#1 Safety – Clear all walkways/hallways. Friends and family do not know your home like you.  Keeping them safe means no accidents.

 #2 – Physical preparations.  Everyone should start with stretching exercises.  No one needs pulled muscles. Stop and rest your body during the day.  Remember the primary lifting rule BEND AT THE KNEES – KEEP YOU BACK STRAIGHT!  Have bottled water & food available for all helpers. Take breaks!

#3 Create a working space in every room so you can work freely to group, purge and pack your items.  Beds are also suitable for packing; just cover the top of the bed with a sheet of plastic in case items are dusty or dirty.

#4 Do the walk around – Arm someone with a garbage bag, clear bag, and blue bag. Garbage = obvious, clear = give aways, blue = recycling.  Note: Kitchens & basements will usually be recycling treasure troves. Touch it once. A full bag goes to the car immediately = ready for Value Village or Goodwill on the way home.

#5 Boxes – forget the liquor stores! Buy 3-4 varied sized boxes that are uniformed. Buy lots. Movers refund the returns. Be safe; keep the weight down per box. Choose boxes with handles for obvious reasons. Uniform boxes look much neater when stacked especially during open house appointments. They also stack better in moving truck & storage space & PODS.

#6 Supplies – Keep all your moving supplies in one area of the house; this way everyone knows where they are and you can keep an eye of your levels.

#7 Get packing! Buy a tape gun and quality tape (3M, Scotch are my favorites). Trust me, better tools and products = less frustrations during the day.

Sharpies – black markers with chisel tips last longer & are inexpensive. Red markers for marking the weight (H= heavy weight, M= medium weight, L= light weight. This way the movers know how to quickly stack boxes in the truck.

Labels: print clearly the location and general category i.e. Kitchen / dishes

Help the movers! Label the top and two sides with details.

Note: Add to labels where the items came from helps people to quickly identify the contents.

#8 Colour Coordinate! Each room gets a colour i.e. yellow = kitchen. Same colour sticker on each box. Same sticker colour on the entranceway of room at the new house.  Movers charge by the hour so beat them at their game! Add a “Boxes here” on the walls at the new house so it leaves room for furniture.

#9 Educate yourself with movers, cleaners, landscapers and organizers. Create a list and call to compare. Call the references! Anyone can create a website and have a truck but that does not constitute a moving company.

#10 Purge and contain. Do not take what you want, take what you need! Checking Kijiji or ebay will help you learn what has value. Use the moving opportunity to not clutter the new home. Still can’t give it up then have a reversed housewarming party. Instead of people bringing a house warming gift they choose one of your treasures & take it away with them!

Bonus tip – Organizer clothing gear – love cargo pants because you can carry items such as markers, small measuring tape, exacto knife and gloves. This way you can move freely around the house and tackle packing tasks with ease.

Wishing you and your family well in your moving endeavors & new beginnings!

The post Burlington Professional Organizer’s moving tips. appeared first on DeClutter | Organize | Downsize | Estates | Burlington Organizer | Organize Me Please.

(Note: Italics for quick scanning of document.)

Hello Mr. Robertson.

This is a review of the main concerns that we covered and discussed during our recent consultation.  The following points can serve as a guide to keep us focused on your objectives:

Frustration to be eliminated, obstacles to be overcome, problems to be solved…..

1)  House has been sold and closing date is May 22nd.  Belongings must be packed and moved before this date.  Condominium rental begins on April 15^th so a moving date will need to be decided upon.

2)  Assessment of new living space needs to be determined.

3)  Family members maybe involved but client wants OMP to direct members so his wishes are upheld with regards to possessions.

Comments following from the above objectives:

1)  With the closing date of the house being May 22nd we need to start on the following:

–      Hire movers once a moving date has been chosen.  OMP have movers that provide an excellent corporate rate which is passed on to clients.  Would prefer a moving date in the middle of the week and not at the end of the month because of condo elevators and movers availability.

–      Compose a list of items that are moving to the new place so the movers can give us an estimate of hours for cost purposes.

–      Put process together for packing and moving(see below)

–      Provide an action list for each room so if family members are offering their help we can refer to this list.

2)  Your new condo has three bedrooms so there is ample living space. Part of the process will be doing a review of where furniture pieces will be placed and what new pieces will be necessary.  Please note that OMP has access to furniture pieces that maybe used in the new residence.  As far as I can see shelving units and a bed are items that are needed and OMP may be able to provide these pieces and the only cost involved with be moving charges.  This will be discussed in more detail as we get closer to the moving date.

3)  As noted in the consultation your valuable possessions are: books, files and garden supplies.  We understand that you do not want family members making decisions without consulting beforehand.  If family members are involved with the packing process, OMP will review all activity and ensure client’s wishes are upheld.

Opportunities to focus upon and turn into your advantage.

1)  Terrific that your new location is so close to existing home.  This will give us the opportunity to move small items to the condo prior to movers.  When we assess items we will ensure they are packed, labelled correctly and put in an orderly fashion on the main floor so it is easy for movers to transport thus lower costs. Your new condo does not require a lot of furniture so we will choose the precious pieces that you want to take by putting “green stickers” on them.  One of the bedrooms can be used for your books but shelving will be necessary. 

2)  If family members are available to assist in the moving process then I will ensure there is a detailed job list that they choose from.  I always say more the merrier which also works in your favour from a cost perspective.

The plan and path…..

With the initial start-up of this project, your availability will be paramount because of the decisions and directions that need to be made.  With that said I will need to start the week of April 27^th.   I normally work 8 to 10 hours a day but that does not mean I need those types of hours from you.  However, I will leave homework for you after each session which will be necessary due to the nature of the items (i.e. making decision on number of bottles files and books to be kept etc.)

Here is the process we will be following for the next couple of weeks:

1)  Remove all recycling and garbage items from home and prepare for pickup (i.e. recycling items – old magazines, cans, bottles; garbage items – rusty tools, broken/used items)

2)  Prepare spots in each room for organizing activities to be performed. Examples: Dining room table – to be used for kitchen items to be sorted.   Coffee table (livingroom) – for sorting paper items. It will also be imperative to clear all hallways/stairs of items to prevent accidents.

3)  Each room will need to have its items grouped, assessed, and either taken to new home, charity, or possibly a family member.  Listed below are the approximate hours for each room.  Hours could vary with the help of an assistant which can be discussed as the project progresses.

Livingroom – 5-6 hours

Diningroom – 4 hours

Kitchen – 5-6 hours

Back room (off of kitchen) 5-6 hours

Bedroom (Seed room) 10-15 hours

Bedroom (not viewed during consultation) ? hours

Basement (not viewed during consultation) ? hours

Second floor (not viewed during consultation)*

Breezeway 5-6 hours

Garage – 4-5 hours

Areas of concern:

–      Cannot gauge time factor for second floor or basement until they are reviewed.

–      Dumpster may be necessary for pieces of furniture and debris.  Please note I will use the public garbage system as much as possible to keep costs down. Note: garbage tags are needed after the third bag of garbage ($3.10 per garbage tag).

–      It is always difficult to make decisions especially with a house that has been your home for many years.  OMP works very quickly but will always respect the time it takes for client to make comfortable decisions.  With that said, gauging of hours can sometimes be incorrect, OMP will ensure that time is used wisely so you receive the best possible service.

–      Being that there has been water in basement, safety precautions will be necessary. i.e. masks, limiting exposure etc.

New residence – set up activities and estimated times.

–      Kitchen – being that client does minimal cooking, all that needs to be done is setting up a functional, save environment.  We will be moving some items from old kitchen and adding new items so client can have a good start in this area. – 4 hours

–      Livingroom – this will just require location of furniture plus adding pictures, knickknacks etc – 2 hours

–      Dining room – adding furniture to eating area 2 hours

–      Bedroom – assemble bed and add sheets. Put clothes in closet and dresser.  5 hours

–      2^nd bedroom, this location can be used for files and books.  Shelving unit will be added so items can be placed in an orderly fashion. 5 hours

What Organize Me Please brings to this endeavour:

Rose Ritchi has eighteen years of experience in the IT Administration industry.  I have seven years as a professional organizer.  That experience has allowed me to assist people with customized solutions to increase the efficiency of their home, their office or their individual requirements.  A highly motivated self-starter who combines enthusiasm with a strong work ethic to achieve outstanding results and excellent client services.

Key competencies:

• · Listening skills
• · Multitasking
• · Proactive problem solving
• · The production of accurate and detailed work

References

I have two references that I can provide that have had the same services from OMP.  Let me know if you prefer email addresses or cell#s

Pricing

Consultations: $99 (minimum of 2 hours, waived if services are employed)

Hourly rate $49

Administration hourly rate $35 (i.e shopping for moving items, producing activity or asset lists)

Moving (Additional costs) – items such as bags, tape, boxes, garbage tags will be purchased by OMP but we will advise before any purchases are done. Costs for a moving company plus dumpster services will also be discussed with client prior to hiring any company services.

Organizing assistant: Pricing various depending on the level of expertise.

Invoices are issued on Mondays for the previous working hours.  For this project they will be submitted to lawyer so invoices are paid at the time of closing (May 22nd 2011). In order to proceed with this project OMP would need confirmation from client’s lawyer that invoices will be paid at closing which is May 22nd 2011.

Project time: My estimate time at this point will be 12 to 15 business days.  Organize Me Please will use every avenue possible to implement cost reduction solutions.

Look forward to providing organizing services for your move and your new home.

The post Consultation Report #3: Senior downsizing and on the move. appeared first on DeClutter | Organize | Downsize | Estates | Burlington Organizer | Organize Me Please.

Note: for quick scanning purposes see the italic areas.

This is a review of the main concerns that we covered and discussed during our recent estate consultation.  The following points can serve as a guide to keep us focused on your objectives:

Frustrations to be eliminated, obstacles to be overcome, problems to be solved………..

1)   Home needs to be put in selling mode so that once the estate has been through the probate process you are in position for the real estate market.

2)   All household contents need to be grouped and assessed so family members can make decisions going forward.

Comments following from the above objectives:

1)   Selling mode for this home means “clean sweep” with no debris and as uncluttered as possible. Mould smell is at a level 9 on a scale of 10. This issues needs to be addressed before any activity is done in the home.  My recommendation is to pull out all the contents of basement and place under the deck and cover with a tarp.  Then start with picking up any loose debris on basement floor.   I am reluctant to sweep in this basement because of the spread of spores.  Once these tasks are completed a fogger needs to be rented (Home Depot rents them $18 for 4 hrs, $26 for 24 hrs) Using a mould control substance the area is sprayed with the fogger which coats all exposed surfaces.  Once solution dries the surface is mould free and mould resistant.  This is a MUST activity.  Mould causes a lot of illnesses and if we are asking friends and family for help we need to have a healthy environment. Not to mention that potential buyers would not be able to look beyond the smell in the basement. With the basement aerosolized it can now be our storage space for items that need to be kept until the house is sold/closes.  The existing furniture can be used to stage the house and enhance its appeal.  Also this gives us the opportunity to put the furniture in ready mode for consignment or for family members.  As you are aware the house maybe sold for property use only.  With that in mind our next area of concern will be the front and back yards.  With removal of debris and trimming of existing foliage we create a safe area for potential clients to walk around and view the property.

2)   Since there is a sibling (Mary) that lives in Burlington the task of dividing contents can be a little difficult since the estate location is Toronto.  My recommendation is to provide a detailed list of all contents and send via email to each sister.  If necessary for Mary, pictures can be send of contents that she is not familiar with.  The detailed list of contents will show names of sisters, charities, garbage and storage items. (see attached example) The whole purpose of the content list is so we can quickly go through all items and have a detailed list so there are no misunderstandings between family members especially during this grieving time.

Opportunities to focus upon and turn into your advantage.

1)   You have all made great head wave with your parents’ home in the last few months.  As you know it is a very exhausting and time consuming task since you cannot be impartial and emotions tend to take over.  Just terrific that you have containers and boxes and have started the sorting process in all rooms.  You are 50% of the way there!!

2)   Since all sisters have email addresses this will be a great way to communicate and resolve the issue of furniture and other contents. With digital pictures it also works to our advantage when trying to identify items.                                  

The plan and path………………….

With the initial start up of this project your availability will be paramount because of the decisions and directions that need to be made.  However before that can be done the basement has to be dealt with before anything can be accomplished in this home.

Here is the process that we will be following for the next couple of weeks:

1)   Fogger and mould containment activity to be completed. Once done prepare basement to be used as storage for items on 2^nd and 3^rd floor.

2)   Remove all garbage and recycling items in home

3)   Group all items and designate a spot in home for each group.

4)   Create a detailed list of all items in each group. Send list to family members for decisions to be made.

5)   Create a detailed task list of activities that need to be done to each room which puts the house in selling mode

6)   Items that have been designated for charities, arrange for pick up.

7)   All items that will be moved to basement for storage are contained and labelled and placed against one of the walls. I would like to group boxes by names so it gives each sister an understanding as to how many items they will be taking away.

8)   High level staging to take place on 2^nd and 3^rd floors.  Keep in mind that we are trying to create a clean and pleasant smelling home for potential builders.

Timeframes

With this being the 23^rd of August I will assume everyone will be going into full time working schedules in September.  With that said I recommend we start this project on August 30^th.  During that week OMP will use the fogger in the basement and complete tasks that are listed for the basement.  We are looking at a full week of grouping and containing.  I would request involvement from family members to give approval of any items being trashed or given away to various charities. Please note that OMP services are first come first served.  I do not intend this to be a deterrent however it is the nature of the business.  Also note that all windows will need to be open for a few sessions and our warm weather will not be with us for long.

Resources

Trading Places – furniture consignment store located inOakville

Ebay, kijiji and Craig’s list for furniture sales

Storage facility – Storage Mart located on Norseman (first month 99% free, storage space ranges from 2 x5 = $95 to 5 x 10 = $140. Climatized storage available

Metal scrappers – have two men available for metal items which is a free service

Canadian Diabetes pick up – next pick up for the area is Sept 9^th, will also pick up small pieces of furniture

City garbage will pick up extra bags of garbage providing garbage tags are on them ($3.10) they can be purchased at any Toronto Canadian Tire.  Next garbage pick up is August 31^st

Hydro Round up – will pick up any working refrigerator or freezer for free. (Note, the freezer is in working condition however it is an energy guzzler!)

ShredEX has home pickup or mobile shredding services. Depending on number of boxes will determine the cost.

Organize Me Please Rates

Consultations $99 (waived if services are employed)

Hourly rate $55

Hourly rate $52 (after 50 hours)

Hourly rate $30 (for junior assistant)

Hourly rate $25 (for administrative tasks)

Hourly rate for shopping $25

Deposits are required with clients when product purchases are necessary.

For referrals, OMP will offer two hours of organizing services free of charge.

References are gladly given.  Will provide client references that have had similar services from OMP.

What Organize Me Please brings to this endeavour:

I have eighteen years of experience in the IT Administration industry. I have five years experience as a professional organizer. That experience has allowed me to assist people with customized solutions to increase the efficiency of their home, their office or their individual requirements.  A highly motivated self-starter who combines enthusiasm with a strong work ethic to achieve outstanding results and excellent client service.   Key competencies:

• Listening skills

• Multitasking

• Proactive problem solving

• The production of accurate and detailed work

• Compassion

I look forward to the opportunity to organize your parents’ home so you can all have peace of mind.

The post Consultation Report#2: Estate Organizing Project appeared first on DeClutter | Organize | Downsize | Estates | Burlington Organizer | Organize Me Please.