there’s a solution.

Why we keep things things ... part 4

"I used to love it"

We all have things that we used to love. Even though we don't love them anymore, it can be very hard to let them go.  So, how to move on? Start by asking yourself a few questions.

Do you use or enjoy it anymore?

Most likely, the answer is no, you're keeping it around for sentimental or emotional reasons. The number of items that you can keep around for those reasons is different for all of us, based on your home and availability of storage. While it sometimes sound like we want you to get rid of everything, nothing could be farther from the truth. We live by the motto “keep what you love”. To do that, though, you may need to reconsider things that falls into a category below that.

Is it valuable?

If the answer is yes, but you no longer use or enjoy it anymore, why not sell it and get something you might use or enjoy. Experiences can be far more meaningful than things so perhaps trading in a formerly beloved possession could fund an outing, meal or trip. Or, get something you can love (and enjoy) now!

Are you planning on giving it to someone someday?

If this is the case, make sure it's something they want. If so, maybe give it to them now if you're not getting any enjoyment from it. If not, save yourself years of holding onto something for no reason. Gifts are a wonderful thing as long as they're wanted and not burdens. So, go ahead and ask so you can make an informed decision.

The next (and final) post in this series … “I might need it someday”

Why we keep things ... part 3

Next up … “It's a family heirloom”

 We all have them … Family Heirlooms. How did they become heirlooms? Who knows. Sometimes they have some monetary worth, but more often, it’s the sentimental attachment. The thing is, what one person is sentimental about may not be what someone else is.

Grandma’s china is a good example. You may have grown up dreaming about a time when you would have it in your cabinet, ready to set a beautiful table for formal dinners. Well, now formal dinners are infrequent, if they ever happen. The idea of sipping tea from delicate floral cups doesn’t line up with many people’s lifestyles.

That doesn’t mean that all those heirlooms are useless and need to go, far from it. What it does mean is that you should ask your family what they love of yours, what reminds them of their childhood, their family and of you. It’s important that these heirlooms find their way to someone who will appreciate them and not feel burdened by a bunch of stuff that means little to them.

The secret here is, if you’re the current owner of an unwanted heirloom, its ok to let it go. Ask your family if they want it, maybe someone will, then it’s in the right hands. If not, sell it or donate it. Simply passing along something to the next person in the family only perpetuates the sense of “burden”.

The other thing to talk about here is the timing of passing something along. If you can, share the favored heirlooms during your lifetime, so you can see the recipient enjoy it. Knowing its being loved and used is a joy you should share in.

Next up … “I used to love it”

Why we keep things ... part 2

Continuing on with the reasons we keep things that we don't love or need (the stuff that's cluttering our homes and lives) …

In our last post we started talking about the most common reasons we save things. This post is the second in a series (of 5) and focuses on;

“It was expensive”

This one is a bit easier to handle than gifts, which can have a positive emotion attached to them. The emotion here is probably more negative, buyers remorse or guilt being the most common.

Perhaps you did love this thing at one point, clearly you were willing to part with significant amount of cash to acquire it. Like a gift, it happened a moment in time. Lifestyles and styles change. What's important to you changes. I used to love arts and crafts furniture but my tastes have changed and while I still appreciate it, I prefer being surrounded by more modern things. To create the home I have now, which I love, I had to get rid of some of the things I bought early on.

Letting go of the things you no longer love or need helps you focus on and enjoy the things you do. Holding onto something just because it was expensive isn't worth it. Often, we see these things as “mistakes” which bring up negative emotions whenever we see them. Be glad for whatever joy the item brought you, however long or short and … move on! If you can sell them and recoup some of cash, great! If not, holding on to it won't get your money back. Let it find its way to someone who will love or need it.

Next up … “It's a family heirloom”

Why we keep stuff, Part 1

Lisa did a great presentation this past Friday on the subject of downsizing. She spoke to a large group brought together by Senior Advocate (a local Senior focused magazine). Rather than simply talking about the “how's” of moving from a larger residence to a smaller one, she spoke instead about why we tend to hold onto so much stuff. Before I go any further, I should stress that her presentation wasn't simply about getting rid of stuff. People are often scared off of organizing and downsizing because they think they're going to be forced to get rid of everything. I have three words in response to that concern …

Simply.

Not.

True.

Rather, by holding on to what you love and is useful and ridding yourself of clutter, you can get even more joy from them. They become more important, easier to see, find and use.

But I digress … as I often do. Back to Lisa's talk. She covered the five reasons people hold on to things they don't love or need. They're useful whether you're downsizing or just getting organized. For this post, I’ll start with one of them.

“It was a gift”

Gifts are given at a particular moment in time. They're given based on your likes, tastes and habits which, like all things, change. Sometimes, even though the giver meant well, they’re not aligned with your likes, tastes or habits. I doubt the giver ever expected you to keep the gift forever. Gifts are given with no strings attached, so it's up to you to do with it as you please. The giver never meant to tether you to this item for the rest of your life, they just wanted you to enjoy it, for however long that might be. When that's over, it's ok to move on.

So, why talk about the emotions behind why we keep stuff? Sometimes you have to understand why you're doing something so that you can change your thinking. By understanding the reasons why, you can then give yourself permission to do the right thing!