Tips for Organizing Clutter and Much More

A Treasure Hunt Can Make Downsizing Fun

wooden box overflowing with jewelry representing a treasure hunt to make downsizing fun

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

Have a Decluttering Party

parking garage at strata/condo filled with household items preparing for 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

ball maze representing building 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

hardware and garden tools arranged on table in garage showing categorizing portion of estate clearing proceess

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

excess coffee mugs are 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

small a-frame cabin in the snowy woods representing 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

plant growing out of a jar containing coins representing day-to-day finances and investment growth

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

couple moving in together accepting house key from realtor

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

Blurred image of white wooden bookcase filled with books organized by colour to create home envy

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

sign post in front of building with arrows pointing different directions representing making decisions

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