Just Downsize

Downsizing & Packing

We understand that packing and moving can be an emotional and overwhelming journey. At Just Downsize, we support you every step of the way, ensuring a friendly and thoughtful packing experience that respects your belongings and eases the transition to your new space.

Declutter

At Just Downsize, we collaborate to curate your possessions, ensuring a thoughtful edit that aligns with your lifestyle. We expertly organize the items you cherish, creating a harmonious living space tailored to your preferences.

Organizing

With Just Downsize, we can collaborate to create personalized systems that suit you and your family, saving time and ensuring lasting organization. Let's work together to streamline your routines and maintain a well-organized living space.

Donations

At Just Downsize, we're committed to helping you donate unneeded items to community organizations that genuinely benefit from them. Let us facilitate the process, ensuring your contributions positively impact the local community.

Estate Sale

At Just Downsize, we offer assistance in preparing unwanted items for sale. Whether through estate sales, online auctions, or selling items online, we are here to guide you through the process, ensuring a seamless and efficient transition for your belongings.

Photo Organization

At Just Downsize, we offer assistance in organizing your cherished memories. Whether it's sorting photos into boxes or albums or creating unique photo books, we're here to help you preserve and share your special moments with family and friends.

I have always had a passion for organizing and creating peace and harmony in my surroundings. I love helping other people develop systems to stay organized and save time. There is nothing better than a well-organized room to help you feel less stress!

Over the years I have seen a growing need for this type of professional service - whether it is an older couple downsizing their home, a busy young family needing to calm the chaos or an overwhelmed family member who needs help relocating their loved one.

I can make downsizing your home or your loved one’s home a positive and less stressful experience. I will sort, pack, donate and sell items for you in a kind, thoughtful manner. We will work together to make the move a positive one. I will set up your new home with love and patience as we figure out what works best for you.

I look forward to helping you create a space that you love!
-Justine McVeigh

Justine is very helpful, thorough and 'gentle' helping my clients remove the clutter from their homes to prepare for their move and selling their home. She writes her report and includes pictures so there is NO doubt of what has to be done to bring the property its optimal condition. AND she provides the report promptly at a very reasonable cost.
Bryan BarnesSotheby's International Realty Canada

I can't recommend Justine's services highly enough! She assisted an elderly friend in decluttering and downsizing her home of 48 years. It was a daunting task, but Justine's kind, professional manner made it so manageable. She facilitated connections with the moving company and retirement home, making the move seamless. Thank you for all your support, Justine!
Celia WebsterClient

Justine is fabulous at what she does! I work at a local retirement home and she has helped several of the residents move in, move out or help them transfer between suites. Working efficiently but always with compassion. It can be very stressful leaving the home that you may have lived in for 60+years. Justine definitely makes that a lot less stressful for you. I would not hesitate to recommend Justine to anyone who needs a lot of help or a little help!
Abigail BeveridgeParkland Lifestyle Consultant

I have always been a “do it yourself “ kind of person but when my father passed I needed help with his retirement suite and needed to do it quickly. I was out of province at the time and I am so glad I found Just Downsize. Justine worked directly with the home and the moving company and found me a great storage facility at a good price. From my first phone chat I was confident that all details would be taken care of—and she exceeded expectations. I would highly recommend her services!
Tracy ParzychClient

Just Downsize has helped me stage and declutter quite a few of my seller's homes. They were great! Very professional and easy to work with. I would not hesitate to recommend them for downsizing, decluttering, organizing and staging.
Sharon McGuiganBroker, Royal Lepage R. E. Services Ltd

Justine clearly came to us with a plan to consolidate 57 years of accumulation in a 3300 sq. ft. house to move in to a 1250 sq. ft. rental condo. She insured we made the tough choices of what has to move and what will be left for further disposal. Assisting us in the move and then helping us contact organizations for the balance was invaluable. She was a delight to work with and was a valuable and knowledgeable resource in all phases of the move. Thank you Justine.
Lawrence ParkerClient, Parkland Resident

I am not a big fan of staging but once I met Justine and she helped me with sellers and getting their homes ready for the market, I saw the impact of how staging a home can help sell it. I would recommend Justine to other realtors in helping them with their listings.
Sandy HolyoakSales Representative, Sotheby's International Reality

Justine at Just Downsize makes magic happen! She is professional and arrives with everything she needs to transform your space. Thanks to the purging, downsizing and organizing I did with Justine I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I feel like I'm in control of my life again. I highly recommend Just Downsize
Sue CummingClient

Just Downsize was amazing. I sold my business and needed to dispose of 48 years of accumulated stuff and clear out of the office I was renting. She prepared a detailed list with expected values and organized an auction through a third party service. My office was cleared out on time and on budget. Amazing service! Thanks Just Downsize!
Daniel CPresident

Thanks Justine for organizing my mom's photos it was such a big job. She is thrilled to have all her photos in one place and out of several boxes.
Catherine W.Client

I used Justine for help with organizing my garage- which was in chaos. It went from disaster to delightful by the time we were done. We had two cars full of donations plus a truck to haul to the dump. I cannot recommend her enough for help with getting organized. She is judgement free and easy to work with. Don’t put off de cluttering- just get Justine to help.
Kayla D.Client

"I had years of family photos in various boxes and boxes and boxes and boxes. Justine organized it all! Now all my photos of my boys growing up are in order and in cute boxes that I can look through with that smile and ache we all get looking at our kids as babies and toddlers. Thank you Justine!! I literally could not have done this without you!"
Tammie J.Client

"Being responsible for the sale of a loved ones home can be very overwhelming. You have to sort through all their personal belongings and make decisions regarding each and every item. Justine was able to organize this laborious process. This included sorting like items together, offering donation solutions, organizing the sale of items and organizing treasured photos. Thank you so much Justine! You were an invaluable resource during a very difficult time in our lives. Your calm and organization made a very emotional process - doable.
Rosemary C.Client

"I hired Justine to help me with a cluttered and messy downstairs room that felt like an overwhelming task to tackle. I had an idea of what I wanted and Justine put it to action. With understanding and patience she helped me figure out what was really important to keep and helped me to get rid of those things that I 'thought' I needed to keep! In just over two hours the room was transformed. She is organized, has great ideas, and is a pleasure to work with. I didn't think twice about hiring Justine a month later to clean out another room. Next on the list is the daunting task of organizing my husband's office! I would HIGHLY recommend Justine. You won't be disappointed.
MarthaClient

Working with Justine McVeigh from www.justdownsize.ca has been a revelation. First of all I was not sure I was ready. Justine suggested I have a vision of what I wanted for me, since I was now on my own, my partner of 36 years having died last December. It was a revelation, as for so long I only thought about what Michael needed. So we decided that the healthiest way to go forward was to clear the main bedroom of computer paraphernalia and boxes and lighten up that area. Then we tackled the ensuite bathroom, and then started to shift the 3rd bedroom into a work area that I could set up an office in. So far, after 2 long and 1 short session we are on our way and I am doing my best between session to take control so this kind of clutter never happens again. It just feels so good and Justine does all the heavy lifting and brings all the supplies and takes away garbage and donates and gets online things that should be put out to the community. It is just wonderful. We have a ways to go in this condo, but my first vision is manifesting thanks to Justine. I highly recommend working with her if you feel stuck and overwhelmed. She is a marvel. I am feeler lighter and more healthy every session I have with Justine McVeigh from www.justdownsize.ca
Lisa Hartt-SpillaneClient

Toronto, Ontario M6S 4W4, Canada

Contact us to receive a FREE 20 minute phone consultation to see how we can best serve you.

❄️🌨️☃️Embrace Winter with Organized Bliss! ⛄️🌨️❄️

Hello, Just Downsize community!

🌨️As winter draws near, it's the perfect opportunity to infuse a sense of order into your surroundings and embrace this season's cozy vibes. I'm thrilled to provide a few tips to transition into winter, get a little more organized, and make the most of the winter season.

🧥1. Winter Wardrobe Prep:Transitioning your wardrobe for winter involves more than just swapping out clothes. Start by thoroughly decluttering your closet and assessing each item's usefulness and condition. Set aside summer items and create dedicated spaces for winter essentials. Consider donating gently used items to local charities, ensuring your decluttering efforts have a positive impact beyond your home.

🎄2. Seasonal Storage Solutions:Invest in practical storage solutions to ensure a seamless transition between seasons. Clear storage bins, labeled appropriately, are excellent for organizing seasonal items. For clothing, vacuum-sealed bags can save space and protect garments from the elements. Adding a note inside the bag before you seal it gives you a handy label to remind you of its contents. Designate specific areas for each category, making it easy to locate and retrieve items when needed.

👢🧣3. Entryway Essentials:The entryway is the first impression of your home, and it sets the tone for organization. Install hooks for coats, scarves, and hats. Place a chair or bench for guests to remove boots comfortably. A shoe rack or storage bench can also keep winter footwear tidy. A designated area for each family member prevents clutter from spreading throughout the home, creating a welcoming and organized entrance.

🏠4. Cozy Home Decor:Elevate your home's coziness with intentional winter decor. Before bringing out seasonal items, pack away summer decor in clearly labeled boxes. Invest in storage solutions for holiday decorations, such as ornament organizers and wrapping paper storage. Organizing your decorations ensures they're easily accessible and in good condition for future use.

🚙5. Winter Car Kit:Prepare for winter road conditions by creating a comprehensive car kit. In addition to the basics like an ice scraper and blankets, include non-perishable snacks, a first aid kit, and essential tools. Regularly check and update your equipment to ensure it's ready for unexpected winter adventures, providing safety and peace of mind.

Wishing you a winter filled with warmth, joy, and organized bliss!

20Feb

Getting Ready to Downsize?

Downsizing your home when your children have left the nest or when you are thinking of retirement is a common choice for many. A smaller home has several benefits, including lower monthly costs, reduced or no property taxes at all, and a smaller carbon footprint overall. Living in a smaller home can also free up financial resources that can be used to fund other adventures, such as travel, hobbies, and leisure activities.

Here are some steps you can take to help make the transition to a smaller home smoother:
1. Evaluate your belongings
Take stock of your possessions and determine what items you need and use, and what items can be sold, donated, or given away. This process can be liberating and help you feel less weighed down by "stuff".

2. Determine your needs
Consider your current and future lifestyle needs and what type of living space best suits them. This will help you determine the type of home will be the right fit for you.

3. Decide if you want to rent or buy
Both renting and buying have their advantages. Consult with a financial planner to see what makes the most sense for you .

4. Decide on a location
Think about where you want to live and what community you want to be a part of. Do you want to be close to friends and family or would you rather be in a quiet, serene setting?

5. Plan your budget
Downsizing typically requires significant financial planning, so it's essential to determine how much you can afford to spend on your new home and all associated expenses.

6. Work with a real estate agent
Find an experienced real estate agent who can help you navigate the buying or selling process and who understands your situation and stage in life.

7. Create a moving plan
Once you've found your new home, plan how you will move your belongings and settle into your new space. Consider hiring a professional moving company or enlisting the help of friends and family.

Overall, downsizing can be a great way to simplify your life, reduce your expenses, and free up resources for travel and other adventures in retirement. With careful planning and preparation, the process can be relatively stress-free and leave you with a new and exciting chapter in your life.

I can help you make your transition into a smaller home as smooth as possible. I have years of experience in downsizing and can help you ensure that every last thing gets packed up and put in its place so that you can move on to the next chapter of your life.

19Sep

Basement Purge: 5 Things to Toss

The basement may be the area in your home that you avoid the most. Even the most organized among us can be guilty of thinking, "I'll just put that there for now," when unsure of what to do with a new or unfamiliar item; only to forget about it later. Before you know it, your basement has become a place of mystery. Fortunately, it's never too late to start organizing that neglected space! Keep reading to find out what items are safe to toss: five things you can pitch, no questions asked.

1. 💻OLD ELECTRONICS

You know those old iPods or the original iPhone charger cables from 2007? Unfortunately, they're doing nothing but collecting dust on your shelf. Don't even try to sell them; it's been too long. Instead, you can recycle them with Toronto Waste, simply put them beside your garbage container for pick up on your next garbage day. You can also recycle them at  Computation Ltd., a Toronto store that provides environmentally sensitive computer and e-waste recycling along with secure electronic data destruction. Getting rid of old electronics is an easy first step to basement organization. 

2. 🛢HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Basements tend to be a repository for hazardous materials like empty or half-filled cans of house paint, insecticides, weed killer or dead batteries. Like old electronics, these are items that you do not need to store. But expired or not, they should be disposed of properly. You can't just toss them in the trash. Most cities offer a hazardous waste disposal option. In Toronto, you can call 311 and arrange for the Toxic Taxi to pick up old paint cans, with some restrictions on the amounts to be discarded.

3. ⛺️ANYTHING THAT IS DAMAGED OR BROKEN

This one is pretty self-explanatory. If you've noticed holes or tears in a piece of clothing, or another item in your basement, toss it. This includes tents, folding chairs, and patio cushions. (It's no fun camping in a tent with a broken zipper - trust me, I know!) Broken furniture and lamps are often not worth the time and cost to fix and take up precious space in your basement. If it's broken and damaged, toss it!

4. 🍳RARELY USED KITCHEN APPLIANCES
These appliances can really accumulate over time. Maybe it's a waffle iron or a bread machine you received as a wedding gift and never unboxed. Countertop appliances that never see the light of day also need to go. Trust me, you'll never miss them. Most local donation stores will accept working appliances, or you can offer them on the Facebook Group “Buy Nothing Canada” to be given away for free!

5. 🏑SPORTS AND EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

If you're using your treadmill as a drying rack, it's time to toss it along with any other exercise equipment you're not using. Outdated skis, old running shoes, broken tennis racquets, or hockey sticks need to go!! You can sell valuable equipment at Play It Again Sports (www.playitagainsports.com), Facebook Market Place, or Kijiji if you think the skates are worth something. The good news is that dragging things up out of the basement counts as exercise!

Removing these five types of things will get you started and free up plenty of space in your basement. I've helped turn basements into dream spaces for craft rooms, playrooms, offices, and so much more!! So, the bottom line is: if you haven't used it in years and don't need it anymore, it's time to toss or donate. Then you can sit back and imagine what to do with all that new space!

17Mar

Helping Parents Downsize 5 Things to Consider

Tips and Organizing Ideas
Helping Parents Downsize 5 Things to Consider

Downsizing is a significant project that will take many hours and involve many decisions. Here are five ideas to help you get started.

1. 🔜 Prepare in Advance It’s never too early to start planning! If time permits, start with a few hours a week and do one bookcase or some small corner of a room at a time. Taking on a large garage or the entire basement can be overwhelming. Begin with a small area to see what can be eliminated and start removing these items. If you or your parents or organized, this can happen months or even years before a moving.

2. 🎁Gifting Possessions If your parents start gifting you their possessions, accept their gifts graciously. They may give you things they think you might like or that you can use. You may not want these gifts but consider how you might pass them on to people who do. There are many options including passing on unwanted items to a friend, a shelter or even Freecycle Facebook group. Your parents will be happy knowing they are contributing to someone else’s enjoyment.

3. 💵Selling Valuables 💰 Selling valuable items is very time-consuming. If something is worth the time and effort to sell, I strongly recommend you or another family member take on this job. Telling your parents, “Just post it on Kijiji or Marketplace,” can be daunting for them: downloading the app, taking the photos, recording the measurements, uploading the information, and managing all the questions and emails back and forth can be overwhelming. I have a hard time with it, and I know what I’m doing! Please take a few items at a time and post them for your parents. They will be happy with the extra money, and you will have gotten things out of their house.

4. 🏡New Home Measurements🏘 Be realistic about what possessions will fit into their new home. Are they moving from a big four-bedroom house into a one-bedroom condo? Try and get measurements or floor plans for their new space to see what furniture will fit. Perhaps the queen bed is too big, or the china cabinet won’t fit along the dining room wall. It’s always better to find out before they move into their new home! Scaling down the size of the furniture is often part of the downsizing process.

5. Storage & Closet Space 📦 Consider the amount of closet and storage space in their new home. Will they really need all their coats and boots? Storing out-of-season clothes is difficult when you only have one closet for two people. Will they have enough storage for all the Christmas decorations or surface area to display their tiny village? It may be time to pare down what will fit into their available storage space.

Start small, take the time to look at photos and mementos that bring back fun memories. If you need help with any stage of the process, please reach out and give me a call. I can make this process much easier for everyone!

19Jan