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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
13, Jan 2020
I recently read an article about a couple who had a Downsizing Party. They had lived 45 years in the same house. They sent out invitations, served food and drinks while their friends came over and chose their favourite objects. A Downsizing Party might be a great idea for some… Read more
11, Feb 2019
There are many advantages to online auctions for downsizing and estate liquidation. MaxSold is the online auction company we use to help disburse a household’s possessions in the most cost-effective way. Here are some tips that can help you in preparing for an online auction. Separate Items Not for Sale… Read more
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“Out of Chaos” is our go to company for our customers’ organizing needs. Linda Chu has the skill set and personality to not only become a friend but also bring a sense of calm and control, boosting energy and increasing productivity. She is a celebrity in the field due to her years of experience and numerous guest appearances on CityTV Vancouver.
— Ben M.