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
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
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
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
10, Jan 2022
When you are moving or downsizing, time is your friend. The more time you have to plan, the more resources are available at a lower cost. You can also make environmentally friendlier decisions on what to do with your stuff. There are three basic ways to part with your unwanted… 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
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
06, Feb 2020
I was happy to write an article to help people with organized buying on MaxSold Auctions. Here is the intro… “I normally spend time helping people downsize and sell their items by auction with MaxSold. However, people do need and want stuff, despite wanting to have a clutter-free lifestyle. They… 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
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Just wanted to say thanks for so patiently helping me start to get my workspace into order! I really appreciated your enthusiasm and non-judgmental approach.
— Dave L., Highschool Teacher