We love watching the show Hoarders because it makes us feel quite tidy by comparison. But the truth is, we sometimes feel like we’re one tchotchke away from becoming an episode.

Instead of throwing away all our extra doodads to make space for more, we’re turning to Upstage Montreal, a new Montreal business that provides services in interior decor, home staging and organizing. After putting up some shelves, cleaning out our closet, and creating a new footwear filing system, we were good to go, but owner Keren Blankrot left us with these earth-friendly tips for keeping our space systematized without sacrificing style.

1. Prevent spring purges by choosing quality over quantity and investing in pieces you love. This will ensure your belongings have the longevity factor.
2. Turn an old, dysfunctional item into something new. Use an old card box to store paper clips or reupholster a chair to give it a new life.

3. Your junk is another person’s treasure, so give anything away that you aren’t using regularly (i.e. clothes, books, computers, electronics). Check out www.freecycle.org

4. Create space by building upward with closet and shelves. Keep a step ladder on hand so you can reach!


Now all we need is an intervention for our shoe habit. —JN

Upstage Montreal, 514-915-5532, www.upstagemontreal.com