Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work with a professional organizer? If so, you’re not alone. It’s a question most new clients ask. After all, inviting someone into your home to help you transform your space is a big step. I know I would feel nervous too. That’s why I designed the experience … Read more
Minimalism sometimes gets a bad reputation. Perhaps it’s because minimalist décor is now considered “out,” and being out of style isn’t something most of us want. Many people also worry that choosing minimalism means giving up everything and living in a stark and uninviting home. Fortunately, that is not true. Here are a few easy … Read more
A few weeks ago, I was chatting with a client about New Year’s resolutions – or lack thereof. She doesn’t make resolutions, but she identified a couple of things she would like to change for the upcoming year. One of the things she wants to do is read more. She could make a book resolution. … Read more
My aunt contacted me a while back about some family jewellery she came across when she was decluttering. She asked if I wanted a few pieces and if I could find out how much they were worth. So, I decided to consult an expert on the subject. Dana Westall of Amsterdam Diamond and Gem Grading … Read more
Organizing all the little things in your home is important, yet you don’t do it. Even I feel overwhelmed sometimes when I’m working with someone, and we take care of organizing all the big things first, and then we look at the little things, and we both say to ourselves, “Now what?” Of course, being … Read more
Is “get organized” one of your goals for this year, but does organizing your entire home and life seem overwhelming? I suggest starting with something manageable and developing new habits around purchasing “stuff.” No matter how much decluttering and physical organizing you do, continuing to buy more stuff will thwart your efforts. S.P.A.C.E. The S.P.A.C.E. … Read more
I didn’t think I would ever see the day when Nova Scotians would live in tents on sports fields and public parks because they can’t afford housing. I know the situation is complicated, but if we don’t speak up, the situation will only become worse. The housing shortage is serious, that’s for sure. Mini Houses … Read more
We have just wrapped up a household move project with one of my long-time clients. As with most projects, the less time it takes, the less stressful it will be. And one of the best ways to free yourself from moving stress is by asking for help. It takes a village of people to execute … Read more
Did you know nearly 75% of people can’t put a car in their garage? I know, it’s shocking, isn’t it? I’m guessing that you had to have a garage to put the car in when you were house shopping. This is especially true of Canadians because clearing snow and ice off your car on cold, … Read more
Today, I am sharing a few things clients have tried over the years. These are five organizing pitfalls to avoid because they don’t work. I’m telling you now so you can implement better solutions right from the start. If you already have these problems, you can fix them right away and have a more organized … Read more
Seasonal changes are a cue telling you it’s an excellent time for downsizing your clothing closet. Here are my top five tips to help you get on your way. To get started, mark a date on your calendar to accomplish this task. Schedule at least a few hours (or more). Some folks like to work … Read more
As you declutter, create a plan to organize your home with zones. Setting up specific zones makes it easy for people to put things back where they belong and, more importantly, find what they need. The process takes some thought and planning. Firstly, pay attention to how and where you use items before you decide … Read more
During my 20 years of experience as a professional organizer, many clients have asked what to do with the fine china collection that no one uses. After all, no one actually uses a collection, right? That’s an ongoing debate if you are trying to organize and downsize your life. Here are ten great ideas for … Read more
If you embrace a minimalist lifestyle and are obsessed, like I am, with tiny homes, small spaces, and living with less, this post will definitely interest you. After all these years working in design and helping clients declutter and organize their lives, I know that less definitely gives you more—more freedom, more relaxation, more control. … Read more
Are you dealing with the ongoing chaos with the coming and going of your adult children and their stuff? It’s not just you. Unfortunately, many adult children treat the family home as a storage facility and dealing with your adult kids’ stuff can be a concern if it creates a cluttered environment for you. Downsizing … Read more
I am not a professionally trained home stager, but after 20 years of helping my clients move, I do know that decluttering your home is the first step to preparing it for sale. Even if you’re not selling, you can implement my six best ideas for staging your home for sale to see how it … Read more
Merging two households into one can be challenging. I have worked with dozens of couples over the years who have come together later in life after living in their own homes. And I did it myself, just one year ago! If you’re planning on moving in together, consider the points below. They will help make … Read more
Are you thinking of moving and getting super stressed about where to start? During my career as a Professional Organizer, I have helped dozens of clients prepare for their move, unpack, and set up their new homes. With that experience in mind, here are four things you should consider when planning your move to a … Read more
The Big Downsize, Season 4, takes you down memory lane on a new downsizing journey as professional organizer Jane Veldhoven takes on a new client with too much stuff. She also visits clients from previous seasons. Jane also tackles her own downsizing challenge when she and her boyfriend decide to move in together. The five-part … Read more
Do you have ongoing disagreements with your partner about the level of organization or lack thereof in your household? We all have different expectations for how tidy our home should be. These expectations can often be a result of the environment in which we were raised. Was it cluttered or tidy? If you grew up … Read more