RESOURCES
The Landscape Is Becoming Greener!
We can help eliminate your clutter in as socially responsible and environmentally friendly way as possible. There are now more local businesses than ever that can resell, reuse and recycle, reducing the stuff consigned to already-cluttered landfills.
101 Things To Do With All Your Old Stuff
This free book or on-line download has some great ideas for minimizing the junk around your house.
view website, www.metrovancouver.org/Pages/default.aspx
Fresh Start Recycling
Thomas Goodall and team will come and pick up all your trash and reusable items, separate it at source, and recycle it for you.
view website, www.freshstartrecycling.com/
Recycling Council of British Columbia
Need answers on where, what and how to recycle? Call their recycling hotline 604-RECYCLE or visit their website.
view website, www.rcbc.bc.ca
Turn Your Clutter Into Cash...
Are you having a hard time giving up unused silverware or an oversized dining set due to their financial value? It is often easier to part with more costly possessions or ease the pain of a shopping ‘mistake’ by getting some cash back in your pocket to spend on something you do want.
Craig’s List
A great site to sell everything from cars to collectibles & bikes to baby toys.
view website www.vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/
Sellution Vintage Furniture
Call Paddy Kelly and team to help with furniture, lamps pictures etc. 604-876-4517
Vancouver Gold
Get cash for all your old and unused jewelry, gold and silver
Echo’s China & Silverware
Kirsten Oostindie can help with estate sales as well as individual pieces.
view website, www.echoschina.com
Give Up The Goods! - The Lighter Side Of Donations
Not knowing where our unloved or no-longer-needed stuff can go is one of the reasons we hang on to it. Donating to a women`s shelter, church or other charity is a simple way to initiate a cycle of change. We rid ourselves of the excess, contribute to those in need and reinvest in our community. We can provide our clients with many options for their unwanted items that will enable them to see first hand the positive impact that they can make in the lives of people who need it the most. Here are a few of my favorite links:
SPCA
Your local SPCA is great place to donate all those old towels and blankets
view website, www.spca.bc.ca/
Big Brothers
Call for a donation pick-up when they are in your area.
view website, www.bigbrothersvancouver.com/clothingpickup/
Developmental Disabilities Association
Call for a pick up or visit their many convenient clothing drop-off bins in the lower Mainland.
view website, www.develop.bc.ca/home.html
ReadingTree.org
Have too many books? Reading Tree has many convenient drop-off bins or will pick up and donate your unwanted books to a worthy home.
view website, www.readingtree.org
Top Tips
1. Stop the inflow! Put your house on a diet! Cancel unread magazine subscriptions and only buy what you need.
2. Toss the no-brainers first. Old newspapers, broken items, garbage etc. go first.
3. Assign a home for everything. From raincoats to remotes and crayons to keys...
4. Use it or lose it! Purge regularly. Keep a donation box handy for items that you do not want or need.
5. Store like with like and keep items where you use them. Don't re-buy items that you didn't think you had because you couldn't see or find them.
6. Think outside the storage box. Use bins and baskets as functional and attractive storage for many items, but remember to label.
7. Limit memorabilia to favorites. Think of displaying a few treasured items where you can enjoy them daily instead of storing a whole collection where you never see it.
8. Use the ‘One In - One Out’ rule. If you buy a replacement item throw out or donate the original.
9. Maximize vertical space. Think ‘upstorage’ like shelving, cupboards, pegboards, hooks etc. in places that do not have them.
10. Be aware and focus. If you open it, close it. If you take it out, put it away.
11. Maintain - use an action plan. Make a list, but remember to prioritize. Book that appointment - Schedule the time to clear clutter.
12. Call an organizer. Get some new ideas and help getting the job done faster.
"Hiring Lynne to organize my office was invaluable. It is such a great feeling to have the clutter gone and a clear workspace. It's been 6 months since she's been here and everything is still organized. Thank you!" Margot - Teacher