Join the From Chaos to Calm Community

To be honest I’m a type of person who likes to have a routine.   But I can sway when someone comes up with a better idea of what we should be doing?  This week’s been …..shall I say like going on a hike – you go up for a bit, then you go down for a bit,  then you go up a bit more and then you may go down another hill, or you may plateau and just walk there.   I don’t know about you, but the past year has given me; and I’m sure many of you …… a lot of opportunity to think.  It can be good and it can be bad, but what I do know when we are given the opportunity to pull out the good in the past ten months, we can grow with that.  Our business has been shut down fully for 3 months and now this past month only very essential services.  I know many of you have been shut down for more than that, or you may have been laid off from your job. So we can focus on that; ……or we can choose to change and/or ‘be’ with what surrounds us.

 Yesterday morning my daughter called, we were chatting and she was telling me about her week, …. then she asked me about mine. I said,  “Well ……..let me just put it this way, I’m starting over this morning”.  She giggles and says. .. “ that’s awesome Mom, a two day week.” I said. “ yes you are right”.   So I was ready to fire through the day and work on the routine that I had in place for the day ahead.  Before 11 a.m.,  I been up and down, emotionally,  three or four times already.  Why?….. because the stuff that was coming into me was from my close outside world, so I couldn’t just turn it off.  It was emotionally draining.  Noon came and I thought, okay I got this we are just going to start over again……… didn’t work out that way, but I did plug on and I was determined to get X number of things done that needed to get done before I left the office.  I was able to accomplish it, when  my day ended I was thankful that those things got done.  Ross came home, he asked about my day ….. that was a loaded question.  So, long story short I ended my day with happiness. I had yoga that night .  I go into my spare room that I have set up for my yoga, turn on my blanket, light the candles, open up the laptop for Zoom, the next hour unfolded and I was thankful that I had done my yoga, and I was thankful that Ross encouraged me to do it.  We can all live in a state of frustration, anger, or paralyzation, ….. all of those would be very simple to do right now.

BUT INSTEAD ………I would like to offer to you something different.

These past months have given me an opportunity to grow a part of my business that I have been aiming to do.  So here it is  February 1st — I now  have a membership available to people to sign into and they will enjoy the benefits of my blog, my tips, my courses etc., and much more to come that I’ve been learning over the past 19 years.

Please join our New Service for you- click on FOLLOW! And Join us on Facebook and Instagram .  Just sign in and click the links below. 

Start Bringing your Chaos to your Calm!

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Moving During Covid-19

Our country, well let’s be honest the entire world grinded to a halt last spring. We struggled in our jobs, businesses and within our homes. We struggled to get through every day issues, but then it dawned on us. Life was still moving forward and by moving I mean “MOVING”.

Houses were still being put on the market, sold and people were still moving. There was no stopping that domino effect. Not even a virus could stop that momentum.

And then there were calls from friends looking for help with their parents. They were not allowed to see them, let alone move them into a care facility. Again, life doesn’t stop for a virus attacking the world. Your parents and loved ones still need care, and being in lockdown unable to help caused an incredible amount of anxiety for our clients and their parents.

These are only two situations where COVID didn’t care. It was a truly huge relief when the team from Just In Time Solutions were given the “all clear” to help these people. We couldn’t help but worry about their welfare and state of mind before, during and after a move.

You see moving in the best of times, you all know is known as one of the top 5 most stressful things anyone can do. Add COVID and now you’re doing it alone, without help? No, that’s not the way it has to be. Our team has been allowed to help before, during and after a move. Whether its a downsize, a senior’s move or you and your family are upgrading – we are allowed and are HERE to help.

You Do Not Have To Do This Alone.

You can stand in your kitchen and living room and slowly turn around, and that’s where the overwhelming sense of anxiety starts. You start to look at your surroundings, about everything that has to be done before you list and then again before you move. The housing market is at an all time high. It’s so hard to understand and getting caught up in the momentum is completely natural. When the dust settles and you realize that your friends and family are unable to help due to COVID restrictions, that’s when it dawns on most people – “I’m not going to be able to do this alone”. Two pieces of advice we want to you know:

1 – This is just one day, one week out of an entire lifetime and you are going to make it. There’s no doubt in our minds, you’ll get there. Take one thing at a time. Complete one task at a time. Eventually you’ll see through this situation and you’ll be ok.

2 – Instead of struggling, instead of just being “ok” ….call us for help. There is absolutely no reason for you to struggle with any of this.

If your family is in a situation where your parents need to be moved whether it’s leaving hospital, their home of 40 years or into assisted living. THIS. This is what we do. We walk in and we look after the stuff, so that you can look after them. One client said to us ” you’re the best accident I ever had”.

We can’t stand to see people struggle, it’s just not something we can sit back and watch. So please reach out, don’t get yourself into a position that is going to break you or your family.

A Photo Is Worth…..?

A photo is worth a thousand words. They are gateways into our past. They are reminders of days gone by. A chance to glimpse at a loved one or smile at a memory that made us part of who we are today.

I can remember a day when you had to lug out the big camera, had to rewind the film and even attach a flash cube!( now that’s showing my age) But those days were soooo good! We took pictures of our lives and places and people. We developed pieces of our past whether they were out of focus, crooked or even ugly! Now with the age of digitalization it’s wonderful that we can delete an unattractive photo in seconds. We can pick and choose what we want to keep and what we want to frame and display. But there are a few down falls to our digitalized world as well.

I’m forever hearing complaints from my parents that they never see pictures of their grandkids anymore! Their fridges are bare or extremely dated with toddler photos ( that kids in second year Uni now). Yes, the digital camera came with so many great attributes, but we’ve taken these pictures and then that’s it! Are they ever really shared?

What about those boxes of pictures from the 70’s where your parents are dressed to kill and living it large! What about your prom pics or even those pictures that finally got developed and now you love them, but not enough to frame and “live with them” in your space.

These photographs are a life that was lived to it’s fullest. They are windowpanes into days when things were a little less fast. Just In Time Solutions can bring those moments back, we can allow you the opportunity to SHARE these photos with your family and friends.

One of our organizing services allows us to scan large amounts of photos and documents and store them safely on a USB, perfect for the digital frame you’re thinking of getting Mom and Dad!

Part Three: Medications

Part Three: Medications – Do they expire?

After you are done checking out the beauty and skin care products, take a look in the medicine cabinet. Do you have bottles in there that could be considered collectible? How long have you had that Tylenol? Does it matter? The answer is yes…and no. Yes, medications do have expiry dates. Those dates represent “the final day that the manufacturer guarantees the full potency and safety of a medication”.  Like food, there are different factors to be considered (other than the expiry date) to consider when determining whether you should keep or toss. Most over the counter medications have been proven to keep their effectiveness long past the ‘expiry date’ if they have been stored properly.  Proper storage may surprise you a bit. According to several resources, including the National Library of Medicine  you should store your medicines in a cool, dry place. For example, store it in your dresser drawer or a kitchen cabinet away from the stove, sink, and any hot appliances. You can also store medicine in a storage box, on a shelf, in a closet. You should not store it in the bathroom, as the heat and moisture from your shower, bath, and sink may damage your medicine. Your medicines can become less potent, or they may go bad before the expiration date. Also, always make sure the bottles are closed properly. It is important to note that some medications MUST be discarded once they reach their expiry date.  Medications such as liquid antibiotics, eye drops (last 4 weeks from opening), nitro-glycerine, insulin, Epipens, birth control and tetracycline.  Unused prescription meds should also be discarded. Remember, don’t just toss expired medications or vitamins into the garbage. Return them to a pharmacy or household hazardous waste depot. When it comes to any of the 3 topics discussed (food, cosmetics or medications) always remember “If in doubt, throw it out!” 

Topic Two: Cosmetics and Body Care Products

Topic two: Cosmetics and body care products – Organizing in the bathroom

Another area of the home that often gets cluttered with items we don’t use or discard “expired” items from is the bathroom. Whether it is a collection of soaps and lotions you received as gifts or your favourite beauty product, we often forget these items have limited use times before they can become harmful.  Like food, how do we know when to discard these items? What happens if we use them past these dates?  With any skin care products, whether for hair, face or body, we have to remember that using older products can be dangerous. They can cause skin and eye irritations, rashes, or infections. All bath and beauty products are made with the actual opening date of the product unknown, so oftentimes the life expectancy of the product only starts when the item is opened. How do you remember when you opened it? One way is to get a small label or piece of masking tape and write the month and year on it and stick it to the container. You could also make a special list on your phone or a list in a drawer in the bathroom. Be honest with yourself. Oftentimes you know if you have had a product sitting around for a long time.  You also know if you have those “gifts” that you will never use. If any items are unopened, again, consider donating to the food bank, shelters or offering on FaceBook groups. If they are opened, it is safest to throw them out. While you are in the bathroom, don’t forget to check the make up brushes and sponge applicators and give them a good wash (should be washed every 2 weeks) or consider replacing them. Click this link How long do my beauty products last for out cheat sheet on how long make up and other body products last once opened.  

Topic One: Food – Best Before vs Expiry Dates

Topic One: Food – Best Before vs Expiry Dates…What’s the difference?

A good place to start when organizing your kitchen is with the edible items.  Easy enough…right? Well, not always.  Yes, getting rid of that box of crackers that has been open since last Christmas or the box of cereal with nothing but dust left might be a no brainer, but what about those items that have never been opened or you only need 1 tbs of? Sure, you can check expiry dates or best before dates…BUT what do they really mean? Do you have to throw them out? First, what is the difference between a “ Best Before Date” and an “Expiry Date”? The Canadian Institute of Food Safety says a Best Before Date is defined as a date that; “states when the durable life period of the food ends”. Durable life is “the anticipated amount of time that an unopened food product, when stored under appropriate conditions, will retain its freshness, taste, nutritional value, or any other qualities claimed by the manufacturer” A best before date is also not applicable once the package has been opened. Best before dates do not guarantee that a food product is safe to eat. So, what is an Expiry Date? First, an expiry date is required on any foods that have a specific nutritional composition that could falter after the determined expiration date. Examples of such foods are formulated liquid diets, foods sold by pharmacists, meal replacements, nutritional supplements and infant formula.  The Canadian Food Inspection agency advises that if food has passed its expiration date it should be discarded. 

Whether we are physically helping you with your kitchen organization or you are taking on the challenge yourself, the best before dates and the expiry dates are always a good place to start. However, don’t forget to ask yourself “is anybody really going to eat this?” If the dates are still good, consider donating it to the food banks or offering it on FaceBook groups that have people in need or cook. 

See below for our “cheat sheet” on how long spices are good for and what to look for freshness

Topic One: Food – Best Before vs Expiry Dates…What’s the difference?

A good place to start when organizing your kitchen is with the edible items.  Easy enough…right? Well, not always.  Yes, getting rid of that box of crackers that has been open since last Christmas or the box of cereal with nothing but dust left might be a no brainer, but what about those items that have never been opened or you only need 1 tbs of? Sure, you can check expiry dates or best before dates…BUT what do they really mean? Do you have to throw them out? First, what is the difference between a “ Best Before Date” and an “Expiry Date”? The Canadian Institute of Food Safety says a Best Before Date is defined as a date that; “states when the durable life period of the food ends”. Durable life is “the anticipated amount of time that an unopened food product, when stored under appropriate conditions, will retain its freshness, taste, nutritional value, or any other qualities claimed by the manufacturer” A best before date is also not applicable once the package has been opened. Best before dates do not guarantee that a food product is safe to eat. So, what is an Expiry Date? First, an expiry date is required on any foods that have a specific nutritional composition that could falter after the determined expiration date. Examples of such foods are formulated liquid diets, foods sold by pharmacists, meal replacements, nutritional supplements and infant formula.  The Canadian Food Inspection agency advises that if food has passed its expiration date it should be discarded. 

Whether we are physically helping you with your kitchen organization or you are taking on the challenge yourself, the best before dates and the expiry dates are always a good place to start. However, don’t forget to ask yourself “is anybody really going to eat this?” If the dates are still good, consider donating it to the food banks or offering it on FaceBook groups that have people in need or cook. 

See below for our “cheat sheet” on how long spices are good for and what to look for freshness;

Spices Freshness Guideline 

Ground Spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, tumeric): 2 – 3 yrs Herbs (basil, oregano, parsley): 1 – 3 yrs 

Seasoning Blends: 1 – 2 yrs 

Whole Spices (cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon sticks): 4 yrs Seeds: 4 yrs (except for poppy seeds and sesame seeds 2 yrs)  Extracts 4 yrs (except vanilla, which will last forever) 

If unsure of age, look at colour and smell. Pale in colour or poor aroma  likely means old and should discard.

Organizing vs. Renovation

Organizing vs. Renovation “not enough space, or too much stuff?”

Surprisingly, most people will automatically assume they do not have enough space in their home and not even consider it isn’t the square footage of the home, its actually the possessions in the home or even the organization (or lack of) that is the real issue.  If you have been considering a renovation to your home because you “need more space” consider hiring a Professional Organizer (PO) before you start knocking down or adding walls! Why? It’s really a win win situation. First, the PO will help you sort through your items and determine if there is anything you just don’t need or want anymore. No sense packing up and storing items to go into your new space if you don’t really want them. Second, the PO can discuss your renovation plans and help you determine some key items to consider including in your renovation to maximize efficiency and organization. After decluttering and determining solutions to the deficiencies in the current space, you may realize, it wasn’t really a lack of space, it was just a space lacking proper organization and too much unneeded stuff.  What you spend for the PO’s time and expertise could actually save you thousands of dollars in an unnecessary renovation.  Or, after working with the PO, you still feel the renovation is needed, then you are left with only the items you want, fresh ideas for making your new space organized and useable and ready for the renovations to begin. Win, win! 

When Home is Also School and/or Work

Has COVID 19 turned your home into your office, your child’s classroom or both? Have the lines between work space and living space become blurred.  So many people suddenly found themselves turning their homes into temporary offices or school rooms and after 2+ years, some are realizing, for them, it’s no longer temporary.  Some businesses have decided to continue having their employees work remotely and some families have chosen to continue having their children learn on line and not return to the classroom. These decisions can mean “the home office” needs a make over – especially if it has been the kitchen table.  Not everyone is going to have a designated office space in their house or apartment, so organization and storage solutions are key.  They don’t have to be complicated ideas.  Just remember, at the end of every work day, put your desk “away”, so you can step out of work/school and into home.  One idea is having a drawer cart to store items when not in use. Often times they have wheels, so they can be easier to move out of the way and back. Clear a shelf or two on a bookcase or spare closet and get some decorative storage boxes or baskets to ‘hide away’ the office.  If you know this situation is going to be for the long run, consider investing in a fold away desk or cabinet desk.  The main thing to remember, it don’t your office get out of hand and take over your home space. By making a point to clean up and put away every night, you will have a higher success rate of staying organized and setting boundaries. 

It’s Not My Stuff

It’s not my stuff, but should I keep it? Is it wrong to let it go? A question so many are faced with when they downsize or lose a loved one.  There is no right answer with how to begin the process of letting things go.  There are steps you can take, and things to consider, to help make the process seem less daunting and stressful. First, start with what’s easy. Go through the home and remove garbage and recyclables. Talk to family members and close friends to see if there are items they could use or want. Tip: Make sure that everyone understands that any items they want, need to be picked up in a timely manner. Next, look for items that are not sentimental and evaluate Are there some you want to sell? If so, be honest with yourself. Ask yourself if the items you want to sell, will give you the return in time and effort to do so. Items you do not plan to sell, donate.  Now, you are left with the items you feel you need or want to keep. If you have space for these items, great!  If you don’t really have space, but you just can’t let them go yet, that’s ok. That feeling could change in time, so pack them up and put them in a safe place to be revisited in the future. What you don’t want is to overwhelm your space at home, so be honest with yourself when going through items. Consider taking a picture of the item. If it is a set of dishes, keep a piece of it, maybe a serving plate, or tea cup and saucer.  Most importantly, if the whole task is just too overwhelming, or you just need some extra help, there are professionals out there to help. 

Sentimental Decluttering

But it belonged to my great-great aunt!

Purging sentimental items can be emotionally exhausting. As parents downsize to smaller dwellings their collection of antiques and heirlooms often finds its way to their children. And so on and so on until you find yourself reading about how to declutter sentimental items.

First, good for you. You are breaking the chain. Future generations will thank you. And secondly, keeping things that don’t resonate with you or your lifestyle creates both physical and mental clutter. So, let’s get down to honouring grandma without keeping all her furniture!

All joking aside…this is a difficult process. It is okay to have a hard time. Be gentle with yourself and do not try to accomplish it in one day.

As you examine items, ask yourself why you feel sentimental about it. Was it a gift? Does it remind you of a person or a place? Are you currently using it? Do you like it or are you keeping it out of guilt or obligation?

Can you retain the memory without keeping the item? Digitalizing items can be a great way to retain a memory without cluttering your home. You can even write a note about why the piece is important to you and who gave it to you?

Does it fit in your home?  If it is a piece of furniture the practical question is whether you have room for it? If you love it and want to keep it then can you part with another, less sentimental item, to create space? Even photos and paper memorabilia should have limited space. A memory tote is a great way to store cards, photos, old year books etc. When it gets too full then re-evaluate the items again.

Can you repurpose an item? If you have a fond memory associated with an item or feel strongly toward keeping it, can you find a use for it? For example, my mom gave me my grandma’s crystal cranberry bowl. I use it to store my earrings rather than using it twice a year for cranberries (which I can still do if I dump out the earrings!). This way I can see it and appreciate it daily.

By keeping the things you love and can use in your space you are maintaining their enjoyment and specialness.

The World of Online Auctions: Part 3 of 3

The World of Online Auctions: Part 3 of 3

What can you expect as a buyer?

Welcome to the final part of our series on online auctions. This method of buying and selling has become increasingly popular, especially with the current pandemic and ever changing public health measures. 

So what can you expect as a buyer if you’ve never used an online auction? There are many sites to choose from in the world of online auctions: Ebay, MaxSold and AuctionMaxx in Toronto just to name a few. Although each auction website will vary, there will be similar steps across each platform.

To start, most sites will have you register as a buyer, which will require you to provide basic personal information, as well as a method of payment for any items you may bid on. Once you have signed up you are ready to begin your online bidding. Depending on the site, you may be able to search for a specific item or you can scroll through the auction catalogue to view items. 

When you have found an item you wish to bid on, place your bid. Many sites also give you the option of placing a maximum bid, meaning the highest amount you are willing to pay for the item. In this case, your bid will be automatically increased––the amount increase will depend on the site––up to your maximum amount every time someone outbids you. 

If you outbid the competition then you win the item. Buyers are not able to take back their bid once they have won. Pick up arrangements will be specified on the site or the item may be able to be shipped depending on the conditions of the sale. 

Hopefully, this has taken some of the mystery out of navigating an online auction site. It is a convenient and easy way of buying items that can also be socially and environmentally responsible. Happy bidding!

**much of the content of this article came from maxsold.com/blog

The World of OnlineAuctions: Part 2 of 3

The World of Online Auctions: Part 2 of 3

Who uses online auctions and why?

So we’ve defined and explored online auctions. Now let’s discuss who might use such a platform and why? 

The popularity of online auctioning has exploded in the past few years. A survey conducted by the National Consumers League in the U.S. found that one third of American adults, approximately 35.6 million people, have participated in online auctioning. 

Sellers using online auctioning platforms can range from companies selling excess product to private sellers auctioning single items. A company or small business may also use an online auction to test a product and assess how the market responds before moving forward with mass production. 

Private sellers may opt for auctioning items online for a variety of reasons. For many, the current pandemic has driven online selling as a way to avoid group gatherings. Many sellers also tend to be sustainably minded and prefer to try and sell items they no longer need rather than donate them or take them to the dump. You may be an antique dealer who wants to reach a wider audience. Online auctions also allow individuals with large collections of items from estates or downsizing to sell their items quickly and with minimal effort. 

At Just In Time Solutions we like to use online auctions for various reasons, some we already mentioned above; they get into the hands of people that want or need them, keeps items out of our landfills, empties an estate quickly and we get a wide audience.   Sign up for our mailing list and we will let you know when the next one airs. 

There are many reasons why businesses or private sellers may choose this method of selling. Public safety, sustainability, ease of use and access to buyers are only a few. 

The World Of Online Auctions:Part 1 of 3

The World of Online Auctions: Part 1 of 3

What is an Online Auction?

As our world becomes more virtual with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the world of online auctioning is growing. Still, many people haven’t heard of the term. 

In this three-part series we will look at what an online auction is, why you would want to use it and how they work? 

So what is an online auction? An online auction takes place via the internet and allows users to sell or bid for products online. eBay is a familiar name to most and an industry leader in the world of online auctioning. 

Online auctions allow sellers to reach a large audience unrestricted by location.. The type of buyers attracted to an online auction can vary widely. The virtual platform often attracts younger buyers, stay-at-home buyers and buyers who may be looking for only a few items. Many buyers are sustainably minded, attempting to keep usable items out of landfills. 

Since the conception of eBay in 1995 the world of online auctioning has exploded. The recent lockdowns and in-person restrictions have only furthered their growth. 

There are numerous platforms available for selling items online. They offer a variety of auction styles, access to buyers and ease of use. 

Join us for parts 2 and 3 of the series where we will look at what online auctions can offer you as a buyer as well as what you can expect when you use an online auction site.