Professional Organizing Solutions Keynotes
and Workshops
Our offerings can be delivered in a variety of formats ranging from a 45-minute
keynote to a half -day workshop. Each one is can be tailored to your specific
needs and audience. So whether you are looking to “make room to live well” for
yourself, or you have a company or organization looking for a topical and
entertaining presentation, do not hesitate to contact us. Call 604 421 5952 or
email goodriddance@shaw.ca
“Terrific instructor! Great information.”
“Wish I could go home and sort instead of going to bed!”
“Very inspiring, thought provoking”
You Need that Like a Hole in the
Head
NEW
We are what we keep. In an age characterized by over-consumption, it appears
that objects earn our affections, sometimes more than people do. As real life
professional organizers we confront, head-on, the results of this acquisition
phenomenon. Much of it defies logic, not to mention the laws of physics. We have
come to realize that the problem with too much "stuff" is directly linked
to the repeat offenders!! We are talking about the things we see over and over
again that are holding your home hostage. Who are these culprits? Join us on the
tour. Learn how to deal with this junk infestation once and for all.
Topics
• Why most organizing books have failed you
• You should live so long –(Why you will need to live consecutive lifetimes to
complete all your “ good intentions”)
• The “F” word- It is not what you think
• Top Clutter Myths-Exposed
• Search and Destroy-The top 100 clutter denizens and how they got there
• Why you should never leave home empty handed
• The 10 Commandments- According to us
• Who wants it? -Resources that can help
• Never again – Living clutter free for the rest of your life
Traveling Without CHAOS
NEW
How many pairs of shoes do I need to take? When fuel surcharges forced airlines
to charge for extra luggage last summer, travelers started re-considering how
much they were taking and how to pack for maximum efficiency. Good Riddance’s
Heather Knittel provided a professional organizer’s perspective on the subject
in the Vancouver Sun, SHAW cable, and CBC radio and TV. She has developed her
tips and advice into an entertaining and informative program that has been
delivered to travel clubs and organizations throughout the Lower Mainland.
Arrive at your destination, carefree and wrinkle-free ( your clothes, that is).
Topics
• Recognizing Clutter (in your suitcase)
• Fantasy and reality about travel
• Deciding what to take with you
• Packing properly-weekend, extended trip, business and vacation
• Navigating through the airport & security
• Creating your experience
Moving Mom and Dad: Supporting
Your Aging Parents’ Transition
70% of people over 75 still own their own home. Increasing numbers of “sandwich
generation” adult children (balancing work, raising a family and caring for
older parents), themselves aging, are faced with having to move elderly mothers
and fathers out of households they can no longer manage. Helping your parents
downsize can be an arduous task, especially when they are experiencing reduced
physical performance. This workshop is designed to help families implement
simple and practical downsizing strategies to organize for a transition to a
retirement community, assisted living or long-term care facility. It focuses on
a supportive step-by step process and resources available to help families to
reduce guilt, stress and conflict around the disposition of excess belongings
through sale, donation and recycling. Downsizing offers unexpected opportunities
for family members to connect, learn from one another and celebrate memories.
Topics
• Where to begin- When is it time to move?
• Getting your parents on-board and committed
• Involving Family Members- Sharing the load with siblings, spouses and kids
• Making the difficult decisions – sorting out a lifetime’s emotionally charged
belongings
• The complexities of selecting furniture and keepsakes to take to a new place
• The 7 Mistakes to Avoid
• What do you do with all of the stuff?
• Settling your parents into new surroundings
• Taking Care of You
Living at Home Longer: Organizing for Aging in Place
In the US 70% of people will remain in the home where they spent their 65th birthday. What does it take to remain independent in a non-healthcare environment as circumstances change? How do you organize a home to be free from unnecessary threats so seniors can continue to live in their home, stay active and socially engaged in their community?
Topics:
• What is “Aging in Place” and why it is important
• Home modifications and assistive technology that remove barriers to independence
• Downsizing household possessions to a manageable level
• Reducing clutter hazards
• Home care and maintenance services that can ease caregiver burden
• Making homes accessible for people with disabilities
• Maintenance and modification checklists
• Making things easier to find
• Case studies
Downsize
and Sell your Home
Organize Your Home for Resale
Moving to a smaller home creates a host of challenges, not the least of which is
deciding what will fit in with the new life, both literally and figuratively.
There is no point to moving and storing clothing and household items that have
not been unpacked since the previous move. The message is clear: Deal with
clutter before the move.
It’s also important to maximize the visual and emotional appeal to attract top
dollar from potential buyers. Research demonstrates homes that are staged and
clutter-free, sell for more money and in less time.
In this workshop, Susan Borax of Good Riddance Professional Organizing
Solutions teams up with The Space Stager, AJ Veerman, home staging
and decorating expert. Together they walk you through the steps associated with
getting your home ready for resale. Learn how to create the kind of first
impression that buyers find irresistible.
Topics:
• How to save on moving costs by divesting yourself of excess possessions
• How to turn clutter into cash
• Resources for donating the stuff you don’t want
• How to edit your belongings to show your home for resale to its best advantage
• Simple, low cost techniques to enhance the appearance of your home
• How to create great curb appeal
• Utilize what you already have to stage for your property for re-sale
Spring Free from Clutter and Find
Hidden Cash
The Good Riddance team takes an enriched approach to dealing with excessive
clutter through a process of “organized liquidation”. They will reveal how to
distinguish the sellable from junk, and why selling privately or consigning are
the optimal choices for the disposal of valuable items, clothing and furniture.
• Find out why clutter drags you down
• Eliminate unnecessary anxiety from your life
• Separate your clutter from your treasures
• Reclaim your living space
• Why garage sales don't always work
• Get the seven secrets of successful consignment
• Find out why consignment makes sense .... and dollars!
• Discover what's hot ... what's not
A Leopard Can Change Its Spots: How
to Get Organized for the Organizationally Challenged
If you have trouble letting go of things, are always on a search-and-find
mission, and your closet is filled with outdated clothes that don't fit, this is
the one workshop you cannot afford to miss. Discover realistic ways to gain
control of your living space. Susan and Heather help take the dread out of
de-cluttering in this entertaining and informative presentation combining music,
laughter and a no-nonsense approach to making room to live well. A Leopard
Can Change It’s Spots takes the position that the stuff you’ve been carrying
around all your life doesn’t have to drag you down forever. Open those boxes
that have not seen the light of day since your last move – you have nothing to
lose but your pain!
Let’s face it, we all could use more space. Whether you’re 25 or 75 it’s not too
late! Even if you weren’t born with the organizing gene attending this workshop
guarantees that you’ll go home motivated and armed to the teeth with tricks,
tips & strategies to help you tackle your mess. Your result will be an organized
environment providing a sense of peace and accomplishment that allows you to
welcome new experiences into your life.
• Create a simple plan for organizing
• Develop a system that works for you
• Locate resources that can help
• Learn how to prioritize, downsize and create space
• Find places to donate and recycle your things
• Resolve to never say “I might need that someday.”
• Make Your closet Work for You
Speakers Biography
Susan Borax and Heather Knittel are the owners and co-founders of Good Riddance
Professional Organizing Solutions, specializing in assisting families with the
downsizing and relocation needs of aging parents. They have been delivering a
series of “Get Organized” workshops throughout the Lower Mainland and Seattle
since 2005. Venues include women’s and professional groups, continuing
education, hospitals, IKEA, senior centers and independent living facilities.
The company has been featured in Chatelaine, The Vancouver Sun, Vancouver
Province, Good Times Magazine, Renovation Magazine, The Vancouver Courier,
Burnaby NOW and the Burnaby News Leader for their dedication to finding good
homes for excess possessions through sale, donation and recycling. Susan and
Heather have made numerous TV and radio appearances on Global, CBC, JOY-TV, Shaw
Cable and CKNW. Their volunteer activities extend to developing Get Organized
themed events as fundraisers for non-profits. The organizers are currently
working on a book titled You Need that Like a Hole in the Head and can be
seen at various venues throughout the Lower Mainland performing their hilarious
musical revue, Cluttermania!
Ms. Borax is on the executive board of the BC Chapter of the Professional
Organizer’s of Canada. She holds a BA in Political Science and MA in history.
Her background includes extensive experience in sales, marketing and training in
a variety of industries.
Being highly organized comes naturally to Heather Knittel who started a career
in health care, moved on to property management and, had a successful 16 year
career in sales promotion and community relations in the broadcast industry. Her
interest in Feng Shui leads her to her fascination and love for keeping clutter
under control. She is currently pursuing certification in working with the
chronically disorganized.
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