Feeling Overwhelmed by Clutter? You’re Not Alone.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in your home? Whether it’s accumulated over time or simply a result of life’s busyness, the clutter can start to take up valuable space — both physically and mentally. That’s where we come in.
At Get R Gone and Just In Time Solutions, we specialize in helping homeowners in London, St. Thomas, Lucan, and surrounding areas reclaim their living spaces. From donation organization to efficient junk removal, we’ll guide you through the process every step of the way, making decluttering a stress-free experience.
Why Decluttering Matters
Clutter, disorganization, excess — all of it can leave you feeling anxious or overwhelmed. The environment we live and work in affects how we think, feel, and function on a daily basis. Decluttering doesn’t just free up physical space; it can improve your mental well-being, reduce stress, and make your home feel more peaceful and organized. Whether you’re moving, downsizing, or simply looking to simplify your environment, the benefits of decluttering are undeniable.
Understanding Environmental Guilt
Environmental clutter can give you environmental guilt. Oftentimes, clutter builds up as a result of guilt attached to throwing items away that “might be useful.” Sometimes, it’s from “rescuing” items to save them from the trash.
Like emotional guilt, you can end up with too many items that, while still useful, are not actually being used — either because you don’t need them or they don’t have a proper place in your home. While you may feel good about not adding to the landfill, you’re often left with negative feelings about how your space functions (or doesn’t).
Keeping items that can be reused or repurposed should follow the same rules as any other item in your home: it needs a home and/or a purpose. If it doesn’t fit either category, then the next best thing is to get it to people or organizations that can give it one.
Heirlooms: Honouring or Holding On?
During your organizing journey, you’ll likely come across items that have been “handed down” or inherited. These are often found boxed up in the basement, attic, or storage unit, unused and collecting dust. When asked about keeping them, the common response is: “I have to keep that — it was my __________.”
When this happens, pause and assess the situation. If these items are not being used, and especially if you’re paying to store them, ask yourself: by holding onto them, are you honouring them—or are you afraid of letting go?
Take this example: your great-great-uncle built a dresser because he needed one. It wasn’t meant to be a family heirloom for eternity. If it’s still useful, great! But if it’s broken or burdensome, it’s okay to let it go. The same goes for Grandma’s dishes — she bought them for herself, not with the intention that they’d be boxed up for decades.
To honour something means to regard it with respect. If heirlooms hold meaning, they should be used or displayed — not hidden away, broken, or someone else’s burden someday.
If they don’t fit your space or your life, let them go. Someone else can give them new purpose. Let go of fear and guilt — those items were never meant to bring those emotions. The only consequence of letting go is regaining control and peace of mind.
How We Can Help You Declutter
Sorting and Organizing
The first step is assessing what you want to keep, donate, or remove. We’ll help you go through your items systematically, offering advice on what might be best suited for donation versus removal. Our team understands how sentimental clutter can be, and we’re here to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.
Responsible Donations
One of the most satisfying parts of decluttering is knowing that your unwanted items can benefit others. We partner with local donation centers, charities, and thrift stores in London, St. Thomas, and Lucan to ensure your gently used items go to those who need them most. You’ll feel good about letting go, knowing your items will be put to good use.
Efficient Junk Removal
For items that are no longer usable or just need to go, our junk removal service, Get R Gone, will take care of everything. We offer quick and eco-friendly solutions, ensuring your junk is recycled as much as possible or disposed of responsibly. Get R Gone also transports larger donations to the appropriate charities.
Ongoing Support
Once the clutter is gone, we offer tips on how to stay organized. With simple systems in place, you can maintain your space and avoid future buildup.
You’ve done the deciding, the sorting, the organizing. Now what? That’s where our partner Get R Gone comes in. Mike and his crew help us weekly by transporting large items for donation and responsibly sorting recycling and garbage — minimizing what ends up in the landfill.
Get R Gone and Just In Time Solutions are here to help. No judgment — it’s what we do.
About the Author
Pauline Hoffman is the founder of Just In Time Solutions, a professional organizing company based in Ontario. With years of experience helping clients declutter, downsize, and restore balance in their homes, Pauline is passionate about creating peaceful spaces. Her empathetic approach helps homeowners reduce stress and regain control.
