Smaller Spaces April Edition

Smaller Spaces Newsletter

Anney Fagan Spring cleaning time! In my house, that includes taking a large bag of donations to Women in Need (WIN) off Cook Street. It also means we will finally deal with that old carpet that we stashed away in the garage that is most likely the source of that interesting odor...

That's the inspiration for my newsletter this month. I hope you enjoy!

Anney

Anney Fagan

Owner, Act Together Moving Services

Lighten the Load for Future Moves

I don't think it's common for people to wake up in the morning and
bounce out of bed full of excitement at the prospect of cleaning out their garage. In fact, most people dread the idea of tackling the last bastion of storage (or sometimes the dumping ground) in their home. However, if you predict that you will be moving in the next year or two, it's a good idea to begin to clean out your garage so that by the time your move rolls around your garage...

Looks like this: Rather than like this:

Clean vs Clutter

So what is all that stuff anyway?

1. Your "Reversed Inheritance" Stuff

If you have adult children, chances are you have been saddled/blessed with some of their belongings, such as high school trophies, boxes of university lecture notes and old toys that have sentimental value. Now is the time to reunite these beloved possessions with their rightful owners, or find them a new home.

Ask your kids to come get their stuff. Set a deadline and be clear that after the deadline you will dispose of all of it. It may sound harsh, but this is actually a very reasonable and fair approach that works.

2. Your "I Might Need It Some Day" Stuff

Clothes that no longer fit, equipment you no longer use, hobbies no longer practiced...sound familiar? Most people hold on to these types of things to be practical, or thrifty, or helpful to a family member who might need that exact thing someday. Let's question these reasons.

Is it practical to clog up your space to the point you can't even park your car in your garage?
Is it thrifty to stockpile things that no longer have any value to you?
Are you really being helpful to anyone by sitting on items that could be donated to a charity and really help someone in need?

Chip Away!

I'm sure there are many other interesting treasures lurking in the garage, just waiting to be discovered. Set a goal to remove one box (or garbage bag) of things each week. Before you know it, you'll have a clean and uncluttered space and it will feel great!

"My parent's place looks unbelievable and their friends have really been impressed on the art hanging and arrangements.

Thank you so much."

Read what else our clients have to say on our website!

hands

Contact Us

In Victoria

(250) 588-7754

Outside of Victoria

1 (888) 778-2513

Act Together Moving website

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Community Events

There are many interesting events happening in Victoria that you might want to check out. Click on the headline link to get more info.

If you holding a community an event in May, please let me know!

Seniors Fire Safety and Fall Prevention Workshop (free) April 16

Silver Threads

On average, fire kills eight Canadians every week. Residential fires account for 40% of all fires and a staggering 73% of all fire deaths.

Among older adults, falls are the number one cause of fractures, hospital admissions for trauma, loss of independence, and injury-related deaths

Living with Dementia April 18

Esquimalt Rec Centre

For people experiencing early symptoms of dementia, their care partners and family members. Participants will be provided with an overview about dementia and the impact of the diagnosis on individuals, caregivers and families. This session will also provide suggestions for learning to live well with the disease, and an introduction to helpful services in your community.

Mature Drivers Workshop April 25

Saanich Police and Fire

This three hour workshop will educate mature drivers about the changes we go through as we age, the changes in our driving environment, and give you the knowledge to adapt to these changes. Mature drivers are welcome to invite their family members to this informative workshop.

Caregiving From the Heart May 8

Family Caregivers' Network Society

Communication is most effective when we take time to connect from the heart. Making connection a priority in our caregiving relationships helps to alleviate assumptions and barriers, and increase compassion and understanding for each other. Learn to ask questions that help to clarify needs and assumptions and that engage the heart versus the mind.

West Shore Women's Showcase May 19

West Shore Chamber

Network, Shop, Learn, Laugh and Mingle with a diverse group of women, learn about female-led initiatives, and indulge in local products and services!

Contact Anney for more details!