I just returned from a very relaxing trip to Ixtapa, Mexico, with Dale, and it was wonderful. Taking time away to truly rest, recharge, and be mindful of our well-being is something I value deeply for my health. I hope this year you will find ways to prioritize your health and well-being.
Back at home, our team had a busy February as we managed two great downsizing online auctions in partnership with MaxSold. The second one ends tonight at 8 and here is the link https://maxsold.com/auction/105511/bidgallery Online auctions are a great way to sell collections of jewelry, coins, paintings, figurines, vintage clothing, tools and more.
If you are new to online auctions, here’s a quick overview of how they work:
- Browse the items online.
- Register with a credit card with enough credit to pay for all your purchases
- Place your bids (you can set a maximum bid). Many people wait till the last few days to bid and just save items they like before then (or put one bid in)
- Keep an eye on the countdown and when your lots close.
You can bid anytime before the auction closes, and if someone outbids you, you’ll have the opportunity to jump back in. When the auction ends, the highest bidder wins and their credit card is charged with all their purchases. For larger furniture items pick up is later in the time slot and always bring help.
Online auctions are an easy and fun way to find unique pieces while giving pre-loved items a new home to be enjoyed again.
We’d love to know, what types of items do you enjoy bidding on?
If we come across something you love in a future auction, we’ll be sure to keep you in mind.
This is the link to see all our auctions– we have had 36 so far.
Estate Clearing Tip: Value Isn’t Always Obvious, A Second Look Can Make All the Difference
Through my experience over the years, I’ve noticed that when clearing an estate, some of the most valuable items aren’t always the ones that stand out right away. Pieces like older furniture, artwork, vintage books, silverware, lamps, or everyday décor can sometimes hold unexpected value.
That’s why it’s always helpful to ask a professional for a second opinion.
Before donating or discarding items, it’s worth pausing and taking a closer look:
- Is the item older or vintage?
- Is there a maker’s mark, signature, or label?
- Does it feel well-made, unique, or special in some way?
That small pause can help ensure meaningful or valuable items aren’t overlooked. It’s not about keeping everything, many of us don’t have the space for that, but about making informed, thoughtful decisions with confidence. Sometimes, a second look is all it takes.
To book in an In Home Comprehensive Assessment where we can see all your belongings go to our website www.clutterreliefservices.com and click on Get Started
Referral Partners Spotlight!
This month, we’d like to shine a spotlight on two of our amazing referral partners. The first one is my life partner Dale Murphy from ShelfGenie. Dale is a ShelfGenie representative and is highly skilled at designing custom shelving solutions that optimize the functionality of your space.
If you’re considering custom-made pull-out shelves for your kitchen or bathroom, you can book a complimentary consultation with Dale to explore options tailored to your needs and he does all the installations himself.
You can contact him here: Pull-Out Shelves in South Halton | ShelfGenie or at 416-451-7565.
The second company we’d like to spotlight is Safe Gold in Hamilton. The owners are George and Chantal and they have recently moved to a new location in the Good Life plaza at Upper Ottawa and Stonechurch. I have been selling clients gold and silver to them for years. What I like about www.safegold.ca is that the prices they pay are updated every 5 minutes and they seem to be the best in the area. Currently they are not accepting silver items except silver bullion but that is temporary. If you inherit a collection of jewelry and not sure what to look for, I would be happy to assist you to decide on the best way to dispose of the things you don’t want.
Events Update
As I mentioned in our last newsletter, I’ve partnered with Marion Goard, an established Burlington realtor with a huge heart, as part of her Empowered Seniors Speakers Series My presentation will take place later this year in November, but I plan to be there for every session. Please feel free to stop by and say hello after the talks. I’ll also have copies of my book available for purchase for $10. This month’s talk on March 11th is on The Safety Net for Aging in Place: Planning Ahead to Stay Independent and you can register in the link above.
Let’s Stay Connected!
If you haven’t already, we’d love to welcome you into our private Facebook community, a friendly space to share your progress, get encouragement, and pick up new organizing tips.
And finally, don’t forget about our amazing Referral Program!
When your referral becomes a client, you can earn up to $200 in grocery or gas gift cards.
And if you haven’t yet, please follow me on Instagram for more inspiration, tips, special offers, and upcoming events:
Wishing you an end of February and a March filled with renewed energy and spaces that support how you live today.
With gratitude,
Judy