Posts Tagged: emotional attachment

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

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

Digitizing Old Photos

12, Jun 2023

Boxes of printed photographs and photo albums are common in many household closets and storage spaces. While people don’t access them frequently, they want to keep them because they represent the family’s history and memories. However, unless photographs are properly preserved, they will degrade over time. That’s why many people… Read more

How to Reduce Regrets About Moving to a New Home

20, Mar 2023

Did you know that 44% of Americans who moved to a new home admitted to crying at least once during the process? I assume the results of a Canadian survey would be similar. The survey also indicates that over 50% of Americans have some regrets about moving to a new… Read more

Minimalism vs Maximalism

13, Mar 2023

According to research, clearing clutter from your home and work environment improves focus and productivity. That’s why I was surprised by some articles and trends in the news promoting the benefits of clutter. However, if you read between the lines, they are talking about the desire to keep their stuff…. 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

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

When a Friend Wants to Help

16, Aug 2021

People call Out of Chaos to help declutter their homes and create functional organizational systems. Occasionally, clients will tell us they absolutely do not want their friends or family members to find out they hired us. Often it is because a friend wants to help or a family member has… 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

Decluttering Is Bad Idea When…

08, Feb 2021

When I was researching for my post on subscription boxes, I came across a few Reddit users who said that decluttering is a bad idea because it prevented them from seeing how much they were spending on their subscription box habits. Because my life’s work is helping people declutter, I… Read more