Hello Savvy Shoppers,

This issue is all about clutter, well at least dealing with it. Figured it made since at some point we all need to deal with our accumulated stuff. Some of you are probably great at sorting through it on a regular basis but if you are like me, it tends to pile up a bit at times.

Earlier this year I was approached by Paul Talbot “The No Clutter Guy” to discuss the possibility of working together on a workshop. It seemed liked an odd idea at first—him being all about simplicity and clearing clutter while I am all about showing people where and how to secondhand shop (some might say encouraging clutter).

After a few meetings it became apparent that we were actually a great fit. Together we were inspired to offer a workshop called “Turning Your Clutter Into Cash.” Together we have combined our skills and knowledge to help people take inventory of all their unwanted clutter and then explore the many different ways that they make money from it.

Letting go of stuff is never easy, especially items that have sentimental value. But Paul has an incredible way of gently walking people through this process. Then I come in to help find the best way to turn all that treasured clutter in cash.

We have so far offered two workshops with amazing results and have another three scheduled for the New Year (January 27, February 24, and March 31). From offering these workshops I was inspired to dedicated this much overview update to dealing with clutter.

In the feature article, Cashing in on Clutter, I offer a quick overview on how to start sorting through your possessions with the intention of finding the right place to sell it. In Tricks of the Trade, Paul Talbot walks you through his straightforward process on tackling clutter in his article called Clutter Begone.

On a much lighter note, Mary Mendoza (otherwise known as Madcap Mary) offers us a wonderfully witty inside look into the home and life of an avid collector in her article Collecting Dust located in Savvy Living.

For those of you who may need a little extra help and support in dealing with clutter, In The Neighbourhood outlines some key issues to consider when hiring a professional organizer or clutter consultant. Some local professionals and their services are also highlighted.

Grand Central Auctions has come on board to help with valuing objects in Vintage Value, and for this issue we look at a Weller Louselsa Ewer. In Cents of Style, a new local business - The Art of Storage - offers us some creative solutions to storage issues. Last but not least, Mary Mendoza comes back to offer yet another hilarious tale about garage sales in Garage Sale Savvy.

For those you who have been asking about upcoming Safaris, I do have another Home Décor Tour scheduled for February 20th. Although we have slowed down on the number of tours we offer, we are always available for private tours where we can tailor the day to suit your groups needs.

Sincerely,
Jo-Anne Lauzer
Savvy Media

P.S. Please note that our mailing address has changed to:

Savvy Media
3866 West 12 Ave.
Vancouver, BC
V6R 2N8

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