For many years Emilio and I have wrestled with the idea of going carless. Would living in Canada without owning a car actually work? While KW Professional Organizers was in full operations it wasn’t an option we could really consider. I mean, it would be pretty challenging working with clients in their homes and then not having any wheels to hull away unwanted items for donations. Good thing our online courses were up and running so we could help in other ways.

Covid-19 lock-downs here in Ontario changed all of that thinking. KW Professional Organizers was not considered an essential service and for well over a year we have not been offering one-on-one services. Also, our daughter was accepted into a daycare program that was right around the corner from our house. All of a sudden we no longer had a need for car use on a daily basis.

Carless could actually be a convenient option

We live in an urban location in Waterloo, Ontario and since moving here in 2012 the local carshare company has dramatically improved their offerings. We live right off of a major bus route, there is a light rail transit not far from our home, and the Waterloo Region has been slowly adding more protected bike lanes. Everything started adding up to be the right time to try going carless.

Going carless could save us serious bank

When we crunched the numbers we realized that we had the opportunity to save $400+/month from insurance, licensing, and gas. Not to mention the savings from selling our Dodge Caravan and annual maintenance costs. You know the old adage a car is the endless pit you throw all your money in. Emilio and I debated for a long time and then finally decided to post an add to sell the van. We decided to test our experiment for one calendar year and experience all the seasons carless.

5 myths of going carless

Myth #1: You can’t use a car anymore

Just because you’re letting go of ownership of your car doesn’t mean you can’t drive other cars. We became carshare members the minute we sold our car. We knew that if push came to shove and we needed to take a trip somewhere or pick up large items we could always count on having access to wheels. Our local carshare Communauto is a wonderful resource and helps us feel comfortable in our decision to go carless.

Myth #2: Owning a car provides more options to move around

It’s funny because we were so worried about not having options to go places, but the truth is that the opposite happened. Owning the car limited our way of thinking about moving. When we let go of the car we started to think of all the different ways we could move around. For example, when Emilio took Eva to go second hand shopping for some clothes across town he needed to think about how he would do it. Instead of just jumping in a car and going from point A to point B, he and Eva took the light rail transit, explored a new paved trail by roller blades and stroller to visit the shops, and then jumped on the train home. They both enjoyed the whole experience and fit in exercise, exploration, and practical shopping at the same time. In the past it would have been a pretty mundane drive to the store, shop, and drive back home.

Myth #3: Public transit is your only way to move around

Depending on your location there are a lot of ways to get around without relying heavily on just public transit options. When we sold the car we invested in an electric scooter, an electric skate board, we own three bicycles with trailer and seat attachments for our daughter, we use roller blades, we walk, we are car share members, and occasionally have used the bus and light rail transit. Please remember, we’re just sharing our experiences and we know that not all areas are as well served as where we live. We had tested electric scooters in San Francisco and absolutely LOVED the experience. We knew that owning a scooter would be a great joy to ride.

Myth #4: You will miss your car

This is definitely a personal belief, but so far Emilio and I have been at the height of summer activity, going from here to there and we DO NOT miss our van. In fact, there has been more joy and excitement in our movement, our exercise goals are easy to accomplish, and we have so far never experienced not being able to rent a car when we need it. Also, we have saved hundreds of dollars since selling the car.

Myth #5: Everyone should go carless

Absolutely, this is a hard NO. Going carless is not for everyone and can definitely be more challenging depending on where you live. However, for our lifestyle, location, and family size, going carless has been a real game changer. Many of our neighbours, friends, and family were worried about us when we embarked on this experiment, but have witnessed us take to the new adjustment very well. We hope that by us sharing you can reflect and ask yourself if going carless is right for you. It’s more than ok if it’s a No.

Re-thinking the way you move

Going carless has provided a positive ripple effect in our life. We are intentional about where we go and how we get there. Our fitness levels have risen and with that our levels of depression have dropped and according to Harvard exercise can be as effective as anti-depressants. Both Emilio and I are looking forward to adding sled and ski’s to our ways of travel this winter. Going carless is paying off for our family.

Slow Climate Change By Getting Organized

Making a change that is within your control actually helps.

Climate change happens all the time. Just speak with an elder and you’ll hear the stories of incredible weather events and how “different” it was in their time. So I believe we can all agree that climate change is real, how quickly it happens is of course what most scientists are worried about.

Now before I lose you… 

I know that the topic of climate change is completely overwhelming and scary. But I want to offer that by getting organized personally you can have a huge positive impact on our environment.

Yah right Samantha. Give your head a shake. What makes you think that?

Well, I’m glad you asked because that leads to my next point.

Emilio and I have witnessed, since 2012, what the impact of getting organized can have in one person’s life. And that impact didn’t stop at one person, it had a positive ripple effect on their environment and for everyone around that person. 

So, how does getting organized slow climate change?

Great question. Slowing climate change is such a big problem because it’s hard to say what problem should we try to solve first. There are many problems that contribute to climate change. However, I have created one practical step you can do every day to help slow climate change, but it takes getting organized to do it.

And before you say you’re not capable of getting organized, let me say: Even if you are the most disorganized person in the world, you are still capable of getting organized! I believe in you.

Organization is a muscle, you have to work at it to make it stronger and stronger. Also, support and education for improving personal organization are available through books, professionals, and online resources. Be open to receiving help. 

Simplify Your Schedule

Everything starts and ends with your time. When you’re tired or in a time crunch you make rushed decisions. When you’re relaxed and meeting deadlines with ease, you make more intentional decisions. 

This practical step may not be the most convenient solution, but it is simple. If you were looking for a way to tackle the big scary monster that is climate change, this will make a big difference. And you’ll feel so much better as well.

So if The United Nations are correct and we only have 11 years left before environmental catastrophe then let’s use every minute of it well. I would like to quote a conversation from a wonderful story The Lord of the Rings. 

“‘I wish it need not have happened in my time,’ said Frodo.
‘So do I,’ said Gandalf, ‘and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.’”

Thank you for reading this blog and for always doing your best. It’s all any of us can ask of ourselves.

Laura Munz and I created this cartoon during a recent discussion about Climate Change.

Interview with Samantha and Emilio from KWPO about the link between organization and ‘green’ living

We were invited to The Eco Cast Podcast, by The Eco Market. Jen invited us to speak about how organization strategies can help us lead a greener lifestyle.

This is the blurb of the podcast:

In this episode, we featured Samantha and Emilio from @kwporganizers – Waterloo-based organizers with a passion for community and ‘greener’ living. We talked about the role organization has in our ability to lead a ‘green’ lifestyle, our consumer culture and some of the negatives associated with that from a waste standpoint, waste reduction, ‘eco’ ways to get rid of your stuff, resources in the Kitchener Waterloo Region, and lots more. Enjoy!

You can visit the podcast for more episodes here. 

Click here to learn more about The Eco Market.

OR another take is called “The Fourth Industrial Revolution”

So we decided to take a road trip and go to visit them!

This is a short video of our visit.

The residents will have a combination of experiences (formerly homeless people, senior citizens, college students and a few Cass staff members) but all will qualify as low-income. At first, the residents will rent the homes. Anyone who remains for seven years will be given the opportunity to own the home and property.

The houses are being built by both professional trades people (under the supervision of a general contractor) and volunteer teams who will manage the finishing jobs – tiling, dry walling, painting, gardening, building decks and erecting fences.

If you are interested in hearing more about the project or making a financial contribution, contact Rev. Fowler at ffowler@casscommunity.org. 

If you go to Detroit, don’t miss the opportunity of seeing this amazing project.

Are you tired of giving and receiving stuff you don’t need? Try these suggestions for giving gifts that aren’t things! 

Chances are you will feel better and feel lighter by giving gifts that have nothing to do with stuff.

Both, Emilio and I truly believe that the greatest gift you can give anyone is your time. But it can be challenging to try a new tradition or ask someone else to stop giving material gifts.  Don’t worry! There are a lot of different options available to try giving something different.

Great ideas for giving EXPERIENCES:

TICKETS – one-off events like concerts, sports events, movies, theatre, local fundraisers or annual festivals

MEMBERSHIPS – local programs like the symphony, museums, gym or rock climbing clubs, swimming pools, interest group clubs that require a membership fee

GIFT CERTIFICATES – this can apply to just about any business or service – ask your friend or family member what they would really like to do, but maybe would never buy themselves. Examples are a Massage, Pottery Class, Home Brewing Class, Guitar Lessons, etc! The options here can be endless.

Great ideas for giving to KIDS:

VACATIONS OR TRIPS – if you have the ability to contribute to a summer camp or March Break holiday this could have life long positive impacts. You can keep the excitement going with this gift by continually asking about what they’ll do and see while they’re away.

LOCAL ADVENTURE MAP – use your creative side and design a trip around their neighbourhood.  Use your research skills to find the interesting things in the area and maybe even draw up a map! Not only is this a unique experience, but you can share it together and who knows what you’ll find! Sound hard? Try Geocaching!

LEARN A NEW HOBBY – Explore a new skill set by exploring different activities. Is there something that has peaked their interest before? Examples: cooking from different cultures, learning how to horseback ride, or maybe getting their MAKER on!

ONCE A MONTH CERTIFICATE – Set aside time once a month to spend with your recipient. You can use this time to share a meal, go for an outing, watch a movie or play a game! They will feel absolutely phenomenal knowing that each month they have something fun to look forward to!

Great ideas for giving TIME:

DINNER PARTY – try hosting a dinner in! We recently embarked on a once a month neighbour dinner. We picked the first Monday of every month, whoever can show up does! So far it’s been a great success with delicious food and great conversation.

WALK OR HIKE – we can often take for granted that maintained trail in the city or back country trail. Schedule time in your calendar with your friends or family to make it happen! Exercise will never felt as good!

VOLUNTEER – believe it or not, giving back is one of the most rewarding activities you can undertake. It doesn’t always require a long term commitment either. Investigate your local options and get out there!

JUST TIME – tell your recipient that you’re all theirs! Just schedule time in your calendar with no plans whatever other than to spend that time with your friend or family. Maybe you can help them work through a tough decision coming up or help them prepare some meals for the freezer. Whatever they decide you will feel great having spent time together.

Angela Smith is hosting her 2nd Annual Clothing Swap — learn why she continues each year.

How to Organize a Clothing Swap

Recently I was invited to participate in a Clothing Swap hosted right here in Kitchener-Waterloo! I, myself, had never participated in one before and had only heard of Food Swaps and Children’s Clothing Swaps. My interest was sparked. 

KW Professional Organizers often comes across many who struggle with letting go of ‘stuff’ or wanting better ways to share their abundance. We think that a Clothing Swap is a great opportunity to share a unique and fun idea for downsizing!

I sat down with the host, Angela Smith, to discuss the why’s, what’s, and how’s of Organizing a Clothing Swap.

Where did you get the idea to host a Clothing Swap?

Angela was living in Taiwan the first time she heard of and participated in a clothing swap. She had a hard time sourcing clothes that fit properly and it turned out so did a bunch of her friends who worked there.

She said that the event in Taiwan was a bit of Free-For-All and saw everyone bringing what they didn’t want, throwing it into a pile, and just digging through it to find things they loved. Problem solved!

She has since refined the process and now in her 2nd annual event has learned the do’s and do not’s of clothing swaps.

My donations for the Clothing Swap!

Hanging and Organizing!

How does the process work for participants?

It’s best if participants know about the event well in advance, so they can take the time to go through their closets for donations. Some people may not be able to attend the actual event, but can still donate clothes. Vice versa others may not be able to donate clothes, but be able to attend the event!

In a nutshell, anyone who attends the event is allowed to take as many or as little clothes as they wish. Angela doesn’t set limits because it changes every year — one year you find heaps that suit you and other years maybe only one or two pieces work.

There are rooms or spaces available so that guests can try on anything to be sure they like what they’re taking.

What do you need to host a successful Clothing Swap?

15 Things to Consider

1. CLOTHES – without them the event doesn’t work. Make sure everyone knows well in advance that you’re collecting donations and that they are to donate laundered clothing only.
2. Clothing Hangers – ask friends for some, shop around at second hand shops to pick up extras, collect empty ones from all
   

   Get creative with displays

   your closets!

3. Clothing Racks – again, ask friends if they have any to borrow, have a look on Kijiji, get a bit create with shower curtain rods in door ways or other such DIY ideas.
4. Signage – if you have extra time to get creative you can make signs that detail what is on offer (Example: Clothing Type, Sizes, Name of the Event, Etc)
5. Mirrors – if you have extra throughout the home you’ll want to get them in accessible areas so guests can make best decisions
6. Change Room Space – dedicate bathrooms, bedrooms or hang curtains so that everyone is able to try on what they’re taking!
7. Timing – Spring or Fall are great times to host in Waterloo Region because of the changing of the seasons & weather
   

   Shoes are Swap-a-ble!

8. Invitations – make phone calls, send text messages, create a Facebook Event, mail your family, send a carrier pigeon — get the word out to your network in any way that best suits you *Remember even if someone can’t attend in person they may still have clothes they’d like to donate!
9. Bags – make sure your guests can take home their new wardrobe with ease, ask them to bring a re-usable bag.
10. Snacks & Refreshments – this is a social occasion so feel free to indulge a little while the fashion show transpires.
11. Music – Keep everything light hearted and fun with a little pick me up music!
12. Place to Donate – At the end of the night there will be left-overs — do some research and consider taking them to a local shelter, thrift store or charity!
    

    Angela includes products as a new swap item

13. Explain the Process – let your guests in on how it all works — they can read this blog 🙂 or you can let them know how it works when you invite them!
14. No Money – this is a money free event and the selling of clothes is discouraged
15. Accessories – you can expand on clothes with purses, belts, jewelry, hats, scarves, shoes, etc

Why do you enjoy hosting the Clothing Swap?

Angela says she loves second hand everything and getting people together  for out of the ordinary events.  Hosting events is one of her passions and a Clothing Swap is something different. Angela also goes deeper mentioning that this is an alternative to traditional shopping and she would like to open people’s perceptions of shopping second hand.

She mentioned that a big benefit to hosting is getting a first view of what is dropped off. Another benefit was getting to choose a place to donate all the left over clothes. Last year’s event saw the majority of clothes heading to Monica’s Place in Kitchener, Ontario.

Getting clothes ready for donation to the clothing swap. Laundered, Folded, READY!

What is the most challenging factor in hosting a clothing swap?

In this fast paced society the biggest challenge is getting people to respond in advance.  Angela said that it is a huge help to get clothing donations prior to the actual event so that she can properly sort, hang and fold them for display.

What do the future Clothing Swaps events look like?

Angela aspires to continue to grow participation in her event and eventually host it outside her home at a larger location. She is a fountain of ideas when it comes to creative events and if you would like more information regarding hosting a clothing swap or other such events please email her.

Angela Smith is 35, living and working in Kitchener Waterloo. She believes in living local, second hand and being creative.  During her vacation time she bounces from continent to continent and on her weekends she is an avid explorer within a 100 km radius.  She enjoys organizing out of the ordinary events, large and small.
If you want to start a conversation with Angela be prepared to discuss food, fashion, travel, re-purposing, music and/or outdoor activities.

Angela’s LinkedIn  Angela’s Instagram

Our website is ginascloset.ca and you can find us on Facebook as well.

Our store is in St. Jacob’s at 1369 King St. ( 2nd floor).
Contact us:  ginasclosetbridal@gmail.com or 519-240-0860