Practical advice on decluttering, cleanouts, and junk removal from a local, owner-operated team.
Moving your parent or loved one to a senior living community is a major life transition both emotionally and practically. It’s more than a change of address, it’s a new chapter of comfort, safety, and community. Start by visiting a few facilities and bringing loved ones along to help assess what feels like home. Focus on what’s gained like new friends, support, and freedom from maintenance. Pack only what brings joy and comfort, and allow time to adjust. Remember, this isn’t the end of independence, it’s a step toward living life with greater peace of mind.
When it’s time to move from assisted living to memory care, compassion and simplicity matter most. Bring familiar items like a favorite chair, family photos, or a cozy blanket to help ease the transition. The new space will be smaller, but it can still feel like home with thoughtful touches. Label drawers and shelves clearly, and avoid clutter to create a calm environment. This change often brings more specialized care and support by helping your loved one feel safe, engaged, and understood.
Decluttering before a move can feel overwhelming, but it’s an opportunity to refresh and reset, plus save you money. Start small by doing one room, one drawer at a time. Use the “keep, donate, discard” method to simplify decisions. Ask: Does this item serve a purpose or bring joy? If not, let it go. Invite family to help with sorting memories and share stories as you go. You’ll find that packing becomes easier, and settling into your new home feels lighter and more intentional.
Before filling a storage unit, take time to declutter, you’ll save space, money, and effort later. Evaluate what truly needs storing. If you haven’t used it in over a year, consider donating it. Pack thoughtfully by labeling boxes clearly, use sturdy containers, and create an inventory list. Store only what’s valuable or sentimental. A well organized storage space keeps your items accessible and protected while keeping your mind at ease.
Focus on a single area each day to keep clean. It shouldn't take more than 5 minutes. The habit over time, will help spread into other areas.
Daily Habit: Spend 10 minutes tidying up!
Weekly: Check for small pile build ups!
Monthly: Declutter most used areas like the closet, bathroom, and kitchen.
Spring is the perfect season to refresh your space and your spirits. Open the windows, let in fresh air, and start with the areas you use most. Declutter surfaces, donate unused items, and deep clean overlooked spots like baseboards or blinds. Use natural cleaners like vinegar and lemon for a fresh scent. Consider making it a family event by playing music, sharing stories, and celebrate the clean, bright space you’ve created together. Just remember to clean up again after the celebration.
Everyone cleans and declutters (well, almost everyone). It helps to have a goal at the end in which you hope to achieve, such as a family gathering, a game night with friends, a home renovation, or revamping your space with a new look. It can help with motivation instead of doing it all just because a blog online said to.
The holidays bring joy and a little chaos! Before guests arrive, focus on high-traffic areas: entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms. Clear clutter to make space for decorations and gatherings. After the holidays, tackle cleanup in stages: pack ornaments carefully, donate unused décor, and refresh your home for the new year. Keeping it simple ensures you spend less time cleaning and more time celebrating what truly matters.
The holiday season brings abundances of new gifts every year. Some are small family related decor items, some are larger entertaining electronics. A good rule of thumb for avoiding clutter, is the "one in, one out" rule. For every new gift you receive, consider donating an existing one. This can be challenging but is a great way to avoid having multiples of each item.
Recycling of plastics and paper products are a normality. But what about items like paint, fuel, fluorescent light bulbs, and oil? Not to worry, there are designated areas to drop off these specialty items- for free.
SWA Transfer stations have recycling centers for just about all hazardous waste. More information for hours and addresses can be found on their website. We recommend checking this out before our service, as we don't remove these items.
1. Availability: if you have ever tried to have a donation pick up service come out, you have likely heard the daunting "We won't be available in your area for "x weeks/months". This can be crucial for time sensitive situations such as closings on a home, or senior transitions.
2. Condition: Donation centers over the years have increased their demand of only quality condition of items. Once upon a time, a few dings in a dresser wasn't questioned. However, with the surge in donations, and lack of demand, great (not good) condition of items are required. Which can have a large impact of everyday items in your home.
3. Accessibility: Majority of commercial donation centers have strict rules for pick up, two of which include no stairs, and no elevators. For the most part, it's due to liabilities. Unfortunately, it often requires the homeowner do find a way to bring items down to ground level prior to pick up.