tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90074663024910711682024-03-04T22:58:39.865-08:00Beth's BlogSmooth Transitions of St. Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872178012371396188noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007466302491071168.post-76300950905230130412020-03-20T14:26:00.001-07:002020-03-20T14:26:15.427-07:00When You Support Small Business, You are Supporting a Dream<br />
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The outbreak
of the coronavirus COVID-19 has affected our lives in every way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is understandable that during times like
this, we are all feeling varying levels of fear and anxiety as well as being
overwhelmed by constantly changing media messages regarding the spread of the
virus. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, there is something we can
do! The following article by Maurie Backman describes four ways we can help
small businesses during these tough times. Being a small business ourselves,
this hits pretty close to home!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 36.0pt; letter-spacing: -.75pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">4 Ways You Can
Support Small Businesses (and Their Employees) Right Now<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #767676; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 15.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Small businesses are hurting. Here's what you
can do to help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As COVID-19 continues to
wreak havoc across the U.S., and the globe, small business owners are growing
increasingly concerned. Retail stores are seeing less foot traffic, and some
are seeing none at all. And with restaurants in many cities being forced to
shut down or limit their services, countless small business owners and
employees are no doubt in for a financial shock -- one many will ultimately
struggle to recover from.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So what can <i>you</i> do
to support local businesses during these trying times? These moves on your part
could really make a difference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1. Buy gift cards<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maybe you're not looking
to visit your favorite salon in the midst of a major health outbreak, since
your haircut or manicure can clearly wait. But what you <i>can</i> do
is buy a </span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2019/12/01/why-retailers-love-gift-cards-and-why-you-should-b.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">gift card</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to that salon and use it in the future, once things calm
down. That way, the business gets some money in immediately that it can use to
pay its vendors and bills, and you'll have the benefit of having pre-paid a
service you know you'll need eventually, thereby carving out wiggle room in
your </span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.fool.com/retirement/2017/12/08/how-to-create-a-budget.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">budget</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> later on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2. Order takeout or delivery from restaurants<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many restaurants have
been ordered to not offer dine-in service as the country grapples with COVID-19.
And chances are, you'd rather not eat out at a restaurant anyway. But if your
local go-to food establishments are still offering takeout and delivery
service, you can support them by placing orders. If you're concerned about food
safety, call and ask what measures are being taken to ensure that sick workers
aren't handling food, and that surfaces and containers are being kept clean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3. Help advertise<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many small businesses
struggle to get the word out that they even exist, so now's the time to help
drive more customers to them -- especially businesses that can move their
models online temporarily to maintain cash flow. For example, if you have a
local toy store that's shifting to delivery mode, tell people about it. Chances
are, parents with bored kids stuck at home will bite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4. Tip generously<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The people who deliver
your takeout meals? They may be waiters who are seeing their income slashed.
The person who drops off goods at your door from a local shop? That could be a
store clerk whose only option right now is to use his or her vehicle to make
home deliveries in the hopes of still getting paid. These are trying times for
the people who work for small businesses, and many risk future wage cuts if
things continue this way much longer. You can help, therefore, by being a bit
more generous on the tipping front.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Right now, millions of
Americans are in a financially precarious spot as COVID-19 destroys all semblance
of normality. If you're in a position where you're not losing your income
during this madness, consider paying it forward to the best of your ability.
The frustrating thing about the current situation is that we don't have much
control over it, but one thing you <i>can</i> control is the way you
step up and help others who may be in need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4v3tpVtqvV2VsxtE11wy_tX2TK0pUGWEzGftvNAm6qFnLeIu_btbgaVvXCylb6Mw0ouw7NBMUXGw9kMDNxi22a_pL3-qWiKZh8fz1T5fxQqtoEY1JC4n8528wcyjjCcW5NzMMasnN7I/s1600/Support+local.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4v3tpVtqvV2VsxtE11wy_tX2TK0pUGWEzGftvNAm6qFnLeIu_btbgaVvXCylb6Mw0ouw7NBMUXGw9kMDNxi22a_pL3-qWiKZh8fz1T5fxQqtoEY1JC4n8528wcyjjCcW5NzMMasnN7I/s1600/Support+local.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />Smooth Transitions of St. Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872178012371396188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007466302491071168.post-52033973238916379032019-05-12T17:53:00.004-07:002019-05-12T17:53:53.087-07:00HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! WE ARE SIX!<br />
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> WE
ARE SIX!</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Happy Anniversary as we celebrate six years as Smooth Transitions
of St. Louis! We look back and reflect on how blessed we have been to assist
several hundred families transition to a new adventure. We have taught many
lessons in right-sizing and have learned a lot more from our clients. There is
no right or wrong on what MUST stay or go with you and your kids are a lot more
interested in that small item that has more everyday memories than your complete
set of china for twelve. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In celebration
of six years as senior move managers, Smooth Transitions of St. Louis wants to
share our LIST OF SIX and offer tips on everything from how to talk to your
parents about downsizing to how to enjoy the new adventure!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are here to help and can do “as little or as much” as you want
us to do. Let us manage your family’s stress to the new address with a smooth
transition!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SIX WAYS TO APPROACH YOUR PARENTS ABOUT MOVING:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Start the transition conversation early before a
crisis happens.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don’t start by telling them what to do.
They must take ownership.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Offer to get involved in order to get a better
picture of their finances and living conditions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Help with everyday tasks to open the door for
conversations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Acknowledge their feelings about their home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Offer to take them on a tour of retirement
communities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">TIP:</span></u></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Nearly 70%of
households 85 years and older live in homes that lack the essential features
that allow them to live safely. Bring in a senior move manager (third
party) like Smooth Transitions. Your parents may be more open to hearing about
options from someone who can provide expertise and objectivity.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SIX REASONS TO RIGHT-SIZE:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Your home outgrew you-it is too big!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Your home has much needed and costly repairs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The family no longer lives at home. The
house is lonely-no one to talk to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chance to reduce debt and shift investment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mentally freeing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You just don’t need it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">TIP:</span></u></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Older adults have usually not moved for 30, 40 or 50 years
and need to downsize considerably. They are struggling. But, are hesitant
to admit it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let a senior move manager
(Smooth Transitions) guide you through the process to ease the emotional and
physical stress associated with moving.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SIX TIPS FOR THE PREPARATION OF YOUR MOVE:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Draft a design of your new place. Focus on
what furniture to take; not what to leave.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Place green stickers on items going to the new
location. Sorting is the most challenging process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Concentrate on items consistent with the
design, functionality and treasures.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If everything is a treasure; nothing is a
treasure. Do not overcrowd the new home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The low hanging fruit or downsizing
opportunities exist in the kitchen, clothing, basement, and garages.
Remember, no storage at your new location, which means basement and
garage stuff is out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don’t forget the pictures. They provide
the finishing touch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do not worry about your remaining valuables.
They can be gifted to the FAMILY, sold via ESTATE SALE, DONATED, and then
finally DISPOSED.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">TIP:</span></u></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Pour a cup of tea
or glass of wine and start sorting (green stickers) by confronting the smallest
room. Sort only or you will get bogged down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Memories will abound! Enjoy the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once you get the hang of it, graduate to a larger room.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> <b><u> </u></b> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SIX TIPS FOR SETTLING INTO YOUR NEW HOME:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The residence should not be present during the
move-in because of the potential hazard of moving furniture and too much
stress. This also sets up the “BIG REVEAL” at the end of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Select a family member or rely on your senior
move manager to coordinate activity in their absence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Furniture placement is key. Have one
family member become comfortable with the actual look of the apartment while
the movers are still present. The results should be consistent with the
design and appealing to the residences’ wishes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many food items at the old home are outdated and
should not be included in the move. As a result, it is appropriate to
take canned goods, paper products, cleaning, laundry, etc. and then have a
shopping day to fill in the voids. Remember, the community serves many
meals and it is not necessary to have an abundance of food inventory or cooking
utensils. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The television, phones and medications MUST be
functional the day of the move-in. The residence will need them for both
enjoyment, security and health, respectively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once furniture is placed, boxes unpacked,
contents put away, and the final design has been implemented...then and only then,
hang pictures. The pictures are the icing on the cake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, they should not be placed until
everything else is a go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Be kind to yourself- you did it! Now, enjoy your
new home and manage the balance of the home transition (FAMILY, SELL, DONATIONS
& DISPOSAL) from a position of strength.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">TIP:</span></u></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="background: white;">Senior Move Managers®
minimize the chaos and stress associated with moving by addressing all aspects
of the transitional process (Move, Family, Sell, Donations,
Disposal). Consider using Smooth Transitions to customize your unique plan
and make the transition easier. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Smooth Transitions of St. Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872178012371396188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007466302491071168.post-12201281971463800022018-04-22T13:53:00.000-07:002018-04-22T13:53:50.722-07:00Memories for sale:What is a household worth?<br />
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 29.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Memories
for sale: what's a household worth?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQZwXIB-KXgWOJc2-p8-pwwL9F0lp0OliXJU-92I2OTguw7VCK_zCAYaqWycVTWRMaflcKVax0v920SMKcdXm1y9wpO6r525xi3ZYg1fPHj2yn5gHukQ1BTARwD4VvISSlzylNInZQV0/s1600/pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="620" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQZwXIB-KXgWOJc2-p8-pwwL9F0lp0OliXJU-92I2OTguw7VCK_zCAYaqWycVTWRMaflcKVax0v920SMKcdXm1y9wpO6r525xi3ZYg1fPHj2yn5gHukQ1BTARwD4VvISSlzylNInZQV0/s320/pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 29.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Story
by</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Marni
Jameson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's
so true: Some things in life you just can't put a price on. Until you have
to. When it's up to you to liquidate your parents' treasure-filled home,
you need to price the priceless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How
much for that baby grand piano Mom used to play? How much for the sideboard
that served up every Thanksgiving dinner you can remember. How much for the
porch swing Dad built?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When
selling is both unthinkable and necessary, it's nice to have outside experts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Such
reason did not prevail last year when I cleared out my parents' home several
months after they had moved into assisted living. I did not have experts. I had
myself, my sister-in-law, one week and a learning curve that didn't curve but
shot straight up like a flagpole.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Who
else could do the job justice? I reasoned. Plus, I didn't want to give anyone a
cut of the profits, which were going straight into my parents' long-term care
fund.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
looking back, I see the value of experts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They
knew then what I know now, and wish I'd known. For starters, they know how
emotional, irrational and deluded those of us selling our parents' belongings
-- heck even our own stuff -- are when estimating value. But those were our
baby bibs!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">MaxSold
founder Barry Gordon put it bluntly: "Things are worth what people will
pay." A four-year-old Canadian company now in the United States, MaxSold
(www.maxsold.com) clears out homes. The company sends in a team that organizes
household items in batches or 'lots,' photographs them, then uses social media
to sell them locally through online auctions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"People
think that when they put their price on items, they have control of the price.
They don't," Gordon said. "The buying market will determine the
value." Holding out for a price can leave you holding onto the item.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
know I turned down several offers for my parents' antique marble-topped
nightstand, which I now have parked at a family friend's house across the
country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Clinging
has its costs, especially if you need to ship an item, move it, or heaven
forbid, put it in paid storage. (Dear readers, please, before you get a storage
locker, call me. I will talk you off the ledge.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gordon
cites this example. Say someone has a dining room set and would feel awful if
they sold if for anything less than $2,000. A buyer offers $800, which the
seller turns down. Then, because there's no room for it, the set goes in
storage. Three years later, at $100 a month, the seller has paid $3,600 to hang
onto it and finally sells it for $500.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Better
to yank the Band-Aid off now, even if it hurts. And it will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Although
no two households are alike, in Gordon's experience, the contents of the
average North American home, after the family has taken out what they want to
keep and paid the liquidator, yields between $3,000 and $10,000. He's heard
other liquidation professionals say the average house yields about $5,900.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Our
process is not designed to replace the important work," said Gordon,
referring to the sifting, sorting and saving family members must do first.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
once the family decides what won't stay, if they're not up to selling items
themselves, they need to step aside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Dealing
with a family home paralyzes people," said Gordon. "It can takes the
toughest, most organized, efficient people and slow them to an absolute
standstill."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His
advice: "Don't work yourself into a frenzy trying to control things you
can't. What you can control is how much of your life you put into the
process." Here's what else you can control:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18.0pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Your options.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> When clearing out a home,
many families, including mine, hold an estate sale, where individual items
are tagged and the public is invited on a particular day. The sale can -
and did -- create a chaotic environment, which is hard to control,
especially if a lot of people show up. Others work with a bulk buyer, who
pays one price to take everything away. What you lose in profit you gain
in convenience. A liquidator, like MaxSold, is a hybrid. It batches and
auctions off goods from the house and reports all sales to the client.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The location.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> More than 99 percent of
household belongings sell nearby, said Gordon, whose company uses 35
social media avenues to promote auctions locally.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18.0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Timing. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How long families take to clear a
home ranges widely and is highly personal. "I've seen clients go
through the process in light speed, burning through the sorting in a day,
and others take several years, and still not make much progress,"
said Gordon. "A good healthy time frame is probably a couple of
weeks."<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Package deals.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Bundling items is a tactic I
wish I'd done more. Although I put items for the estate sale together -
mom's two dozen dried flower arrangements, her 40-some flowerpots - I
tagged each item rather than said $50 for all. You'll move more
merchandise faster, and more efficiently, if you make groups: all
figurines, all items in the cleaning closet, all pots and pans.
"Buyers can't pick and choose," Gordon said. "They buy the
lot."<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo6; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Your reserves. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In an auction, a reserve is a
price below which a seller will not sell. "We don't allow that,"
said Gordon. "We ask sellers if they are done with the items. If they
are, we sell." It's a trap to think that having a reserve ensures you
get the price you want. Only place one if you're prepared to keep the
item.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18.0pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo7; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Your goal.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> If your goal is to clear the
house, accept that you may not get top dollar, but that you will get what
the market is paying. "Clients need to release themselves to the
competitive market," Gordon said.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Syndicated columnist and
speaker Marni Jameson is the author of "House of Havoc" and "The
House Always Wins" (Da Capo Press). Contact her through <a href="http://www.marnijameson.com/"><span style="color: #0088ee;">www.marnijameson.com</span></a>.</span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: .15pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Smooth Transitions of St. Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872178012371396188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007466302491071168.post-42935314286977081372018-01-26T14:35:00.000-08:002018-01-26T14:35:03.829-08:00Senior Friendly Guide to Downsizing<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I recently read a “downsizing” article from
GoodCall®, a company whose mission is to give the reader the knowledge, tips and tools
to make “good calls”. There are as many lists on" Tips to Downsize" as there are
seniors looking to downsize! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although
most articles offer the same basic advice, I always find it interesting to read
the different perspectives from which they are written.</span></div>
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The article acknowledges that most seniors
know there will come a day when they’ll have to downsize, either to
simplify their lifestyle, cut costs, be closer to children and grandchildren,
or to address medical needs. Following are their tips to make downsizing
easier.</div>
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<img alt="Senior-Friendly Guide to Downsizing" height="425" src="https://d38kx05og7618t.cloudfront.net/uploads/2017/01/Senior-Friendly-1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 11.25pt;">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1. Start early.</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Give yourself plenty of time for this
process, because it will inevitably take longer than you expect. Take your
time, and don’t try to sort through your entire house in one day or weekend. A
couple of weeks to a month is a more realistic timeline. Take it one room at a
time, and take breaks throughout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 11.25pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Go
through each item one by one,” says Alison Kero, CEO of ACK Organizing in
Brooklyn. “It’s important to give everything you own your attention for at
least a second or two. It will also help you develop a great decision
making system because you’re learning how to focus and then choose, if even for
a second or two.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you aren’t rushed,
you’ll find downsizing to be much less stressful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 11.25pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b>2. Start small.</b> You probably
already have a couple of things in mind to toss out in the kitchen or garage,
but avoid diving into such a big room at the very beginning. You have years and
years of things to sort through. Start in an area with little emotional
attachment. The laundry room or linen closet are good options. Understand your
needs. If you’re moving into a two-bedroom house, four sets of sheets should be
plenty. The rest can go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 11.25pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Garages/attics/basements
are notorious for being the hardest rooms to tackle,” says Debra Blue,
co-founder and CEO of Blue Moon Estate Sales. “These rooms tend to accumulate
all the old hobbies, boxes, old holiday decorations, and clutter. They’re also
known to be rather uncomfortable spaces. In the summer it’s too hot, winter
it’s too cold, and in the springtime it can be too humid.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b>3. Eliminate rooms you won’t have in
your new home.</b> If you’re moving to an apartment or townhome, you might
not have a garage or office space. Nearly everything in those spaces will need
to be sold, donated, tossed, or relocated to other rooms. These areas might
also be good items for consignment or Craigslist sales; nice office furniture
and outdoor tools are more valuable than old sofas or mattresses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Organize backwards,” suggests Jamie Novak,
author of ‘Keep This Toss That.’ “A common suggestion is to pick out the stuff
you don’t want and pack the rest. Try the opposite – pack the keepers. What’s
left can be looked at and most can be shared or donated.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 11.25pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b>4. Get rid of duplicates.</b> You’ll
find this is especially true in your kitchen. You have two or three spatulas
and ladles; a couple of oversized stock pots; four different sized cookie
sheets; a blender, a food processor, a coffee grinder, and a nut chopper. Now’s
the time to reduce the clutter. If you’re feeling wary of handing off that
second roasting pan because you use it every Christmas (but at no other time
during the year), consider giving it to a child or grandchild who can bring it
over for the holiday and take it home when they leave.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b>5. Only make Yes or No piles – no
Maybes.</b> When you’re going through years of belongings, some things are
going to tug at your heartstrings, and you’ll be tempted to make a third pile
of things to keep if you have space. Don’t fall for it. You’ll end up with a
Maybe pile that’s bigger than either of the other two, and you haven’t really
made any progress in sorting, just moved it across the room. Take a hard look
at every item you pick up. If you use it regularly or expect to in your new
home, keep it. If it’s been sitting in a closet or on a shelf for a year or
more, it’s time to let it go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “If you already weren’t using it, or didn’t
like it, why on earth would you want to pack it up and schlep it to your next
house?” says Hazel Thornton, of New Mexico-based Organized for Life. “I know it
sounds silly, but people do it all the time. Moving isn’t cheap, either; do you
really want to pay extra to move stuff you don’t even want? Don’t delude
yourself by telling yourself you’ll deal with it at your next destination. No,
you won’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b>6. Reduce collections creatively.</b> It
can be hard to let go of a lifetime collection of porcelain dolls or snow
globes from all your vacations, but they will eat up a lot of space or else end
up stored in a box where you’ll never see them. Instead, pick a couple to keep
and take high-resolution photos of the rest, then have them made into a photo
book that can sit on your coffee table or mantle. You and guests will be able
to enjoy them without the clutter. There are also tech tools or websites such
as Fotobridge.com that will convert those boxes of photo negatives to
digital. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 11.25pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“This is a great way to thin out big
collections and focus on the one that really brings joy. When it comes to the
rest of your collections or newer ephemera, take pictures with your smartphone!
You’ll enjoy it more when it comes up in your digital photos than it being
stashed in a drawer or box. The memories will continue to live on through
photos and conversations with loved ones.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 11.25pt;">
<b>7. Don’t be afraid to sell things
yourself.</b> With Craigslist, Ebay, numerous smartphone apps, yard sales,
and an abundance of consignment shops, selling your belongings has never been
easier. You probably won’t make a ton of money on most items, so consider how
much time you want to invest. Yard sales are usually faster, but items won’t
sell for as much. Craigslist has its drawbacks, but you’ll have a much wider
audience and can probably get more for your stuff. Consignment is a good option
for high-end furniture, handbags and other accessories; prices are reasonable,
and they’ll sometimes pick up heavy furniture for you. If you aren’t handy with
a computer, your grandchildren can probably help. But if that all sounds like
more than you care to deal with, hiring a firm to run an estate sale might be
your best bet.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>8. Consider legacy gifts early.</b> Is
there an antique clock in your foyer that you plan to one day leave to your
son? Maybe a china collection your granddaughter adores? If there are certain
heirlooms or pieces you plan to leave to your family in your will, consider
instead giving those gifts now. This has two benefits: you’ll get the items out
of our way, and you’ll be able to enjoy the feeling of giving those items to
your loved ones now. While you’re at it, find out if there are any items your
children want that you don’t know about – you might find an easy way to make
them happy and lighten your load. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 11.25pt;">
<b>9. Allow some time to reminisce.</b> While you’re cleaning and sorting, there
will be some days when you want to stop emptying the kids’ bedrooms and just
look through the kindergarten drawings, soccer trophies, and once-prized
stuffed animals. It’s OK to pause and let the nostalgia take over for a bit.
Cry if you need to, or move on to another room and come back. This is why you
started early – just don’t let it prevent you from eventually getting the job
done.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 11.25pt;">
“I always ask my clients how the item at
hand makes them feel,” says Morgan Ovens, of Haven Home in Los Angeles. “If it
brings up any negative feelings, let it go. If it brings happiness of course it
stays! The idea here is to only be surrounded by things you absolutely love.
Isn’t that a great goal?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 11.25pt;">
<b>10. Use this as a chance to bond.</b> Invite
the kids and grandkids over for the weekend. Talk to the young ones about where
you bought your favorite trinkets. Tell them about your family’s heirlooms. Let
them help pack, ask questions, and spend time with you. Get help posting items
for sale online. It can be one more moment your family shares together in the
house you’ve loved – before you start making those memories together in your
next home. Remember that it’s your family that’s important for the memories you
cherish, not the stuff around you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
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<br />Smooth Transitions of St. Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872178012371396188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007466302491071168.post-72558289136779489382017-09-20T14:33:00.001-07:002017-09-20T14:33:31.606-07:00There is an App for that!THERE IS AN APP FOR THAT! How many times have you heard that phrase and by the way, who creates all these apps? My theory is it is some very creative people with a lot of time on their hands! But, they can be very entertaining! I collected a few I thought were quite unusual!<br />
<br />
1.)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>NOTHING- this app does absolutely nothing; there is also a Pro version for $.99 that does more nothing<br />
2.)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>S.M.T.H.-Send me to Heaven; this app is a game where you throw your phone upwards and it calculates the height of the throw<br />
3.)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>IShaver PRO- is a virtual shaver; to start shaving, just hold on the button and virtual hair will start falling.<br />
4.)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>MILK THE COW- Download the app and fill the bucket with milk in the shortest time possible.<br />
5.)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>HOLD ON-See how long you can hold a button on your phone without lifting your finger up.<br />
6.)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>BINKY- there’s an endless stream of random stuff you can scroll through. You can like and comment on various random <br />
7.)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>BLOWER-The app basically uses sound frequencies to blow air out of your smartphone’s speakers.<br />
AND THE LIST GOES ON…..<br />
<br />
I was talking to one of our Smooth Transition team members the other day who is also a realtor; she was telling me about a new app used by real estate professionals to predict when you are going to move out of your home! The app uses information collected about you such as how long you have lived in your home, your age, the age of your children, etc. to determine statistically when you will sell your home. This app knows what you are going to do before you do!<br />
Nevertheless, we all better start cleaning out our homes sooner than later! You never know when someone has used the app and knocks on your door to announce that you have lived in your home long enough and it is time to move, which is exactly what happened to us when we sold our home! We had thought about “someday in the future” because our kids were grown and on their own and we were reaching an age that the home was just too big to handle. We met all the criteria of the realtor “magic ball”. The knock on the door came and the rest is history!<br />
With this in mind, I have a timely article from U.S. News and World Report on “6 Steps to Declutter your Home.” We all need to be ready when that knock on the door comes! Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> 6 Steps to Declutter Your Home</span><br />
By Tom Sightings<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRguRooWl8seTy1ndGWKWMOIvN0FjksvmOX6-8wNtfLQThMiKN2ETHs4h26UJJsHu5P0DfH9VxpKJNNjKhLbSdkdOapMGloov-kB4-VoWZDg0KY5hCyNMdwCziekbXSx4b7Ax_i4GSW4/s1600/pic111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="640" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRguRooWl8seTy1ndGWKWMOIvN0FjksvmOX6-8wNtfLQThMiKN2ETHs4h26UJJsHu5P0DfH9VxpKJNNjKhLbSdkdOapMGloov-kB4-VoWZDg0KY5hCyNMdwCziekbXSx4b7Ax_i4GSW4/s320/pic111.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You’re retiring. The kids have moved out. Sometime within the next few years you’re probably going to relocate – whether it’s from a four-bedroom suburban house to a two-bedroom condo, or a two-bedroom condo to an independent living facility. So you no longer need all that stuff crowding your living room, filling up your basement and spilling out of your closets.<br />
Besides, after you’re gone, you don’t want to leave a legacy to your children of a house full of junk, and the long, hard, emotionally taxing job of cleaning out what you should have taken care of years ago.<br />
Decluttering is a move to take control of your life. It allows you to control your physical environment, of course, but also your future. But it’s a big job. So take it one step at a time. One rule of thumb suggests you budget one full day of decluttering for each year that you’ve lived in your house. So if it’s your family home where you raised your kids and lived for 30 years, be prepared to spend an entire month cleaning out, paring down and straightening up.<br />
But you don’t have to do it all at once. Some experts suggest taking a year or two to complete the process. That gives you plenty of time to plan, reconsider and notify your loved ones of your new commitment to an organized life. Here are six steps to help you get on with the job:<br />
1. Warn your children. Invite them, well ahead of time, to range through your house and take what they want. But also insist that they remove any and all of their own materials, including the boxes of old schoolwork, trophies, souvenirs, stuffed animals and textbooks. These things belong to them now, not to you.<br />
2. Tackle one space at a time. It’s easy to get bogged down if you do a little of this and a little of that. So start small. Clean out a closet. Then organize a bathroom, or one of the kid’s bedrooms. The hardest jobs will be your own bedroom, the basement and the kitchen, unless you’re moving into an assisted living facility where all your meals are provided, in which case the kitchen clean up should be easy because all of it goes.<br />
3. Touch something once, make a decision. As you go through your old clothes, books and furniture, decide whether you should get rid of an item or need to keep it. But the key to making progress is to make the decision right away. If you need one suit, then decide which one to keep and dispose of the others. Try not to hem and haw, change your mind or postpone the decision, or that one day of decluttering per year could turn out to be two or three days per year. If you hesitate on too many items the decluttering may never get done.<br />
4. Make four piles. Decide what you want to keep and put that in the keep pile. Then decide right away what to do with everything else, and make a give pile, a sell pile and a trash pile. Once you've decided to dispose of an item, don’t waste a lot of time or emotional energy deciding on which pile, just choose one. If you make a mistake and put something in the trash pile instead of the sell pile, what's the harm? Be realistic. If you tried to sell it, you probably wouldn’t have sold it for much anyway.<br />
5. Take photographs. The hardest decisions are the emotional ones. If you can’t bear to get rid of something you really don't need, then take a picture of it. Put on that special dress, take a picture and then give the dress away. When faced with giving up old license plates, a shelf of trophies and a wonderful old oriental rug that will never fit into your new place, take a picture and keep the photo with you always. Then make sure to send copies of the photos to your kids.<br />
6. Hire a professional. For most people, decluttering is a do-it-yourself project, perhaps with some help from the kids or a friend, and we would have it no other way. But sometimes the job might seem too daunting. There are professionals who will help you, for a fee, ranging from $35 to $100 a hour. Contact the National Association of Senior Move Managers or the National Association of Professional Organizers for referrals to local professionals.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Smooth Transitions of St. Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872178012371396188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007466302491071168.post-33345027965742850162017-05-15T18:08:00.001-07:002017-05-15T18:08:24.149-07:00Ten Tips to Downsizing and “De-Stressing” Your Move<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>The first question many clients ask during the consultation
with a senior move manager references the cost of completing the project. The good faith estimate is principally based
on the services you request and the amount of “stuff” that is involved. Ultimately, price is based on the senior move
manager’s time.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Many clients require full service because they in fact have
a lot of “stuff” and have no desire or ability to complete the move
themselves. This approach eliminates
most of the physical and mental stress.
But, it also costs the most money.
For the individuals that want to manage cost by getting involved and
managing some of the move themselves, NASMM (National Association of Senior
Move Managers) has develop ten tips for downsizing. Following all or part of the these
suggestions will minimize the scope of your project and as a result, better
manage your cost of completing the move. <o:p></o:p></div>
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1). Start Early – End
Happy: It’s never too early to begin the
downsizing process. Begin by focusing on
typical problem areas such as the attic, basement, garage, closets, or file
cabinets.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2). Get
Generous: Since you can’t take
everything to your new home, now is the time to make arrangements to “gift”
some of your treasures to special people in your life including, and especially
family, helpful neighbors, friends, favorite organizations, or
church/synagogue.<o:p></o:p></div>
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3). Save your
memories: You may have boxes of old
photographs from every holiday, vacation, and birthday party attended. What do you do with them? Consider the following ways to preserve
family photos and stories: a customized
process of audio and video recording called Life-Storying. Copy your special photos on to CDs, or try
your hand at scape booking. Also,
services now exist that will take all your photo, slides, and videos and do it
for you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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4). New Looks for
Books: If you own large quantities of
books, you need to spend time downsizing your collections. Books occupy lots of space and are heavy to
move. Consider donations to libraries or
senior centers, or sales to used bookstores.
Call on a book dealer for older books with potential value.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5). Use it Up…Don’t
move it out: Take an inventory of your
canned goods, frozen foods, and paper products.
Plan to use as many of these products as you can before moving. If you simply have too many items, thinking
about passing them on to a local food pantry.
Check to see if the Senior Move Manager you hire participates in the
NASMM Move for Hunger Initiative.<o:p></o:p></div>
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6). Recycle the
Toxins: Take time to put together a box
or two of household, yard, and automotive cleaning products, as well as paint
products that are considered hazardous.
Visit Earth911.org for more information on hazardous collection in your
area.<o:p></o:p></div>
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7). Don’t Lose
Touch: Create a list of people, places,
and utilities/services that need to be notified of your upcoming change in
address.<o:p></o:p></div>
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8). Space Plan
Ahead: Most Senior Move Managers can
provide you with a customized floor plan of your new residence. A floor plan will help you determine the
pieces of furniture that will fit in your new home, and the best location of
each. Knowing which pieces will fit in
your new space will help you in your rightsizing process.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9). Pack a Survival
Bag: Put together a survival bag for
move day. It might include personal
needs (medications, eyeglasses, toiletries, change of clothes, important
papers, etc.); kitchen needs (snacks, drinks, folding chair, disposable
cups/plates); basic tools (hammer, screwdriver, flashlight, tape, etc.);
cleaning supplies (sponge, paper towels, soap, etc.); and payment for mover –
be sure you know which form of payment they accept.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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10). Ask for
Help: Don’t be too proud or independent
to ask for help. Moving is not easy and
you shouldn’t do it all yourself. But,
don’t wait until the last minute to ask for assistance. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Some of these downsizing tips require months to
accomplish. The best place to find help
is through the National Association of Senior Move Managers (<a href="http://www.nasmm.org/">www.nasmm.org</a>) or Smooth Transitions (<a href="http://www.smoothtransitionsstl.com/">www.smoothtransitionsstl.com</a>) if
you are located in the St. Louis area. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Smooth Transitions of St. Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872178012371396188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007466302491071168.post-72227334459505829512016-07-29T09:08:00.001-07:002016-08-23T15:14:06.180-07:00Helping the Elderly Downsize: A Must Read<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
Helping the Elderly
Downsize</div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
New York Times</div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
Kaya Laterman</div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
July 22, 2016</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
During the last several years, I have attempted to educate
readers and clients about the features and benefits of senior move managers as
they work to downsize their homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Listed
below is a link to an excellent article that appeared in the New York Times
that summarizes the challenges to downsizing and the benefits of using a senior
move manager.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enjoy…</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Beth</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/24/realestate/helping-the-elderly-downsize.html?_r=0" target="_blank">http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/24/realestate/helping-the-elderly-downsize.html?_r=0</a></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Smooth Transitions of St. Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872178012371396188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007466302491071168.post-53314143894986746022016-03-29T17:58:00.000-07:002016-03-29T17:58:29.693-07:00Transitions Ballad<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jean Long Manteufel, senior move
manager and CEO of Long’s Senior Transitions (Jean@TransitionsWithJean.com)
writes her Transitions column on the first Sunday of each month about life
changes associated with aging. </span></em></h2>
<br />
<em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><b>She recently posted a very
creative poem that begins with the reality of a senior’s challenge, doubt and
stress associated with downsizing.
However, the perspective starts to shift and the senior soon recognizes
the enjoyment of the new adventure.</b></span></em><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><b>Jean captures the transition perfectly and deserves
tremendous credit for her creativity. </b></span></em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;"><b>The poem flows to the tune of "On Top of Old
Smokey."</b></span><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">
</span></em></h2>
<br />
<br />
<h2 align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #49718d;">Transitions: In tune with seniors
ready to move </span></h2>
<br />
<h4 align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #49718d;">March 6, 2016</span></h4>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;"><img height="300" src="file:///C:/Users/CHARLE~1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image001.jpg" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px;" v:shapes="_x0000_i1025" width="400" /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Candara;">Transitions Ballad</span></strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">On top of my table, all
covered with stuff,<br />
Are decades of treasures, going through them is tough.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">My kids say, “Mom, leave
here.” I wish they would know,<br />
To leave this old house, well, it hurts my heart so.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">My dear and I lived here,
raised our family of four.<br />
Now I am without him, I hurt to the core.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">But time has a way of
... moving along.<br />
I can’t keep this house up; I’m just not as strong.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">My house has outgrown me;
the upkeep’s such stress.<br />
The windows need washing. The garden’s a mess.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">The times they have changed
now; I don’t move so quick.<br />
Doing laundry in the basement, of that, I am sick!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">Old neighbors have left
here; I feel so alone.<br />
This new place, I am told, will soon feel like home.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">Is it true what folks tell
me? I will make friends anew.<br />
It’s hard to make changes, so I hope it is true.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">It’s so overwhelming. Where
do I begin?<br />
The list is so long that — I guess I’ll jump in.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">“Call a senior move
manager,” my friend tells me true.<br />
“She’ll help you consider, just what to do.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">The gal helps me pick out —
the things I should take:<br />
The sofa and chairs for — this new home I’ll make.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">“Take things that are
useful, and that you adore.<br />
Fewer things will be needed.” She says “Less is more.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">From the den I will take a
... thing I enjoy,<br />
The table my dear made, when he was a boy.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">From the bedroom, so
special, photos of all.<br />
My family mementos, to adorn the new wall.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">She says “Plates and
glasses, of each, just take six.”<br />
This “Now-sizing” idea, is starting to click.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">The movers have pulled up.
It’s now time to go.<br />
Good-bye to my old house, I will miss you so.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">Once I have my things out,
the kids can go through<br />
And take what they wish, they are their memories too.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">My gal will then clear out
and sell what she can,<br />
Then get the house ready — to list. That’s the plan.<br />
<br />
I’m so glad I called her and saved myself grief.<br />
She made this job easy. What a relief!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">I know this adventure — will
bring on new things.<br />
It’s time to look forward — to whatever life brings.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">A month after moving, my
apartment’s just so.<br />
I wish we had done this, a few years ago.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">I’m busy with projects. I’ve
met some friends new<br />
And re-found an old one — from back in high school.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">My new home is lovely, so
cheery and bright.<br />
Don’t tell my children, but perhaps they were right.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Candara;">Consid’ring a new home? To
your house bid adieu.<br />
Make a transition; you’ve still got living to do!</span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Smooth Transitions of St. Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872178012371396188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007466302491071168.post-3691642226670426452016-03-23T07:34:00.000-07:002016-03-23T07:34:52.520-07:00Downsizing to the Community. Be Disciplined<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
During past posts, I have outlined in detail the essential
steps in downsizing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOVE</b> (sort, pack, transport, unpack
& design) is always the most comprehensive and also the most
important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An orderly move allows the
senior to transition into their new home with minimal emotional and physical
stress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Secondly, the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Family</b> selects treasures not included
in the move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thirdly, remaining items of
value are considered for <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SALE</b></st1:place></st1:city> via
auction or estate sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fourthly, unsold
staples are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">DONATED</b> to local
charities and lastly, the balance is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">DISPOSED</b>
(or recycled).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now the home is ready for
listing or occupancy.</div>
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The steps are all inclusive and need to be followed in
chronological order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seems pretty simple
doesn’t it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Conceptually yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, practically speaking, the answer is
clearly no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If married seniors (mom
& dad) are moving from their four bedroom home (35 years occupancy and
raised a family) into a two bedroom retirement community, the task is daunting.</div>
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Again, the five step process is easy to understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, the challenge and the absolute key to
success are in sorting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A good benchmark
is a 75% reduction in items leaving the home and heading to the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moving 25% of the items into a new apartment
allows the family (or senior move manager) the opportunity to design the
apartment in an organized, uncluttered and functional way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A new home with 30+ years of treasured
furniture, paintings, photographs, clothing, and china is a showcase versus
taking too many items and living inside a “storage unit”.</div>
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Okay, I know you are still with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, it remains very difficult to sort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes it is and as a result, let’s grab the low
hanging fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The number one
opportunity to consolidate is the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Remember, the seniors are moving to a community and they will receive
two or three meals per day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Secondly,
holiday dinners are at the kids’ home and not the seniors’ home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thirdly, the retirement community knows the
first two points and as a result, they do not provide very much kitchen cabinet
space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, two sets of china
(formal & everyday; serving of six) and silverware are the maximum
quantities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of everything else is
more than enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No need for three
spatulas, four soup ladles, five bottle openers…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a client that once was a big cook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wanted to take three pie pans to the new
community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clearly, baking a pie was
still a part of her interest, which is great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, not three pies at a time (LOL).</div>
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Secondly, clothes are another huge opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guys take two sport coats, two suits, 5-8
sport shirts, 5-8 dress shirts and 3-5 slacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everything else is overkill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ladies, will and should take more based on fashion and season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, be disciplined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No need for 25 pairs of shoes and 25 matching
purses.</div>
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Lastly, paintings/pictures are an opportunity to
downsize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is much less wall space
in the new location and much of this space will be directed toward family
arrangements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always like to error on
the side of too many family photos versus not enough.</div>
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In summary, when seniors downsize to a community remember,
they offer many very attractive services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Books (library), exercise equipment (gym), BBQ pits (outdoor patios),
etc… are provided for the seniors’ enjoyment and do not require
duplication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a limited amount
of space in the new “Shangri-La” and it requires discipline in the sorting
exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fallout of taking too much
stuff is facing the reality of a second move from the new apartment to reduce
the clutter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, living with the clutter
and disorganization of a failed sorting discipline.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Be strong on the front end and you’ll be happy on the
back end. </span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Smooth Transitions of St. Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872178012371396188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007466302491071168.post-60266515831606990692015-04-03T11:58:00.001-07:002015-04-03T11:58:31.268-07:00The Disposal <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqINUdZjJPMDJENnfQ8ywU_AdPF52is3NLmDYvPr-STyRgqxYCbP-J7S_WyBC0piWjlK8jdKdzbf8YYqKFmtC7x8ppaHaj8Yr6RO9hTG2D3vZU-nG7qXM4jYKUVcOobJVsGtojYpCdhZQ/s1600/Disposal+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqINUdZjJPMDJENnfQ8ywU_AdPF52is3NLmDYvPr-STyRgqxYCbP-J7S_WyBC0piWjlK8jdKdzbf8YYqKFmtC7x8ppaHaj8Yr6RO9hTG2D3vZU-nG7qXM4jYKUVcOobJVsGtojYpCdhZQ/s1600/Disposal+pic.jpg" /></a></div>
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Well, the downsizing process is nearing completion. We have <b>Moved</b>
(sorted, packed, moved to new location, unpacked and designed); shipped desired
treasures to the <b>Family</b>;<b> </b>sold unwanted items via the <b>Sell </b>to Auction houses, dealers, and
on-line; and <b>Donated</b> items of value
to our preferred charity. The last
component of downsizing is the <b>Disposal</b>. Sounds easy, but the process is somewhat
comprehensive if done correctly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Our goal during the <b>Disposal</b>
is to rid the home of all remaining items while attempting to recycle as much
of the <b>Disposal</b> as possible. The first step is to collect all hazardous
material (which includes paints, insecticides, cleaning material, oil, etc.)
and deliver them to a reclamation center.
Generally, the city site will allow maybe 50 pounds to be unloaded at no
costs with an incremental cost per pound over the free allotment. Disposing hazardous material in the trash is
illegal and irresponsible to our environment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Much of the remaining items can be recycled by the local
community waste management company. For
example; cardboard, glass, cans, metal, leaves, and grass should be staged at
the curb during your neighborhood recycle day.
Most recycle containers have a listing of the acceptable items for
recycling. If the recycling is
significant and much larger than a normal week of disposal, it is wise to
notify your waste management provider so there is no problem with the pick-up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After recycling and hazardous material have been addressed,
everything else needs to be trashed.
Generally, the easiest and most cost effective way is to utilize the
waste management provider that services your neighborhood. As with the recycling, a phone call is
appropriate if you have a substantial amount of trash for pick-up. The provider will ask about the number of
boxes/bags for pick-up. They will also
inquire about large items like mattresses, cabinets, carpeting, etc. Each of the larger items has a disposal
dollar amount and they will itemize your list and bill you accordingly. Don’t try and under estimate your items
because you run a real risk of not having the provider pick-up the undeclared
items. Lastly, appliances usually need
to be picked-up by an appliance recycle company. Large televisions can be delivered to Best
Buy (32” max) or a local television recycle center. All computer and electrical
items should be disposed of at an electronics recycling center. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now that everything is out of the home, it is appropriate to
broom clean the floors, vacuum, clean the counters/bathrooms, and ensure the
exterior of the home is presentable. Any
items that stay with the home (wood, shingles, and paint) should be
orderly. Remember, the buyer will do a
final walk through of the property and if contents are excessive, the buyer can
delay closing until the items are removed to an acceptable level.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The home is now ready to place on the market or it is ready
to occupy for the new homeowners. Wow,
it has been a tremendous amount of work.
But, the process is complete and everyone can settle and enjoy their new
surroundings and consolidated treasures. It is a very freeing feeling! And as senior
move managers, it is very rewarding to see the seniors go from overwhelmed to
overjoyed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Smooth Transitions of St. Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872178012371396188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007466302491071168.post-17131858021154579632015-03-04T14:14:00.000-08:002015-03-04T14:14:07.123-08:00THE DONATION <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwlaAdwUIqg3tx4m7zUz8_Uhh_1a7LOeAJ09JSPqKEWq7Iu7-s585bhjsAz8PNzojwHGdEZG2WUFIwsiMZAh7-dI59EOoYVuapTKsowd1yo-iQU7olDPLsNrc73y0MpO5IQvjFFdlRp4/s1600/Donate+now.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwlaAdwUIqg3tx4m7zUz8_Uhh_1a7LOeAJ09JSPqKEWq7Iu7-s585bhjsAz8PNzojwHGdEZG2WUFIwsiMZAh7-dI59EOoYVuapTKsowd1yo-iQU7olDPLsNrc73y0MpO5IQvjFFdlRp4/s1600/Donate+now.jpg" height="320" width="309" /></a><div>
<b><span style="color: #1f3864; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #1f3864; font-size: 14.0pt;">The Donation</span></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: center;">In review, we have completed </span><b style="text-align: center;">The Move</b><span style="text-align: center;"> and our senior(s) are in their new home and hopefully
enjoying their new adventure.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">Secondly, </span><b style="text-align: center;">The Family</b><span style="text-align: center;"> has sorted through the
remaining items at the original home and we have shipped to the appropriate
locations.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">Thirdly, </span><b style="text-align: center;">The Sell </b><span style="text-align: center;">was successful basis an on-line auction, estate sale or
dealer purchases.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">We have gone from a
large amount of “stuff” to a much reduced and more manageable quantity of items
for further liquidation.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The fourth step, <b>The
Donation, </b>seems easy enough, right?
But, like each step, the process can be comprehensive and involve significant
work. We now target the items that did
not sell or were excluded from the sale.
These remaining household goods range from furniture, cookware to
trinkets. All items (excluding
furniture) should be boxed and taped close to assist the charity in an orderly
move of the donations. Fragile items
like glassware and china should be wrapped in paper or bubble wrap. It defeats the purpose of your gift to arrive
broken. Use your discretion on all other
items. Most of these items should make
the trip unwrapped and in a good corrugated box.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Once packed the boxes and furniture need to be on the street
level of the home. In other words, most
charitable movers will not go up or down stairs. Additionally, “some” charities will only pick
up donations from the garage in order to avoid damage or liability to the home. They also require a specific list of items
and in most cases, will not take incremental donations because they have staged
pick-ups based on the available cube in the truck. Lastly, they will require appointments and
usually provide only a 2-3 hour window the day of pick-up. In summary, the charity has many rules and
requires a lot of coordination.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are many charities that are item specific and we like
to contribute to those charities also. For example, The Lions Club has Recycle
for Sight Program to recycle eye glasses. St. Louis HELP collects and provides
free home medical equipment to anyone in need. Animal shelters always gladly
accept blankets of any kind.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Generally, the charitable organization will provide a tax
deduction form that may or may not have the specific donations. It is the responsibility of the individual
receiving the deduction to itemize and assign estimated value for the entire
gift. It is recommended that this
paperwork be shared with your tax professional for review before processing
your return. A tax donation is not always important to seniors, especially if they
don’t itemize their taxes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Donation</b> is
now complete and we will review <b>The
Disposal</b> during the next blog. The
clean-out of the home may appear simple.
But again, if the homeowner is conscientious about recycling, hazardous
waste, and leaving the home for proper showing or occupancy, <b>The Disposal</b> requires significant
focus. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Smooth Transitions of St. Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872178012371396188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007466302491071168.post-71541936181709935842015-02-14T10:29:00.002-08:002015-02-14T10:29:08.514-08:00
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><img height="200" 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" 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<span style="color: #99ccff; font-size: 16pt;">The Sell</span></div>
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<span style="color: #99ccff; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #99ccff; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">Today we will discuss <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Sell (step 3), </b>which is the
beginning of the liquidation process that occurs after <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Move (step 1) and The Family (step 2).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>Remember, during <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Move, </b>all the household items were sorted for treasures and
necessities. They have been relocated to the new home and unpacked according to
the design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Items left at the home have
also been sorted by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Family </b>and removed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, we shift our attention to the
elimination of the remaining items.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666;">The Sell </span></b><span style="color: #666666;">can be
approached in several ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, the
owner must fully recognize that the items for sale have a market value much
less than their original assessment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Generally, the market pays 10 cents on the dollar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, there are clearly exceptions like art,
antiques, jewelry and coins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
the owner must proceed with a mind-set of “getting rid; not rich”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Based on this proper expectation, the
homeowner will conclude <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Sell </b>with
peace of mine, inventory sold and a nice monetary dividend based on the market
value of the items.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">Like everything, the market to
sell/buy items has changed significantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Generally, estate sales target very large homes and use the house as the
stage for display and merchandising.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
also means possibly hundreds of people through the home. This option excludes
many sellers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Garage sales are a
tremendous amount of work for very little return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Craig’s List, eBay and classified ads are
generally ineffective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, all of
these methods require the buyers to come into the home.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666;">Smooth Transitions of <st1:place w:st="on">St.</st1:place>
Louis</span></b><span style="color: #666666;"> utilizes three methods that can be
exclusive or combined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, the
homeowner can take the task on themselves and approach dealers directly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clearly, the challenge within the dealer network
is finding those that are buying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the
dealer is in the market, remember, some buy art, others buy coins and still
others buy antiques or jewelry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666;">The second method is the on-line
auction which is growing in popularity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Items are grouped together in lots, photographed, categorized and placed
on-line for buyers to make their bids. The auction is usually open 10-14 days. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bids are slow at first, but rally near the
end of the session. Market value will determine the price of an item.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon completion of the on-line auction, the
buyers pick-up their purchases at the home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The items have been paid for through the auction company and the
homeowner will receive one lump sum (auction house takes about 25% of total
sales) for all goods sold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, the
question referencing this opportunity is whether the homeowner has enough value
(quality & quantity) to justify the work associated with the preparation of
the auction.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Third, some auction houses will
buy the entire contents of the home at a wholesale price and then resell the
items at their auction house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
option generates the least amount of cash, but does result in a quick
liquidation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Auction houses will also
take select items on consignment and generally retain 25% of the sale price; it
is usually the responsibility of the homeowner to deliver the items to the
site.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666;">The Sale</span></b><span style="color: #666666;"> is a very
challenging process and professional assistance is recommended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once complete, the home will be noticeably
empty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remaining items await <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Donation (step 4) and The Disposal
(step 5).</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></div>
Smooth Transitions of St. Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872178012371396188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007466302491071168.post-84826575627178173242014-12-22T09:12:00.002-08:002014-12-22T09:12:27.761-08:00The Family<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During my last blog, I talked about <b>The Move</b> as being the first and most important step in downsizing. Remember, during <b>The Move</b>, we selected (through the sorting process) the items that
are in the new location or soon will be relocated. They have been identified and are no longer
part of the household inventory. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now let’s discuss the second step: <b>The Family</b>. Based on the
wishes of the homeowner(s), the remaining items in the home can be reviewed to
determine what (if any) treasures will be selected by the family. This can get a bit sticky. For example, if all three kids want mom’s
piano, who wins? Many times the parent
will select the child who gets the piano; or maybe it is as simple as drawing
high card; or maybe the first pick of the first round gets the last pick in the
second round (and so on). Just be careful
that the item selection is fair and objective.
I’ve seen many families torn apart and left with permanent scars after
dividing the family treasures.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once these household items have been selected, it is very
important to get them out of the house in order to provide room for the
remaining steps <b>(The Sell, The Donation
& The Disposal)</b>. Furniture that
is heading out of state can be shipped or picked-up by the family member. Shipping small pieces of furniture is very
expensive so renting a truck or using your own van should be considered. If shipping is your only alternative make
sure you get at least two quotes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The family can be a very constructive resource when
downsizing a parent. Working together is
fun and eliminates the cost for professionals.
However, don’t be fooled! Working
as a team is very challenging.
Downsizing is a lot of work and the tasks will never be divided
evenly. Maybe some kids are out of town
and it leaves the burden on the children that are in town. Additionally, downsizing requires efficiency
and organization. Without a plan, the
downsizing will seem endless and will add significant stress to the
family. Be honest with yourself and
determine if your family has the resources and knowledge to get the job
done. If so, have fun. If not, pass it off to a senior move manager
and avoid the stress.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During my next blog, I will discuss <b>The Sell</b>. It is very
comprehensive, but it offers an opportunity to be very profitable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Smooth Transitions of St. Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872178012371396188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007466302491071168.post-69405807848192764712014-12-03T12:06:00.000-08:002014-12-03T12:06:00.952-08:00DOWNSIZING? WE ALL DO IT!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular";">Whether
it's my family or professionally, I've been downsizing for several years. I've learned a lot along the way and want to
share my "process" with you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular";">We
all downsize, the question is when and if we are in control. Generally, if it is by choice, we can do many
of the tasks ourselves. If we experience a spouse's death or medical event, we
probably have less influence on the decision making of the downsizing process
and require professional assistance (senior move managers). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular";">Whether
in control (many tasks on your own) or experiencing a life altering event
(professional assistance needed), the same steps must be followed to achieve
our goal of moving and liquidating household items.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular";">The
five step process that I follow to ensure all activities are accomplished in an
orderly way are as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular";"> The Move:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular";"> The Family:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular";"> The Sell:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular";"> The Donation:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular";"> The Disposal:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular";">"The
Move" is the transition from your current home to a smaller home or, for
seniors, quite often the transition is to a retirement community. It can be
exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Think about how you want your new
home to look and feel. Then go through each room and designate (by using a dot
system) the items that meet the criteria of your vision. The "big things" are the easy part.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular";">Next,
begin the sorting process. It is difficult to go through life's treasures and
decide what to keep, give away, re-gift, donate or sell. The basic questions to
ask are: 1. Do I need it? 2. Do I love it? 3. Have I used it in the last 6 months? 4. Do I want my kids to have to deal with
it? Always try to keep in mind the
vision you initially created. A senior move manager can help during these
stressful times. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular";">Now,
your things are ready to pack! Begin
with items such as out- of- season clothes or those items with the least amount
of emotional attachment. Packing requires the necessary materials to ensure
your items won't be damaged as they are transferred to the new location. A
reputable mover is imperative to a smooth transition. A couple of big guys with
a truck sounds good because we all believe we don't have that much stuff. But,
as with everything else, you get what you pay for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular";">Unpacking
and making the new home "feel like home" is the next step. Safety and
functionality are important considerations in the layout and design of the new
residence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular";">Moving
is only part one of the five step process.
It is very comprehensive and undoubtedly the most important and difficult
of the downsizing process. Senior move managers are professionals that can help
"as much or as little as needed".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular";">Now,
you have a clear perspective on "The Move". During my next blog, we'll take a look at the
second step of the five step process, which is "The Family". Until then, get sorting... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<img src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ_Y0ciatpsgqMGtSXeJEOiaJL3x0OS9h5fOev0D_pPdosnmlfg" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "\.HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Smooth Transitions of St. Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872178012371396188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007466302491071168.post-39857315097078464222014-06-03T11:56:00.000-07:002014-06-03T11:56:08.995-07:00WHERE DO I START?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97YefSTfNIyeSR6FFErGAZT_23owD7xVc6Oo8yqbRGXscs3R5V7c3k9J6Xaltfpybp8Gls7tCZFEUHyw4oociKhfJbYb5bA4qHUJPQwUBNVM6NV74hA7DgJhbLtrszaH8dnKUkTl5IaE/s1600/pic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97YefSTfNIyeSR6FFErGAZT_23owD7xVc6Oo8yqbRGXscs3R5V7c3k9J6Xaltfpybp8Gls7tCZFEUHyw4oociKhfJbYb5bA4qHUJPQwUBNVM6NV74hA7DgJhbLtrszaH8dnKUkTl5IaE/s1600/pic2.jpg" height="324" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">In our business, the most commonly asked question is “Where
do I Start”? The simple answer is to
select a room, then sort, de-clutter and organize the contents. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Most seniors have been in their homes for 30-40 years. The thought of sorting treasures located not
only throughout the house, but in the basement, attic and garage becomes
overwhelming. In fact, it is so
threatening that it causes many seniors to freeze and delay moving to a
retirement community that is filled with new adventure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Mary Kay Bochenek of The Moorings in <st1:city w:st="on">Chicago</st1:city> said, “It is like losing weight or
exercising. They say they will work on
it later and it becomes their excuse for not moving forward. It takes energy to move and make decisions. It is easier to do nothing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Individual energy and assistance (family or professional) is
needed to complete a move efficiently and quickly. As long as the senior and their family are in
control, the situation is much less stressful.
However, many times people delay the decision, a crisis arrives and the
decision to downsize is made for them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">As a family looks to downsize or de-clutter while remaining
in control, they should focus on the specific items they wish to surround
themselves in their home and NOT the items they are leaving behind. Everyone of us has “treasures” in our home
that have wonderful memories, but we all face the same reality that we cannot
retain it all as we move forward with our new adventure. A quick photograph of an item that has been
targeted for sale is always a solution that maintains its nostalgia. Use the
“10 questions to help you de-clutter” as a guide on what to save or what needs
to go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p><i style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 20.0pt;">10 QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU
DE-CLUTTER</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">1.)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> Is this item something I use regularly?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">2.)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> If not, is it something I love?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">3.)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> Am I keeping this out of obligation or
expectation?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">4.)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> Am I holding on to this because I think I
should love it?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">5.)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> Am I saving this just in case?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">6.)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> Do I have multiples of the same thing?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">7.)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> Could something else I own do the same job?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">8.)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> Am I holding on to a broken item to fix one
day?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">9.)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> Is this item worth the time I spend
cleaning/storing it?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> 10.) Could I
use this space for something else?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Source: liveyourway.net<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">No time like the present, so get started now and if you face
overwhelming challenges, we can help. At
Smooth Transitions, we are sensitive to the importance of lifelong possessions,
while also being objective with the realization that “stuff needs to go”. We can help as little or as much as needed. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<br />Smooth Transitions of St. Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872178012371396188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007466302491071168.post-57368606225278167562014-05-07T12:27:00.000-07:002014-05-07T12:27:14.057-07:00What to give Mom for Mother's Day<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is better to receive than give. Sounds backwards,
but for our parents it is more beneficial if we begin to help them de-clutter
their home. So this year, instead of giving mom a mother’s day present, have
her gift one of her special treasures to you. Old picture albums have more
meaning when she can tell you a story, which in turn, you can share with your
children. Additionally, so many items in mom’s attic are now back in style.
Think retro, i.e. clothes, kitchen items, and toys.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mother’s Day was first celebrated in 1908 when Anna
Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in Grafton, West Virginia. She was
successful in making it a recognized holiday in 1914, but was disappointed that
by the 1920’s, it was becoming commercialized. What would she think today?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mothers are very special people, so as Sunday
approaches, think about what you can do for your mother or with your mother;
not what you can give your mother. Chances are she has all the picture frames and
flower vases she needs. So why not sit down with her and give her a
well-deserved cup of tea and tell her you love her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Below is an article written by <span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">DAVID J. EKERDT,
lead researcher in downsizing and relocating in later life at University of Kansas. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #c00000; font-family: "Freestyle Script"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Happy Mother’s Day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #c00000; font-family: "Freestyle Script"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Beth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="story-body-text" style="background: white; line-height: 17.85pt; margin-bottom: 20.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif";">Adults
with older parents or even grandparents will soon be searching for suitable
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day gifts. If these presents are not consumables — a
box of chocolates or a bottle of spirits — then they will only enlarge the
material convoy that accompanies Mom and Dad through their later years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="story-body-text" style="background: white; line-height: 17.85pt; margin-bottom: 20.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif";">Older
people want our love and affection, but they probably don’t need more stuff. A
2010 survey of Americans 60 and older found that 60 percent agreed they
had “more things than you need.” Fully 75 percent said that the thought of
dealing with their things made them somewhat or very reluctant to think about
moving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="story-body-text" style="background: white; line-height: 17.85pt; margin-bottom: 20.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif";">So
why pile on more? Instead, I suggest that you help whittle things down by
making yourself available to receive some belongings your elders would like to
offload. It’s a myth that older people
cling to their possessions. Of course they cherish certain things, but most
homes hold uncounted thousands of objects, only some of them special. My
studies of household downsizing in Kansas City and Detroit reveal
that seniors feel almost universal relief at having lightened the load.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="story-body-text" style="background: white; line-height: 17.85pt; margin-bottom: 20.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif";">Transfers
of possessions from older to younger family members normally require some
occasion, such as a wedding or graduation, lest the gesture, coming out of the
blue, be viewed with alarm. (“You’re giving me the antique table? You’re not
planning on dying, are you?”) And the younger generation’s readiness to embrace
what’s on offer — the crystal, the matched floor lamps, the baseball card
collection — cannot be assumed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="story-body-text" style="background: white; line-height: 17.85pt; margin-bottom: 20.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif";">But
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day afford the perfect occasions for the unqualified
reception of stuff. You can approach this a few different ways. For example,
write this in a Mother’s Day card:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="story-body-text" style="background: white; line-height: 17.85pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Mom, you have said so often
that you don’t want me to give you one more thing because you already have too
many things. So this year I am taking you at your word. I will make a
contribution to your favorite charity and then, when you are ready, I will be happy
to take any of your things that you would like to unload.<o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
<div class="story-body-text" style="background: white; line-height: 17.85pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="story-body-text" style="background: white; line-height: 17.85pt; margin-bottom: 20.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif";">Or
you can suggest belongings she might give you. Lest anyone accuse you of
stripping the shelves, propose things that live deep in the recesses of the
home: vacation videos, excess flowerpots, sporting goods or long-ignored books.
Stuff in the basement, the attic, the closets, the shed, the garage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="story-body-text" style="background: white; line-height: 17.85pt; margin-bottom: 20.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif";">Ask
for photo albums now, while elders can still tell you who all those people are.
Suggest nothing that, like the tufted family rocking chair, will set off World
War III among your siblings. In fact, siblings can organize themselves to
receive things as a group, thereby forestalling the charge of having taken
unfair advantage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="story-body-text" style="background: white; line-height: 17.85pt; margin-bottom: 20.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif";">Another
technique: Wrap an empty box as a present, with a note inside that says, “Fill
me, please.” The gift will initially seem puzzling, but this becomes your
chance to explain your intentions. And if the box is eventually filled and
passed back to you, empty it and begin the cycle again. The transfers might become
a habit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="story-body-text" style="background: white; line-height: 17.85pt; margin-bottom: 20.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif";">If
you try this for Mother’s Day, your father will almost certainly ask whether
you are going to pull the same thing next month. “For you, especially,” would
be a good reply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="story-body-text" style="background: white; line-height: 17.85pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif";">When the jewelry, random houseplants,
random hand tools and back issues of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">National Geographic</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>come, you can archive, curate, sell,
donate or re-gift them. All you need at the moment of exchange is a smile and
the promise that you know “just the right place” for these things. Leave it at
that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="story-body-text" style="background: white; line-height: 17.85pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="story-body-text" style="background: white; line-height: 17.85pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: green; font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">The looking-glass nature of
human connection means that receiving is giving, that taking things is a
gesture of generosity. Honor your mother and father by welcoming their things
no matter what, and then welcoming yet more.</span></i></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Smooth Transitions of St. Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872178012371396188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007466302491071168.post-32976462852721889772014-04-10T14:03:00.000-07:002014-04-10T14:03:26.180-07:00Your Parent’s Stuff is Priceless ... Until You Have To Sell It<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">When
the time has come to clear out the contents of our parent’s home, because we
are not experts, we have a tendency to attach an emotional value on the items.
How do we put a price on the Grandfather’s clock that chimed so loud, it woke
us out of a teen-age sleep? The chipped cookie jar has immense sentimental
value, but who would buy a chipped cookie jar?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">When
we moved my parents out of their home of twenty-six years, we had no idea what direction
to turn, but we were sure we needed to do it all ourselves. My siblings and I
felt we “owed” it to our parents to comb through every item and determine its
worth. And there was the “stuff” that was collected and saved by us through the
years, but never really important enough to take with us as we moved out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Barry
Golden founder of MaxSold, a four-year old Canadian Company, now in the United
States, sends in a team that organizes and photographs items to sell via social
media. Barry worked with a family selling their parent’s dining room set and the
family would not take less than $2,000. They held on to too many memories and
turned down an offer of $800. Because no one had room for an extra dining room
table with six chairs and a sideboard in their home, they put it in storage.
Three years later at $100 per month, the family paid $3,600 to hang on to it
and sold it for $500. In Gordon’s words, “Better to yank the Band-Aid off now,
even if it hurts. And it will.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Of
course, the family still needs to sort and save the family treasures (not in a
storage locker, please!). But his advice is to control what you can control,
including the amount of time you spend in the entire process. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">When
you are cleaning out your parent’s home, it is better to have the outside
experts handle most of the process. And remember, you are looking to get rid,
not get rich. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Smooth Transitions of St. Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872178012371396188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007466302491071168.post-58980651550960509682014-01-28T10:58:00.001-08:002014-01-28T10:58:45.216-08:00Keep it Moving and Let it Go<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18.0pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">I think in terms of
day’s resolutions, not years”.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Henry Moore<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">As I think
about making my 2014 resolutions, I start small in terms of what I will
accomplish every day, instead of trying to make action plans for the whole
year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">With the
holidays behind us, January is a great time to get organized. You may notice
Target, Home Depot and every other retailer advertising large plastic
containers on sale to help us in our quest. In the article below from Medical News
for You, Barbara Morris offers many suggestions on how to “keep it moving”. She
says if you tackle a little at a time, you will witness progress without
sacrificing a lot of time to get it done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So now, you
are ready to de-clutter, downsize, and get organized! If all this sounds
overwhelming, Smooth Transitions of St. Louis will be glad to assist you in
your process. Another great source of motivation is the De-cluttering Calendar
for 2014. It offers action steps and checklists to help you get your home in
order (a little at a time) without becoming overwhelmed. The challenge is
on-going so you did not have to start January 1st! Week one starts with
organizing the kitchen counter tops and sink. Throughout the 52-week challenge
you will organize every room in your home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The calendar
may be found at </span><a href="http://www.home-storage-solutions-101.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">www.home-storage-solutions-101.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">January is
Get Organized Month- the perfect time to get serious about organizing your
home, your office and your life!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Beth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><i>The holiday decorations are back
in the box and the only reminders of the season are the extra pounds on the
scale. Can you even remember what your favorite gifts were?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><i>While these gifts are fresh in your
mind, this is a good time to eliminate the “extras”. If you got a new sweater,
donate at least one older one. A new shirt? Give away several older ones. Put a
plastic bag in the bottom of your closet and keep adding to it. If you have
something that doesn’t quite fit anymore and you kept it with the idea of
losing five pounds, forget it! Put it in the donation bag.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><i>We are blessed with so much and of
course we have our favorite things. We have a lot of things that we bought on
sale. But they don’t fit just right. They should be the first to go and not
simply sit in your closet taking up space. Someone else may be able to use them
without pain. Are you keeping a favorite outfit with the idea that it may come
back in style? Even if it does, will it still fit? Keep it moving. Donate it!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><i>If this doesn’t sound like an
exciting way to spend an afternoon, then commit an hour to the project. You
could do a shelf, a drawer, a rack in the closet. . . not all at once, but in
small bites; the way you would eat a foot-long sandwich. By tackling it a
little at a time, you will be able to see progress without sacrificing a lot of
time to get it done.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><i>It will be tax time before you
know it and if your papers are in a state of chaos, don’t wait until the last
minute before getting things in order. Use the time while you are watching
reruns of your favorite TV programs and start sorting those papers…a stack for
taxes, a stack to shred, others to file and some to pitch. Remember anything with Social Security or
account numbers needs to be shredded before putting in the trash.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><i>Are those gift catalogues still
hanging around after the holidays? Those are easy to pitch. Are you up to your
ears in magazines? If you have any magazines older than November, now is the
time to keep them moving. That is November 2013! If there are any special
articles you want to keep, tear them out. Give current magazines to friends and
family or take to a retirement community, hospital, or any place people
wait—the hair salon, car repair shop, doctors’ office. Just get them out of
your home.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><i>When you are really brave, go to
the attic or basement and evaluate what you have accumulated. Is it trash or
treasure? If you can’t remember when, why or how you got something, it is time
to let it go. Do you have appliances that once you couldn’t live without but
now seldom use? Do they need minor repairs?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><i>Those are ideal donation items as
some of the organizations use them for job training exercises. Did you put an
old television in the basement thinking you might need a replacement ‘tube’
some day? Well, televisions don’t have tubes anymore, so keep it moving. Have
you accumulated old radios, telephones, or other electronics? Time to let them
go.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><i>Do you have enough food on hand to
survive a nuclear attack? Have you looked at your canned goods lately? Do they
have an expiration date? If it doesn’t say 2014, then it is time to pitch it.
Another clue to outdated items is that if they don’t have a ‘bar code’ they
probably aren’t safe to use either.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><i>By
purging your home of those extra items, your life will be better for it. You’ll feel lighter! Do a little at a time
and it shouldn’t be a difficult task. Remember, your new mantra is, “Keep it
Moving.” If you haven’t used it recently, then let it go and let someone else
make good use of use it.</i></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Smooth Transitions of St. Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872178012371396188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007466302491071168.post-33782369544754167422013-12-03T11:37:00.001-08:002013-12-03T11:37:11.248-08:00HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><st1:place w:st="on">Holiday</st1:place>
time often means putting up decorations and family returning home. Take
advantage of the following tips to declutter and make your home holiday-ready. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">*Make room for décor
and guests<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Don’t just add holiday décor, exchange non-seasonal items
for holiday ones. Start with small areas at a time, focus on what items you use
regularly and make them accessible. The
other belongings may not need to be around at
all. Don't put them back out in January if you can live
without them. </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">If you need to clear out the guest room, you may find you
don’t really need all that stuff the rest of the year either. Give
yourself permission to let go. Closet space could make guests feel welcome
instead of holding clothes you haven’t worn in years.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">*Start new traditions
of giving excess items not just cash to charities<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Items you don’t need anymore can still help others instead of taking up your space or being thrown away. Clothing, tools, books and housewares
in usable condition can be donated to charities and routed to those in need.
You still get the tax deduction and also open up space in your home. The extra
coats you don’t need could really help someone else this winter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">*Distribute stored
family items<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">All those items you have been keeping for the kids can finally
be picked up or cleared. Family may not make a special trip to collect their
childhood memorabilia, but if they really want it, they can take it home after their holiday visit. With this deadline, you will discover how much they really
wanted those items and release yourself from the obligation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">*Pass on the old
traditions<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If you are not doing the decorating or cooking that you used
to do but don’t want the traditions lost, give the meaningful decorations or cookware
to the next generation now. This way you can make sure the stories behind the
traditions are remembered for years to come. Know that the grand children will see the important heirlooms that have been in storage if you
pass them on now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>*Gift the Inheritance</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Rather than fight the crowds to purchase items family may or
may not like, give the items you are planning on leaving as
inheritance. This way, recipients can express their appreciation while you are
here to receive it, and you can be assured the right people get what you want
them to have. Sentimental memories and traditions are highlighted at this time
of year so you add new meanings to old memorabilia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My goal is to help clients and their families deal with a
lifetime of accumulation when making changes in living arrangements. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Happy Holidays,</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Beth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Smooth Transitions of St. Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872178012371396188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007466302491071168.post-62184746204472739742013-11-05T09:27:00.000-08:002014-04-10T14:13:08.008-07:00We Needed to Downsize our Home<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My husband
Charlie and I were like most 40 something couples with busy lives, corporate
careers, kids and aging parents.
We were being pulled in different directions. But, like all our friends, we were just dealing with the
challenges of life. Then,
something occurred that we had not anticipated. Both my parents had life-altering medical disabilities that
forced us into helping them transition to a new lifestyle very quickly. We needed to downsize their home, find
medical assistance, help them organize their affairs and get things in order as
hastily and efficiently as possible.
I kept thinking if only we had someone to help my siblings and us with
this challenging situation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Unfortunately,
we had to hurry through each phase of the process. I took the lead to find them a new place to live (which in
itself is mind-boggling to anyone).
I also worked with my siblings to organize and conduct an estate sale,
donate unwanted treasures to organizations near and dear to our parent’s hearts,
and dispose of the remaining items so we could select an agent to sell their
home of 30+ years. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In
hindsight, the event was stressful, confusing and most importantly, we missed
the opportunity to enjoy time with our parents to hear the stories as we
unraveled the veil of their lives.
As my family and I replayed the scenario several more times with other
relatives, I passionately felt the desire to help sen<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9007466302491071168" name="_GoBack"></a>iors
mediate this very difficult time in their lives. The initial experience with my family members allowed me to
observe the challenges of downsizing and also gave me the confidence to
understand the need to treat them with empathy and respect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">At Smooth
Transitions of St. Louis, our clients have many common denominators: the need
to downsize, the need to simplify their lives and the paralyzing fear of
getting started. But most
importantly, each senior is unique and must receive a </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">customized
transitional plan.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">More often than
not, the realization of this unique project intimidates the seniors, children
and other family members.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">This is
where Smooth Transitions of St. Louis provides an affordable solution.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
At Smooth Transitions, we strive to listen to their
memories as we guide them through the downsizing process. We implement the
family’s instructions to disburse the material possessions to create a new,
more manageable living environment that feels “just like home”. We treat each client as if we are their
“surrogate” daughter, without the emotional and traumatic ramifications that
accompany family relations.</span></span><!--EndFragment-->
Smooth Transitions of St. Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02872178012371396188noreply@blogger.com0