Getting Organized Before a Move!

Nobody loves the process of downsizing, where does one even begin. I recently sat and had a conversation with CariAnne Kestrel of Spaces Reimagined Minnesota, Spaces Reimagined Minnesota serves the Minneapolis St. Paul area and suburbs & she can help you start packing and help you get organized. 

Tell me about yourself business and who you serve? 

• I serve people who are looking for more space in their residences but do not know how to realize that the space they have can be used more efficiently to allow for more space.  I would like to serve seniors in need.

What's your business background, was your current business calling you? 

• Executive assistant at various organizations in banking and finance. My position was eliminated in in 2021. After that, I organized an enormous amount of paper documents into a system to enable client to easily find and access documents, if needed. Client was incredible grateful and suggested that I perform this type of work professionally. Yes, this was calling me. 

What's the solution to your customers' problems?

• Creating a little bit of discomfort and starting small, along with learning where to start are all important. Once we begin the process, customers will begin to see the rewards of their efforts, which leads to a complete unburdening of their spaces.

What is the number one tip or trick you wish everyone knew about your business, this can be specific like season, other, stated goal ethos?

• 10-minute sweep: set a timer and for 10 minutes every day, clean, tidy up, pick up and put away items and organize them, if needed.  If your 10-minute session is difficult, keep it to the 10-minute mark. If it goes longer, run with it, but not until you are frustrated with the process.

The topic of the article is "Getting Organized Before a Move” can you give me a hypothetical scenario of someone who might be in this type of situation.

• Take some time before the company arrives to find some momentos or items that have been passed down to you. Offer these items to family members, asking them if there are any items they wish to keep. They make the decisions, not you! Honor their decisions.

• Don't be offended or hurt (if someone thinks this is inappropriate) or if they do not wish to take anything, you shared your intent and that's a gift in itself.

Maybe the real value of some things is the memories.  If they spur emotions, guests can share the stories

of the items with their family. If you've already inventoried and made a list of items and have time,

document the memories of the items to share.

Closing statements maybe a customer story or some way you have impacted or changed someone’s life. As a catalyst . . .  

• I worked with a client to un-clutter her kitchen and dining area, realizing clear, unburdened space. She was incredibly grateful and used some of the tools for organizing to teach her teenage son to be conscious of where he places things and how to organize so he could easily find needed items.

Closing statements:

• I create more comfortable, cozy, efficient and safe homes for those who are feeling overwhelmed with "stuff." Locating additional space where there didn't appear to be any is how people begin to really see and feel the process of decluttering and organizing as positive. 

• Working in a "no judgment zone" is the basis of how I work with clients. Building trusting relationships is key to success.

• Lifting the weight results in less stress and anxiety, along with a more peaceful and relaxing  living environment.

Thanks so Much CariAnne Kestrel of Spaces Reimagined Minnesota for taking some time out of Her day to answer great questions. The First step in moving is really, to start moving. So I find CariAnne's information and suggestions great! 

By email: cariannek@spacesreimaginedmn.com