September 18, 2008
For many people the process of “decluttering” is something to be done in March or April along with spring cleaning. But, I’d like to suggest that the fall can be an even better time to have a bit of a purge.
This week we are working with a client in the Annex in Toronto. There are many houses in this area that are residences for students at nearby University of Toronto and other downtown colleges. Our client is moving into a much smaller apartment, so we know we have to get rid of a lot of her furnishings. Some can be sold, but many items are showing their age, although they aren’t quite “used” enough to be trashed. Usually, we would arrange transportation to various charities, but she had a much better solution.
“Put it on the lawn” became her routine response when I questioned whether she would be taking something. “The students will take it.” Sure enough, over the past few days we have seen people strap shelving units to the back of their bike, take old sheets to use for the kittens, and pick up bright but dated artwork to bring some cheer to their University home. Nothing stayed on the lawn for long.
If you live near a college campus, think about decluttering now. Your local students will love you for it.
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September 10, 2008
Remember how your kids would ask “Are we there yet?” about an hour into a seven-hour road trip? Beginning a move can sometimes invoke the same feelings – you want it to be over with soon.
As Seniors Move Organizers we have helped clients move very quickly because of short deadlines, and we’ve worked with clients who are waiting for space in a retirement residence many months in the future.
It may only take two days to physically move – one day to pack, another day to move the items and unpack. However, it can take a number of weeks to get to that point, as items will need to be sorted, and packers and movers arranged.
Even if a move date is far away, we like to begin many activities early. You may want to make minor changes to your present home to make for a quick sale. You’ll need to make decisions on what personal items will move with you, and then what to do with those items left behind. You may need to arrange changes to your new home before you move in.
If you are able to plan a move for a few weeks into the future, you may also be able to take advantage of off-peak moving times. Movers are generally busier around the end of the month. If you’re able to schedule a move for mid-month and mid-week you may be able to save money.
A Seniors Move Organizer can help with scheduling – we will work out how long each step will take, arrange for help as needed, and make sure your old and new home are ready for the move on time. We set the schedule and pace to meet your needs.
You may be saying “It’s over already?” sooner than you think.
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September 3, 2008
When I went to school the focus was all on the 3 R’s … Reading, w(R)iting, and a(R)ithmetic. Today most of my work is with Seniors, and September is a great time to review these important 3 R’s for having a successful relationship with a senior.
Responsiveness. Although most 75+ year olds don’t carry cell phones, they are well aware that the younger generation does. Their expectation is that when they try to reach you, a person will answer the phone, or at the very least someone will return their call quickly.
Reliability. If you say you are going to do something, then do it. My parents taught me all about making and keeping commitments, and I think that their belief in that core value was a hallmark of that generation.
Respect. Today’s seniors lived through the depression, fought for our future in World War II, and coped and thrived in a world that changed at the speed of lightning through the last half of the 20th century. And, they’ve lived through their own family changes. They deserve our respect.
Whether you are caring for seniors, moving seniors or interacting with them in other ways, practice these 3 R’s and you will definitely have stronger relationships with them.
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August 27, 2008
You are overwhelmed and stressed out by having to clean out the home you grew up in. But, mom and dad are moving to a Care Facility, so it has to be done. The temptation is to deal with all the stuff in the easiest way possible. You’ve got enough on your plate already. But, I encourage you to stick to your values and do the right thing when it comes to being responsible and being “green” when sorting through unwanted items.
The accumulations of 30, 40 or even 50 years may yield items that are landfill-bound. But rather than throwing everything into a dumpster, seriously consider what can be recycled or reused.
First look at what could go to a charity and benefit people in need in your community. This will include furniture, housewares, decorative items, and clothing. Unexpired and unopened food can be dropped at a food bank.
Worn but clean towels and linens are often welcomed by animal shelters.
After the donations are done, take a second look at the “trash” that remains; you can quickly determine what can go where responsibly.
First, be sure to separate basic recyclables like paper, glass and plastic items. Recycle them in the appropriate containers available for your community.
Household hazardous waste (partially filled paint cans, insecticides, etc.) should go to specially designated sites in your community. Contact your communities waste management department to determine where these items are accepted. Some communities have a pickup service for these wastes, e.g., Toronto’s “Toxic Taxi.”
Wire hangers can go back to the dry cleaners.
Old appliances will be picked up by the Ontario “Great Refrigerator Roundup.”
Odds and ends can be listed on Freecycle, or on the free sections of craigslist or Kijiji.
You’ll feel “lighter” when all the excess baggage is gone, but you’ll feel even better if you’ve disposed of it in an environmentally responsible way.
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August 20, 2008
As a Seniors Move Organizer or Seniors Move Manager, I’m always looking for tips ‘n tricks to help me. Recently I came across a website from a U.S. realtor who had a checklist of more than 200 items to help in moving. And, on another website there was a list of more than 65 items to ask when moving to a retirement residence.
I’m all for lists. I have a “to do” list, a shopping list, and I’ve even thought of the “100 places I’d like to visit before I die” list. Lists can help you remember; lists can help walk you through all the steps needed to complete a task; lists can give you a comfortable feeling that you’ve got things under control.
Using lists can help reduce the “Oh, my goodness” feelings when doing any stressful task, like moving. Having a long list that covers every detail is one method. However, I find a long list stressful. Think of three or four shorter lists, with each list focusing on a single major activity.
The shortest, and perhaps most important list, contains the names of people who are going to help you with your move. This list may have family and friends on it, but it should also have the names of professionals helping you. As Seniors Move Organizers we help with contacting all the individuals, business entities, and organizations you interact with during a move. We’ll work with you in developing this list, and we’ll contact these people on your behalf.
We’ll also work with you in developing your other lists: the list of items you’re taking with you, and the list of tasks to be done before, during, and after moving day. We’ll manage the lists, and the schedules that go along with the lists.
A Seniors Move Organizer can reduce your moving “todo” list to two items:
1. Call Trusted Transitions.
2. Relax and don’t worry!
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