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
Tips for Organizing Clutter and Much More
Have a Decluttering Party
Have a Decluttering Party I’ll admit it – I’m an extravert. I love socializing, so I’m always looking for ways to help fellow extroverts declutter and interact with others in an enjoyable way. If you identify with this, a decluttering party might be for you. What is a Decluttering Party?… Read more
Build Systems for Success
I recently read a quote on social media from James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits. He said, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” This quote is indeed accurate. You must build simple systems for success to achieve… Read more
The Estate Clearing Process
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
5 Things You Can Throw Away Right Now
Whether you’re doing spring clearing or preparing to move to a new home, you probably have many of these items stashed away in cupboards and drawers. While the title of this post suggests these are things you can throw away right now, that doesn’t mean you should toss everything into… Read more
Organizing the Cottage
I was thrilled to be interviewed by Allan Britnell of Cottage Life Magazine for their article about organizing the cottage. Like any home you leave vacant for an extended period, there are special storage considerations when organizing the cottage. Here are a few points I covered in the article. Store… Read more
Tips to Streamline Your Day-to-Day Finances
When it comes to household chores, some people would rather clean toilets than manage their money. I can understand that. We used to have paper-based banking (Do you remember having a bank book?) Then, financial institutions moved towards digital banking. However, some accounts are still paper-based, so we end up… Read more
Moving In Together
If you have met the love of your life, moving in together is a significant step in your relationship. There are many factors to consider, such as kids, pets, extended family, budgeting, finances, and much more. Lawyers, financial planners, and family counsellors can advise you on those items. Out of… Read more
Home Envy and Organizing Systems
In the mid-1980s (long before the internet and social media), we watched a television show called Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. The audience marvelled at the decadent and eccentric way of life of wealthy celebrities, industrialists, and royalty. Many people experienced “home envy,” a resentful longing for their home… Read more
Making Decisions and Productivity
We make thousands of decisions each day, from choosing a breakfast cereal to creating a long-term business strategy and everything in between. When we feel we have too many decisions to make, our productivity falters. Here are some tips that can help when making decisions. Types of Decisions Different types… Read more