Downsizing

Downsizing Your Parents’ House: Typical Finds

15, Apr 2024

After over two decades of working in the organizing and downsizing business, we’ve learned that people usually come across these categories of items when they clear out their parents’ house. Brown Furniture Brown furniture is a term furniture dealers use to describe items constructed from solid wood. Some brown furniture… Read more

Downsizing Trophies and Awards

18, Mar 2024

Whether from childhood sports leagues, academic achievements, or professional milestones, old trophies and awards often pose a dilemma. They represent significant achievements in our lives and, as such, often hold sentimental value. However, as our lives evolve, there comes a time when we must let them go. Here is some… Read more

The Challenges of Downsizing Large or Unique Pieces of Furniture

19, Feb 2024

Downsizing to a smaller home can be a daunting task. A significant challenge during this process can be disposing of large or unique pieces of furniture. These pieces often hold sentimental value or serve as statement pieces in a home. It can make letting go and “re-homing” them problematic. However,… Read more

Downsizing a Coin Collection

15, Jan 2024

Some people collect coins and banknotes as a hobby. It’s a great way to learn about the history. In fact, almost all countries – Canada included – issue coins to commemorate significant events. Often, people accumulate currency of interest over their lifetime, or they might inherit some from a relative…. Read more

Military Memorabilia

13, Nov 2023

Last year, during an estate clearout, the Out of Chaos team found some military medals. We posted a few pictures of them on social media. Colleague Jacki Hollywood chimed in and identified the medals for us. This year, I thought it was fitting to have her write a guest post… Read more

The Costs of Downsizing

18, Sep 2023

Many times, I’ve mentioned the benefits of downsizing. The people who downsize enjoy a safer home with lower maintenance even if they do not move to a new house. But it isn’t easy. The costs of downsizing are emotional and financial. And those costs depend on what you plan to… Read more

How to Clear Out Your Storage Unit

15, May 2023

People rent storage units for many reasons. They might need to store household goods during a home renovation or when moving from one house to another. Occasionally, families need to downsize an older relative to a smaller home, and they need more time to sort through all the possessions, so… Read more

Declutter Your Outdoor Space

17, Apr 2023

Sometimes, our outdoor spaces can become a catch-all for everything we don’t want inside our homes, especially over the cooler months. But tossing all our junk in the yard won’t make us the darlings of the neighbourhood. In fact, a recent survey indicates one of the top factors respondents cited… Read more

What to Do With Your Used Books

17, Oct 2022

I must admit there’s something special about books. A lovely old-fashioned read is not only good for the brain but also for the soul. The ideas in these titles help mould our identities, and the characters – even the fictional ones – become cherished friends. So, how do you declutter… Read more

A Treasure Hunt Can Make Downsizing Fun

16, May 2022

The words ‘decluttering’ and ‘downsizing’ can have negative connotations. They imply loss and restriction – the world and everything in it is shrinking. On the other hand, a treasure hunt suggests adventure, excitement, and new possibilities. Here are some ways to turn the chore of downsizing into an exciting experience…. Read more