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
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
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
14, Sep 2020
When I discuss downsizing with my clients, they most often think about emptying closets and cupboards. But sometimes, you have to declutter what you can’t see – digital downsizing. Most people can do this themselves, but you may wish to ask a friend or family member or hire a tech… Read more
17, Aug 2020
When we think about people who downsize, the conventional images are seniors or empty nesters moving from a large home to a small apartment. However, there are other types of downsizers. The Fun-Seeking Family The big house in the suburbs with the double-car garage and lush green lawn is the… Read more
20, Jul 2020
I recently heard a GenZ person provide these definitions for antique, vintage, retro, and collectible: Antique: Things your great-grandparents should have thrown out. Vintage: Things your grandparents should have thrown out. Retro: Things your parents should have thrown out. Collectibles: Things that are worthless to all but a niche group… Read more
22, Jun 2020
I recently presented a webinar in conjunction with MaxSold on How to Safely Downsize During COVID-19. I gave an overview of the downsizing process and an average timeline showing the steps to a successful downsize. During the session, I was happy to provide answers to common questions about downsizing auctions…. Read more
25, May 2020
When we talk about the heaviest items to move, most people think about pianos and refrigerators. In reality, the heaviest thing may be the amount of paper in your home. One piece of paper weighs only about 5 grams, but it adds up if each filing cabinet drawer is stuffed… Read more
27, Apr 2020
We’ve mentioned before that decluttering and downsizing before you move can result in lower moving costs. But, there may be some advantages if you declutter after you move. You may be in a situation where you do not have enough time to declutter before moving. This happened to a friend… Read more
09, Mar 2020
After managing hundreds of moves, the Out of Chaos team has learned a thing or two about which furniture is easy to move and which is not. We’ve seen what pieces are simple to assemble and disassemble, which items will withstand several moves, and which will fall apart. With about… Read more
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Recently hired Out of Chaos to help de-clutter my kitchen. Now, everyday I enjoy working in my kitchen and have space to do larger cooking projects and I can find all my kitchen gadgets. I have more room in cupboards and it is easier to keep clean. I could not have cleaned it up so thoroughly or organized it so well on my own. Great investment.
— Sarah M.