Where does the time go?

On December 3, 2021, Gail and I celebrated our 20th anniversary of working as Senior Move Managers and our 15th anniversary of operating under the Downsizing Diva brand.

We hope you'll forgive us for taking a rare opportunity to celebrate these Diva milestones in this edition of Diva Dialogue -- one that is “all about us!”

Over the past 20 years, we’ve gone from being solopreneurs to heading up a franchise company with 13 geographical locations and 8 magnificent Divas who have joined us on our mission to help older adults downsize, organize, move and clear estates.

As Senior + Specialty Move Management pioneers, we have actively participated in TEN NASMM Conferences where we have created and taught courses for our colleagues and learned from them as well. These days, our Diva purple feather boa is recognized and respected at Conferences, Trade Shows and special events, internationally.

Downsizing Diva is the only Canadian Senior Move Management Company to be NASMM A+ Accredited and, in 2018, Gail and I received the prestigious Margit Novack Award for Excellence in Senior Move Management. It's been one heck of a ride.

The Senior Move Management industry is growing in leaps and bounds as people become more aware of the caring and compassionate services we provide. Those looking for help with downsizing and moving projects know they can reach out to Downsizing Diva and get the job done.

In January, 2022, we are launching our new and improved Downsizing Diva website and sharing the Diva story in a whole new way.

We’ve seen, done and learned so much over the past 20 years that we could write a book! Just a minute... we did that already!

And the stories we could tell, but for now, let’s just start with…

THE TOP 5 LESSONS we’ve learned so far!

1. Moves are mathematical. Everything in a 3-bedroom house (with basement and garage) will NOT fit into a 2-bedroom condo. When it comes to downsizing, it’s easy to tell someone else what to release; when it comes to letting go of our own stuff… all bets are off!

2. People underestimate how much work there is to do. When planning a vacation, experts suggest you take half as many clothes as you think you’ll need and twice as much money. Moving is similar. It is surprising how much work it takes to manage a simple move…and not many moves are simple.

3. Being objective is critical. Doing your own downsizing and wondering what to keep and what to release? Ask yourself these questions… Do I really need it? When was the last time I used it? Do I want it? Do I love it? Can I give it to someone who will treasure it as much as I do? What is the BEST thing that will happen to me if I let it go?

4. Murphy’s Law applies. If it's possible for something to go wrong, it probably will. Just when you think you’ve got everything figured out, someone throws a monkey wrench into the works. As Senior + Specialty Move Managers, we know when to step back, take a deep breath, count to 10 and re-group to manage the situation as it unfolds.

5. Each of us is on our own journey. There are lots of similarities and checklists in the downsizing and moving process, but each one of us goes through the experience in our own, unique way. Creating customized move management plans is what we do best and we do it with care, compassion, communication… and COMEDY!

Over the past 20+ years, we have been honoured to work with thousands of clients and now count many as friends and colleagues.

Here’s to your downsizing journey and THANKS for being such a big part of ours!