Downsizing

The Estate Clearing Process

18, Apr 2022

Clients contact Out of Chaos to clear out a house after the owners have moved to a smaller home. Sometimes the homeowners have passed away, and the heirs need to sell the house quickly. However, they don’t have the time or ability to handle all the work that the estate… Read more

Helping Seniors Move: Tips to Make it Easier

07, Feb 2022

Moving to a new home is challenging. In many cases, it is even more stressful for seniors who may have no desire to move but have little choice. The experience may be confusing and even traumatic for those with memory loss. But it doesn’t have to be. Read our tips… Read more

Investment Executive: Take a Load Off

23, Nov 2021

I was quoted in Investment Executive last week in a retirement and downsizing article entitled, Take a Load Off. I highlighted some practical steps retirees can use to organize their estate. It will reduce the burden on their executors after they have passed on. On Purging Possessions… One challenge is… Read more

Downsize Your Collection

18, Oct 2021

You have spent a lifetime building your collection of artwork, figurines, stamps, toilet seats, or Star Wars memorabilia. You’ve spent time and money carefully curating pieces that bring you joy and add value. Over the years, you have acquired knowledge and become an expert. But now you are moving to… Read more

How to Have “The Talk” about Downsizing

12, Jul 2021

There’s a moment in every family where it’s time to have “The Talk” about downsizing with older relatives. Often, children have “the talk” with their parents, but they could be dealing with aunts, uncles, cousins, or a family friend who needs to downsize. It can be an emotionally charged topic… Read more

Downsizing Definitions: Value and Worth

17, May 2021

When helping clients declutter and downsize, they often wish to sell possessions that they no longer need or want. When placing items for sale, there is often confusion about an item’s value and worth. First, let’s look at a few definitions. Definitions Market Value This is simply the most probable… Read more

All About the Consignment Process

22, Mar 2021

Many of our residential clients who are moving, downsizing, or decluttering ask us about selling their unwanted goods by consignment. To help readers learn more about the process, I invited Tina Beer Hamlin of Coast Consignment to tell us all about the consignment process. Tell us about Coast Consignment. Coast… Read more

Downsizing-In-Place

25, Jan 2021

Early in 2020, before the pandemic hit, Mustel Group and Sotheby’s International Realty released a report on real estate trends and ageing in place. It revealed that about 86% of Baby Boomers would like to live in their current home for as long as possible. Even though older adults do… Read more

Downsizing Memorabilia

16, Nov 2020

I read an excellent and touching article in the New York Times entitled “Down the Basement Stairs and Into the Past.” The author recounts his experiences when decluttering and downsizing memorabilia. As a professional organizer, I help people go through boxes, bags, and bins of their collection of souvenirs, inherited… Read more

Digital Assets and Estate Planning

10, Oct 2020

Estate planning used to be pretty straight-forward. You prepared a will that stated all of your ‘worldly goods’ would be given to your next of kin. Your executor wrapped up your financial affairs and ensured your kin received your goods. Today, some of our ‘worldly goods’ are invisible – our… Read more