Circumstances don’t make a person. Likewise, office size doesn’t make a successful business. In the modern world, there are about a million ways technology plays a greater role than the physical space we work in. Remote workers, high rent, and economic changes are all reasons you may want to downsize. If you decide to do so, it should be done the right way. It may even lead to more productivity for reasons we’ll touch on below. But first, let’s start at the beginning. 1. Preparing to win Plan ahead and set goals If you manage your business all by yourself — that’s great. You don’t have to refer to anyone else for decision-making. However, DO make decisions early — and that’s with or without a team. Additionally, ensure you set concrete goals that are in line with your company’s goals, values, and anything else that could be affected by the move. Discern your office needs You know you’re going smaller but how much smaller exactly? Figure out what your office requires in anticipation of the change. Is smaller equipment an option? Would you be better off using electronic storage? What type of layout suits your employees? — We’ll go more into detail on that one later. For now, just be clear on your workspace must-haves. Get help from the professionals If you have the means to do so, allow an expert step in to help with packing, storage, and moving your office to its new location (Relocate Stress-Free are pros here). Know your purpose and act on it Be aware of what specific purpose all parts of your office serve. A more limited space does not have to mean less efficiency. On the same note, use multi-purpose supplies and furniture to make the most out of space. 2. Doing the work Organize with intent The groundwork for moving goes in a similar fashion to planning. Conscious organization is key. When packing boxes, remember to use simple but effective labels so you won’t be lost when unpacking. Rent a storage unit Renting a space to keep important items will probably work out in your best interest. There are lots of options available, but we’d recommend Crate it Storage here for many reasons. As needed, be sure to inform your storage company of the labels for the boxes. Also, don’t hesitate to force yourself to donate or — as appropriate — throw away what you don’t need. Get rid of some furniture Similarly, feel free to rid yourself of too large or unnecessary furniture taking up space. Yes, that lounge chair is the most gorgeous thing on the floor, but if you don’t allow your employees to take naps on it — and you probably should — then consider getting rid of it. Go vertical or go home Before we talk about telecommuting, let’s discuss even more space maximization which you can achieve by using vertical furniture instead of traditional horizontal pieces. We’re talking desk-top shelves and otherwise spending practices. Employ interior design expertise If you don’t spend money on any other expertise… well, who can blame you? HGTV has made an interior designer of us all. But for real, employing a professional can make a huge difference. Meanwhile, we advise the use of light-colored paint and large mirrors to give your office the illusion of spaciousness. Sometimes, the illusion is as good as reality, so just enjoy the magic. 3. Boosting productivity Consider remote work You won’t miss your large conference room if you make use of telecommuting with your employees. Consider the use of virtual conference meetings, or, you can even rent a hotel conference room if meetings are irregular. In 2019, there’s an endless range of options for meetings online. Plus, more organizations than ever are granting flexibility through remote work and guess what — at least one study showed that workers were more productive. Enjoy a physical connection Of course, this all has to do with how well you carry out such a plan. In the meantime, feel free to encourage your staff to embrace the physical closeness they are now succumbed to. They’ll bounce into each other more often, and this will lead to a greater sense of community and increased creativity as good vibes and shared focus is exchanged. Don’t forget work-life balance Always keep in mind that employees exist outside of work just like you do. A happy wife makes a happy life, right? Well, a fulfilled employee makes, well, an engaged and productive one. One disclaimer though: Nothing can be guaranteed to fix your human resource problems except modern behavioral experts. However, we hope that the above can help conquer your business’ downsizing battle with ease and perhaps leave you better off than when you had that big fancy office.
Ten Tips For a Successful Estate Sale
Estate sales can be a great way to get rid of the clutter in your home and make some extra money all at once. While there are some definite positives, there can also be some hiccups. Estate sales can be tricky to plan, and it’s hard to know what will make them a success. Here are some tips to help you have a successful sale. Do Your Research You don’t want to price an item too low based on an instinct to then find out later it was worth substantially more. When you’re still in the planning phases, research items that you aren’t familiar with to see what similar ones are selling for. Places like Facebook marketplace, Kijiji, and eBay are good places to start. Clearly Mark Your Prices Bargaining is a normal part of estate sales. By having your prices clearly marked, it makes it easy for customers to see what you’re asking and make you a reasonable offer or begin negotiations. Clear prices make shopping easy for customers, and the easier it is the more you’ll sell. Make Sure You Have Enough Hands on Deck It’s not enough to just have one person available to collect money from buyers. You should ask for help from family and friends and have them dispersed throughout different parts of the home so they are easily accessible to shoppers. Setup a Place for Purchases You’ll need to set up a central place to receive payments. Make sure you have a table big enough so shoppers can set down their items, and handle their payments easily. Convenience is key. Get a Cash Box with Change A float is a necessity when holding an estate sale. You’ll need to be able to break bills and make change for customers. There is no way you want your customers to have to leave to get exact change somewhere else! Be Prepared for Crowds Many people who shop estate sales, do so first thing in the morning before items get picked over. It’s not uncommon for these sales to happen as early as 7 am so be prepared by prepping your home the night before and have everything set and ready to go. It makes for a long day but a successful one for sure. Keep your Pets Contained We all love our pets, but an estate sale may not be the perfect place for them. Check if your furry friends can go to a friend or family members house for the day to ensure your day isn’t spent chasing your dog or cat who got out or trying to quiet them down every time the doorbell rings. Advertise This is one of the most important points. How is anyone going to know you’re having an estate sale if you don’t advertise? Use your local newspaper, put flyers around town, post in local Facebook groups, put posters up on community bulletin boards, add your event to Kijiji and more. As your friends and family to share your event on social media for even further reach. Use Signs for Directions Many people stop by estate sales because they see signs while they are out and about. Place signs on major roadways and guide customers to your front door with clear, legible signs that are easy to read in a passing vehicle. Keep it simple-just add directional arrows and your address! Hire a Pro There are companies that focus on helping people set up for estate sales. Because this is such a big job you’ll need all hands on deck to be prepared. Relocate Stress Free makes preparing for an estate sale a breeze. Our friendly, and knowledgeable staff are able to jump in and give you a hand to ensure the day of your sale goes smoothly. With the spring weather finally here, now is the perfect time to prepare for an estate sale!
Tips to help a hoarder move
There’s so much to deal with with when moving. However, the situation becomes a little complicated when it involves a hoarder. Research shows that hoarders are different from one another, in marital status, social standing or age. Obsessive compulsive disorder makes it more difficult when moving a hoarder. However, through proper guidance, it’s possible to help hoarders sort through their items. The first way to help is acknowledging that hoarding is a disorder and not a behavior. This guide isn’t intended to replace professional assistance, but it can help make a difference in handling the situation. Negotiate a common ground Finding a compromise is a best approach. Sometimes it can be difficult to persuade a hoarder to dispose of some things. The only option may be to find a compromise. One can suggest using Crate It Storage to hold their items during the move. It is also important to assure them that their items will not be disposed of without their consent. Involve them through questions Asking questions about the things they’d like to keep can also help with the move. It’s good to remember that even though some items may seem like trash, they may hold some significance to loved ones. You should respect their wishes, even if it means keeping a large number of the items. Find professional help If they have a therapist, this is the time to suggest visiting a professional. Additionally, seeking de-cluttering services from Relocate Stress Free can also help. Collaborating with a hoarder and suggesting they seek professional help before moving is an approach to making things easier. Hoarding does not stop even after a successful move. It usually gets worse because they are distressed over losing their belongings. So even after dealing with the current situation, the problem continues. Seeking long term help will be necessary for the future.
Decluttering Kids’ Rooms
Decluttering children’s rooms are a challenge. This is because emotional attachment is involved by someone who isn’t mature enough to understand. In simple words, it is a bit tricky and overwhelming. When downsizing, decluttering children’s rooms will be mandatory. Otherwise, the new home’s space isn’t going to be sufficient to accommodate everything. We are decluttering experts at Relocate Stress Free. However, if kids are deeply attached to their rooms, parents should work on a strategy so their kids don’t get infuriated in the process. Let the kids understand the reason Instead of telling kids they need to dispose of some toys, parents should discuss the reasons for doing so. For instance, kids may be told that more play space is being created. They could also discuss assisting other kids through charity. This way, they might be more willing to let some the toys go without arousing emotions. Begin with the non-emotional items This simply means disposing of the trash first. Items such as, broken toys, old shoes, outgrown clothes should be removed first so the room looks less overwhelming. Make the decisions together on what stays and what goes Most kids especially below eight years are difficult to reason with. This is due to their possessiveness tendency and lacking perspective. Parents simply need to help kids find toys they no longer need. Get everything organized Downsizing experts usually like using this approach. Organizing everything in their right place makes it easier to identify expendables. So much progress can be made by organizing. While organizing, like items should be placed together. The sooner everything gets organized, the better. Crate it Storage can assist in facilitating the organization process. If piles are left lying around, kids may get attracted to them and starting afresh will be harder. Decluttering kids’ rooms can be very stressful. If possible, do this task bit by bit till the job is complete. Once done, regular maintenance is necessary to keep rooms tidy.
Declutter or storage?
When the space in a home suddenly becomes low, rooms cluttered, garage and basements no longer accessible, it’s high time a remedy is sort. But the extent of clutter all over can be overwhelming. The decluttering process may seem too difficult to pursue alone, but since space is needed, there has to be a way out. Seeking decluttering services from Relocate Stress Free is an easier way to go about. Is finding a storage solution much better or simply declutter everything and dispose of them in appropriate ways? Most homeowners find it difficult deciding. Here’s a simple guide on whether to find storage or declutter and dispose of the items. How precious are the items? Some of the items must have cost a lot of money and disposing of them is going to be a little difficult. In such a case, storage solutions seem better but it should be done with caution since one is most likely to hold on to almost everything which will only fill up the storage space. How often are the items used? Most of the clutter are often the less used, seasonal items. Seasonal items need not be disposed of unless they are broken or worn out hence no longer used even during the right seasons. As for the rest of the items no longer needed, decluttering and getting rid of them is the ultimate solution. If some of the items are still in good condition, they can be sold through auctions. What’s the reason for decluttering? Decluttering can be done when downsizing or simply need to keep things neat and organized. If moving to a house with less rooms or a flat, there are certain things which will need to be discarded even if still in good condition. For instance a lawn mower is not going to be needed if moving to a flat. As such seeking assistance from downsizing services companies like Relocate Stress Free, they can assist in deciding what’s needed and what should be discarded. On the other hand, if decluttering to acquire more space and keep things neat, then items in good condition but no longer used can be donated to charity, given away or sold if possible. Finding answers to the three questions is a good way of deciding on whether to find storage or declutter the items altogether.
4 Tips on Decluttering and Organizing Your Garage
Is your garage a dumping ground for items? It is easily to accumulate too many items in your garage and now it is time to declutter and organize. Many clients have revealed that organizing a garage may take some time but Relocate Stress Free Inc. stresses it should be a priority on your list to do. Here are 4 tips on decluttering and organizing your garage. 1. Start with Cleaning The first thing that needs to be done is taking the opportunity to clean every surface when you are pulling out items and sorting the garage. 2. Have a Plan You need to have plan on how you want the garage to look when you are completed. Do you want a workshop area or just a storage area? There are many possibilities. 3. Keep Items That Are Used Together to Stay Together The key to keeping your garage tidy is keeping like objects together. For example, in your tool area hang up the tools on hooks and keep srewdrivers in one area etc. If your garage is going to be used for storage then make sure all boxes are labeled and use a shelving unit/ system to easily arrange. 4. Discard/ Donate Items When you are decluttering your garage, remember to go through your items that have not been used or are very old. Any sporting items that you have not used in the past couple years can be donated or discarded. Go through your tools and discard any duplicated or old tools. If you have any old paint or paintbrushes discard them appropriately. Once you have followed the above tips of decluttering and organizing your garage which involved discarding, sorting and donating items, you can now claim the space you had lost. Relocate Stress Free Inc. can help you with decluttering services. Stay tuned for more decluttering tips.
What are the items most often forgotten during a move?
On the day of the move there are so many things to do. Relocate Stress Free will assist you to make sure you do not forget anything during your move. Additionally, these are some moving tips to help you for before your move and the day of your move. Before the Day of Your Move • Label all you boxes properly to help keep organization during the move. • Have a big box of big bags and keep them someplace handy. • Don’t pack all your cleaning supplies for the new house. Keep rags, towels, mops, and garbage cans and trash bags for the clean-up. • Don’t pack all your toilet paper. Ensure to keep a roll out for the old home and new home. • Remember to leave out some plates, cups, and paper towels for meals during the move. • Keep the coffee pot handy to bring to the new home! The Day of Your Big Move – items people forget • Clocks and small wall hangings. • Knick-knacks on window sills. • Items loaned to friends such as snow tires, power tools, and movies. • Items in crawlspaces – don’t forget the crawlspace! • Cellphones and computer charging cords. • Food in the fridge. Do a final check! • Toilet plunger. • Medicine in your medicine cabinets. • Items in your shred – lawn mower. • Outdoor decorative lights and solar-powered walkway lights. • The spare key outside. • The garage door opener from your car. In conclusion, the next time you move follow these tips and it will go as smoothly as possible. Relocate Stress Free is always here to make your move “stress free” in Calgary and surrounding areas. We offer decluttering services and downsizing services which are also beneficial when you are planning to move. More tips to follow.
Should You Do Spring Cleaning Before Moving?
Spring and summer are definitely prime seasons to be moving. The housing market will be “springing” into action and it is time to reduce the clutter in your home. By decluttering you can focus on your plans for moving. If you have a house that is untidy it will be distracting and Relocate Stress Free suggests you need to do a big spring clean! To reduce the stress on the day of your big move we suggest tidying early could really help. This is where planning needs to come into play. Relocate Stress Free reminds clients to start sorting out and packing a few weeks early. Next it is time to go through your house and try to figure out what you need to take with you to your new home. Remember when you are decluttering to sort through all items and decided what needs to be done with each item. Crate it Storage can assist with helping you sort your items accordingly. The final step is to ensure you have all your cleaning products and tools to complete a spring clean. Now it is time to clean, clean and clean. It is very important for buyers to see a clean well-kept house with no clutter! Let the selling begin! Before moving to your new house it is important to arrange for a professional cleaner to do a thorough clean or do it yourself prior to moving in. This would include cleaning the carpets as well. If you need assistance in decluttering services, downsizing services, packing services or cleaning services, Relocate Stress Free can help ease your stress! More tips to follow in the coming blogs.