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Downsizing is a not a simple task. You are required to make difficult decisions about what items ‘make the cut’ and what does not. One of the most frequent questions we get asked during a downsizing job is, should I take this with me? Like …

In part two of ‘Clearing the attic’, we look at how to prepare, sort and process items removed from the attic. Missed Part 1? Read it here. 1. Prepare a Sorting and Packing Area.  You will need a sorting and packing area within a short distance of the …

Recently we helped an older lady to move home which involved significant downsizing, and we ran into problems. These problems and solutions can give you a head start in your own decluttering and downsizing project. And I can give you a few tips. The lady …

Please note that this guide is intended to mitigate the risk of injury while clearing the attic but it is not a guarantee against injury and you should cease work if you feel any discomfort and contact your doctor if pain persists. Clearing an attic …

At Canard Solutions, one of our core competencies is moving clients into and out of a property. Typically, this task forms part of downsizing project that may also include facilitating auctions, sales and valuations on behalf of our clients. Many of our clients, after the …

It’s funny how an unexpectedly high valuation of an item changes our feelings towards it. It tends to be one of two polarised reactions; either it suddenly becomes far more attractive to hold onto, or more important to sell. The calculation of whether to keep …

As my late grandmother, who died 102 years young, used to posit, “don’t grow old, there’s no future in it.” A humorous observation to be sure but rather impractical. The fact remains; the aging process is inevitable and activities like moving, regardless if the move …

Each of us sustain a back injury at some stage in our lives, resulting in back pain. Frequently the process of moving home, upsizing, downsizing, or clearing out a property as part of a deceased estate realisation results in back injury or strain – particularly …

When you hire a home mover, particularly one like Canard Solutions who deal almost exclusively in moving personal assets for our clients in the downsizing or deceased estate process, there are a number of factors to consider when it comes to move antiques. It isn’t …

I downsized from a 3 bedroom house to a 2 bedroom apartment with no study and no dining room, and learnt some lessons. You really cannot take as much as you think.  2. You will have an easier life if you leverage your storage space, rather than …

The owner of a gracious four-bedroom home in Armadale engaged Canard Solutions for a downsizing project. The owner wished to sell their family home and downsize to a townhouse. We created a two-part work programme to fulfill these wishes. In phase one, Canard Solutions created …

We get it – packing is a pain! Sometimes just thinking about the overwhelming task of packing up every single possession you own can drive you crazy. With a little bit of planning, you can make your move a whole lot easier. It will also …

Preparing to sell a home can be one of the most stressful times in someone’s life. The family home contains so many treasured memories, and it can be emotional saying goodbye. It is also an extremely daunting task, sorting through a lifetime of belongings. Having …

It is always worth considering how much it costs you to hold on to clutter. When you consider that real estate costs are at an all-time high, and the physical space that unused items take up, you realise that all of that extra furniture and …

You need to remember that when downsizing or dealing with a deceased estate, furniture size matters! And not in the way you would think. Instinctively, it is safe to assume that a 30-year old antique would be worth more today. Wine values with age, so …

There are a lot of costs involved with downsizing, or when dealing with a deceased estate. However, people often overlook the cost of the actual move itself. These costs can rack up very quickly! And it is not just boxes, tape, and bubble wrap, either! …