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About Us

Our Story

Darling Solutions is passionate about helping people. Our services are special because of our team – we all care about and love what we do! We take great pride in the services we provide, and our team is committed to the best possible client experience. Darling Solutions is specialized in moving seniors!

We strive to make any moving or downsizing experience as stress-free and positive as possible, while honoring the great emotional weight that comes with these lifestyle changes. Not only are the services that Darling Solutions provides essential for some clients and families, but the emotional support offered alongside those services set us apart – we are always looking out for your best interests. 

Established to offer support to seniors, executors, and family members facing challenging lifestyle changes, Darling Solutions has been serving the Ottawa area since 2010. We are an advocate for the client, a resource for the family, and a project manager.

Darling Solutions is proud to support our community. We strive to deliver client donations to organizations where they can make an impact – we work with many local organizations, including Matthew House Ottawa’s Furniture Bank and Habitat for Humanity. We make every effort to deliver donations to our client’s chosen organization, and when possible, we request a tax receipt on behalf of our clients for their donations.

Our Team

Office Team

Kelly Sloan
Kelly's Story

Inspired by a combination of a 30-year career in the hospitality industry, Kelly knows that she has found her true calling. After all those years of working with the public, a desire to help people, and a gift for attracting team members who share her passion, Kelly’s greatest satisfaction is serving those she feels need serving the most — seniors in transition.

Kelly is the founder and director of Darling Solutions, an accredited graduate of the Certified Relocation & Transition Specialist (CRTS) and the Certified International Staging Professional (CISP) programs, and a graduate of Practical Nursing.

Ruth Headshot
Ruth's Story

Ruth is our Executive Assistant, in charge of organizing all the little details that come with a move. She has an incredible gift for understanding what clients need and want — and delivering just that. Her compassion and kindness shine through in all her communications — you’ll see when you speak with her!

Ruth has a beautiful family, including two wonderful kids, their dog, and her husband. She’s not sure which one is the most troublesome!

Maddy HeadshotFINAL
Maddy's Story

Maddy is our Office Administrator, and often the first person you speak with when you call Darling Solutions. Maddy’s specialties include staff scheduling, invoicing, answering client inquires and soon, managing Darling Solutions’ social media! Her attention to detail and dedication to her clients is an asset to our team.

When she’s not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her dog, biking and perfecting her bread recipes!

Jasmine
Jasmine's Story

Jasmine is sunshine personified! Her professionalism and dedication to getting it right will serve you well, and she’s got a fantastic sense of humor on top of it all! Her energy, forethought, and kindness make her effective in the field as a packer as well as in the office.

Jasmine graduated from Algonquin College for the Child and Youth Worker (CYW) Program. She loves food (both cooking and eating it!) and is incredibly active – she is an avid jogger, and she loves to ski!

Natalie, one of our office team! She has glasses and long, dark hair.
Natalie's Story

Natalie has many years of experience in customer service. Her attention to detail is impeccable, whether she’s setting up consultations or assessing someone’s needs. She likes to help others which shows in her friendly and compassionate disposition.

Natalie is family oriented and loves spending quality time with her husband and 2 daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys interior design and creating art in any form.

Becca HeadshotFINAL
Becca's Story

Working with Darling Solutions for over 5 years, Becca is the very definition of knowledgeable and competent about all things ‘transition’ and is an incredibly hard worker.

Becca moonlights with DS by updating our website and blog, and assists with updating our training materials for new hires.

A small, grey puppy - he has large ears and a wrinkly face.
Frankie's Story

Frankie reminds us to take joy in the little things, mainly himself. He is a (literal) fountain of excitement upon meeting new people, and he excels at chewing shoes.

When at home, Frankie enjoys chewing doorframes, fighting off the vacuum, and chasing the broom.

jasper
Jasper's Story

Jasper is a sweet little peach adopted from the sunny island of Anguilla! He’s our newest 4-legged addition to the office and is full of energy, and kisses.

When he’s not nibbling on your fingers he enjoys saying hello to other dogs and playing with his toy “Lamb Chop”.

Packing and Staging Team

Susan Headshot
Susan's Story

Susan is our Transition Service Manager, and she is amazing — her kind, genuine nature will shine through when you meet her! She is sunshine personified.

With 15 years serving seniors and adults with disabilities, it’s obvious that Susan’s passion for helping others is an integral part of who she is. She is a Certified Personal Support Worker (PSW), and does yoga and works out in her spare time too.

Her energy and strength is boundless, as is her positive and encouraging approach to everything she does.

Julie HeadshotFINAL
Julie's Story

Julie is quite simply a marvel. Quick working, careful, smart, and approachable, she’s a stellar Team Lead and one of the cornerstones of our service. Julie assists with hiring and managing the new packers, as well as managing their training. She’s also a stand out at kindly sharing and implementing ideas on how to make the client experience better. You’ll just love her!

 

Outside of work, Julie enjoys her status as Nana. She’s also an avid gardener!

Kelly H HeadshotFINALFINAL
Kelly's Story

Kelly is a senior packer extraordinaire, as well as an incredible stager. She is hardworking, bright and cheerful, super easy to talk with and really knows her stuff.

Clients and teammates wholeheartedly agree, Kelly was made for working with seniors and helping them transition in the most stress free, and comfortable way possible.

Barb Y
Barb's Story

Born and raised in Ottawa, Barb has a passion for helping others. After spending 17 years as a fundraiser for The United Way and The Ottawa Hospital helping raise funds and awareness for those in our community with needs, Barb decided to stay home and raise her beautiful daughter and son.

When not going the extra mile for others, you will find her enjoying walks with her husband and dog Flynn and hosting dinners for family and friends. 

Phyllis headshot
Phyllis's Story

Phyllis recently decided to look for part-time work, but rather than go back to her ‘old’ job, she wanted something that would get her out in the world with people. She’s found her happy place – in addition to loving her colleagues, Phyllis is a true people person and she looks forward to meeting her clients each day! 

Phyllis understands that there is a tremendous sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in knowing that she’s have helped someone make their downsizing transition just a little bit easier.

When not at work, Phyllis loves spending time with her friends and family (especially her 2 precious
granddaughters), travelling, golfing, and going to the theatre.

Denise headshot
Denise's Story

After growing up and attending University on the West Coast, Denise spent many years in Toronto working for sporting goods companies as an Account Manager. When her husband’s career brought the family to Ottawa, she chose to stay home with her 2 young girls.

The family can now often be found in campsites, on the golf course, or at one of the girls’ many sporting events!

Sylvie's Story

Sylvie is a good fit to join our team since she has a good mix of studies and experience in the life aspects of seniors.  She likes to assist in organizing, helping and accompanying people going through life changing events.

In her retirement years she keeps active by practicing seasonal sports in our great outdoors.  Regular visits to the West Coast and the Rockies, is one of her great pleasures.  Being a new addition to the team, she is looking forward to contributing to this dynamic enterprise.

Erin's Story

We are thrilled to have Erin return to the DS team! Erin is going into her 3rd year of interior design at Algonquin College. She’s moved regularly with her military dad which helped her understand the importance of moving.

When Erin isn’t working, she loves to draw, read, travel and go for hikes with her dog.

Leah's Story

Leah will be going into her 2nd year of nursing at Ottawa U. Leah is passionate about helping people in need, which makes her a great fit for DS. Baking, spending time with family and friends, as well as her fur babies is what she loves to do!

A fun fact about Leah is that she has a cat with 7 toes on one paw.  

Moving Team

Ian HeadshotFINAL
Ian's Story

Ian is our Moving Service Manager, and the lead man for the Darling Solutions moving team! He has a unique combination of strength, smarts, skills and sense of humor — just an all-around great person. His exceptional work ethic and his gentle, kind nature make him instantly likable, even lovable, to all those who meet and work with him.

Outside of work, Ian can be found coaching his son’s hockey team, cruising on his motorbike or enjoying time with his wife and 3 kids — who are not so much kids anymore.

Shawn
Shawn's Story

Shawn is a gem – honest and down to earth, he is not afraid of hard work! He is our Warehouse Operations Manager, and oversees management of the trucks and warehouse.

Shawn has a wife and three loving children, as well as a dog. He’s also a proud Papa!

Danny HeadshotFINAL
Danny's Story

Danny has a heart of gold, and it’s rare to see him without a smile! He is an incredibly hard worker who is always willing to do that one last thing to make someone feel comfortable in their new space. Danny likes his job because he understands the impact his actions have on our clients, and he loves knowing that he helped to contribute to a positive experience!

When he isn’t at work, Danny enjoys spending time with his two children, cooking, gardening, and ice fishing.

Liam HeadshotFINAL
Liam's Story

Liam has it all – he is kind, charming, and conscientious. He works as a driver and a mover, and is excellent as a Team Lead and as part of the crew. He’s a very thoughtful individual who puts care into his actions and decisions.

Does he seem familiar? Liam is a local musician who has been playing since the age of six! While studying at the University of Ottawa, he nurtured his musical passions and soon found himself playing 5 nights a week under the name of Liam Lloyd.

Glen HeadshotFINAL (1)
Glen's Story

Glen has a wealth of experience around moving — 15 years, in fact! He has specialized in senior moving for the last 6 years and is an expert. Fantastic multi-tasking and problem-solving skills are only a small part of what makes Glen so wonderful.

He thrives when he is helping others… it gives him a sense of peace! Let his confidence, calm nature, and can-do attitude guide you through your move.

Paul HeadshotFINAL
Paul's Story

Paul has a passion for helping people and going the extra mile for clients, so he is a natural fit on both our packing and moving teams. He is a hard worker whose patience, humor, and grounded nature make him well-suited to the nature of our work. Trust us – you’re going to love him!

When not at work, you will usually find Paul with his wife and two young boys, enjoying some down time.

Meet Thomas, one of our Moving team!
Thomas's Story

Thomas is friendly, fit and always dependable.

He is a thoughtful young man who happens to be an incredibly hard worker, and he’s excellent with clients too!

Jonathan HeadshotFINAL
Jonathan's Story

Jonathan is a self-described “people person”, who has an incredible smile and loves meeting new people and learning about their lives and their backgrounds. He is very passionate about his work, and he has a steady source of motivation that drives him to do his best.

Jonathan thrives on challenges; he is constantly setting goals for himself in pursuit of greatness. He is proud that he can almost always find common ground with strangers, and he has a gift for making people feel comfortable in his presence. 

Yan headshot
Yan's Story

Yan is an extremely hard worker with previous moving experience under his belt. He has a sweet nature, and all our clients love him.

Victor
Victor's Story

Victor lives a very busy and active lifestyle! Having played multiple sports at a provincial and national level, Victor thoroughly enjoys talking all things sports.

As he begins his new journey in the fall as a massage therapist, Victor plans on using his career to help him travel the world!

Matthew
Matthew's Story

Matthew seems to be experienced beyond his years – having an extensive background in driving large machinery since the time he graduated high school, Matt is no stranger to hard work!

While hunting and the outdoors are his favourite hobbies, a fun fact about Matt is he just became a first time uncle!

claudio
Claudio's Story

Claudio is easy to get along with! He’s happy to help in any way he can.

He loves hockey and watching the occasional football game. When he’s not spending time with friends, he enjoys technology and video games.

Isaac's Story

With years of experience in the moving industry, Issac is a great addition to the DS crew!

Isaac has always lived an active lifestyle; playing football and rugby as a teen, going to school for personal training, and lifting weights in his spare time. When he’s not being active, he likes to game!

jamie
Jamie's Story

Jamie is a people person! He thoroughly enjoys going to the gym, playing hockey (and watching it), and loves spending time with his family.

Fun fact: Jamie has a background in real estate and marketing.

Jacob
Jacob's Story

Jacob is a dependable young man who is easy to talk to! He works part-time with Darling Solutions, as he is busy building his own business.

He is a devoted “uncle” to Frankie in his spare time, and enjoys watching movies.

Guest Stars

Kathy
Kathy's Story

Kathy is a Certified Relocation and Transition Specialist and the owner/operator of K. Turner Transitions who often partners with Darling Solutions. Kathy has thirty years experience working with seniors and their families and her kind spirit and caring nature makes Darling Solutions proud to work with her.

What your friends Say

Testimonials

Dave Tod
Positive: Professionalism
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We used Darling to move my parents into the Redwoods September 1, 2020. The pre move consultation went smoothly as did the prepacking and on moving day the guys showed up on time and finished on time. I was greeted by name so that was a nice bonus. The team wore uniforms – a nice touch of professionalism.

The team knew where to park and the layout of both buildings – again good research. And although I was not present for the off loading it went smoothly as well. All of the team showed expertise and an understanding of the complexities of dealing with elderly people and their families.

We would definitely recommend them!
Pierre Sabourin
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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What a fantastic group of Professionals I have nothing but amazing things to say. They helped keep my parents positive in this huge transition into their new home.

This in my opinion is service the way it’s supposed to be. I love you all thank you so so much
Janet Smith
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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I have dealt with Darling Solutions to move my Dad from his home to a retirement residence twice and now as an estate move. All the staff are very helpful and professional. The first move I decided to do the unpacking myself but the second time I had them do the unpacking and placing of everything. They did a phenomenal job at placing the furniture, hanging pictures etc. The last move they delivered furniture donations to Mathew House for me also took things to Value Village and disposed of anything of no value and delivered what was coming to my home. They even moved a piece of furniture from my den to my basement as it was being replaced by a desk from my Dad.

I would definitely recommend Darling Solutions for your moving needs.
G Green
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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We are deeply appreciative of the work done by the Darling team, during a stressful time. Prospective clients can have full confidence in their services, from first contact, to final billing. We especially enjoyed working with the packers (who also set up and help to stage at the destination) and the movers. They were fast, friendly, and very good at their jobs. Big thanks to Julie, Kelly H, Dan, and Yan.
John O'Halloran
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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After 37 years military service and countless moves my recent move with Darling Solutions was the most professional, efficient, cost effective, caring and competent moving company I encountered. Darling handled my furniture and effects as if it were their own. Paul and Aimee were most efficient and careful packers. The entire team, under Paul as Team Leader, were so proficient, friendly and professional that my son gave them all a tip. I had a fantastic downsizing move. Customer service was top drawer. My move with Darling was painless. Darling looked after all my moving requirements in the most professional and caring manner. I was not disappointed when I selected Darling Solutions as my mover. John F. O'Halloran
Sarah Boyd
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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I appreciate the overall care and attention Darling Solutions gave to my mother's move from her house to a retirement home. They provided their services for the initial move to the retirement home, staging when her house went up for sale and removal and dispersement services when her house sold. Communication with staff was always polite and courteous.In addition, Darling Solutions pricing is very reasonable. I am so thankful we had the good fortune of finding them. I can't recommend them more highly!
Ellen Garmaise
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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Darling Solutions handled our large move faultlessly, from decluttering to packing to moving to unpacking. Everything that was promised was delivered. Over six days we got to know many of the staff members, and appreciated their support and suggestions. They were always good humoured with us and with each other. The office staff was unfailingly available, reliable and helpful. We were delighted with the service and would recommend them without hesitation to anyone.
Margot Laporte
Positive: Professionalism, Responsiveness
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We used Darling Solutions to pack up and move my elderly parents from their home of 35 years to live with family 3 hours away. They customized their services to meet our particular needs. Every aspect of the service provided was fantastic. All the involved staff were so professional and efficient. They made what was expected to be a stressful time so much easier. Highly recommend this company.
Flora Knight
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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I used Darling Solutions for my move which required downsizing from a house to an apartment. They did a fantastic job and relieved me of all the stress involved in such a move. They also moved and setup my personal belongings and other items into my new apartment. I highly recommend Darling Solutions for your next move.
Shawn Ladd
Positive: Professionalism, Responsiveness
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Kelly Darling and her crew have moved my aging parents twice now. They are discreet, considerate, careful, and do complete work.
Andre Cousineau
Positive: Professionalism, Value
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Best movers we ever had. Ian, Colton, Tim, and Yan, did a great job. Every piece of furniture was carefully wrapped and unwrapped when we reached our destination. First time we move and not a stick of furniture was damaged. Great job guys!
Clarissa Brocklehurst
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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We were so, so pleased with the services of the Darling moving team. Liam and Jon were efficient, kind, polite and caring. They were a pleasure to have in the house and quickly put our minds at rest about the move – they got everything done and were unfailingly cheerful and positive.
Kimberly Irwin
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Darling Solutions made a very difficult life transition for our family as smooth as could be hoped for. With 3 siblings, a dad with severe dementia and a mother not wanting to leave the home we grew up in and all the memories that were so hard to let go - it took a special person to navigate this.

Kelly's team displayed the same mindfulness, caring and compassion on the job as she did during the initial consult. We are grateful to your company for helping us through this. Thank you
Chris Jackson
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The best moving company I have ever dealt with, all their crew is very professional, friendly and very hard working.

I highly recommend Darling Solutions to anyone.
Robert Cope
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My wife and I have moved more than a dozen times over the years – this was the very best! Very professional, efficient and capable. Despite some challenges at move-in including a torrential downpour, the crew (Kelly (the boss herself), Ian, Rob, Julie, Susan and David were upbeat, considerate and responsive. Special mention to Susan – a human dynamo – involved from beginning to end including making up our bed! Charges were in line with the estimate
Bill Tomes
Positive: Responsiveness
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I recently moved my mother to an assisted living facility and was recommended Darling Solutions for the move. Their name should be Guardian Angels. They took care of all needs and made my life so much easier. I live in Toronto and was managing this move in Ottawa. I had to rely on trust and reputation. Boy did they come through for me. Every service I needed they provided. The entire process from start to finish was done with accuracy and professionalism not to mention with heart when dealing with someone with dementia. I will definitely recommend Darling Solutions for any move involving an elderly person if you want a team that gets the job done with compassion!
Brendan Gleeson
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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Darling Solutions ensured that our whole move process was completed thoughtfully, professionally and at a very reasonable price. From the assessor to the movers themselves, it was obvious that this whole company believed in excellent customer service. I would refer them to anyone who needed good and reliable moving services.
Marjorie Harvey
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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Ten years ago, Kelly, Founder and Director of Darling Solutions, helped us move from our house to a condo with the help of a very small team. We could not have done it without them. We are delighted to see how Kelly’s business and team have grown into a sizable organization. We did not hesitate to ask her to help us with our recent move, from condo to retirement residence.

Again, we could not have done it without them! From decluttering and packing our condo to moving and setting us up in our new home, every member of the team was hardworking, helpful, warm and extremely competent. Their attention to detail in setting up our new place was remarkable. Honourable mention to the whole team: Kelly, Shawn, Ian, Phyllis, Barb M., Barb Y. Jack, Susan, Glen and Paul. Barb M., our team leader, and Ruth, in the office, were particularly good at calming a nervous client.

We recommend Darling Solutions without reservation. We can’t thank them enough.

Marj and Weldon
Susanne Cork
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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We recently engaged Darling Movers to move my Mother from one Senior's residence to another. This move also required a secondary stop to pick up some additional items and then move everything into her new home. I cannot say enough about the professionalism of the Darling team. Right from the first phone call, we knew we were in good hands. The team was so gracious handling my Mother's questions and anxiety about making a move at 93! The quotation we received was very reasonable with no surprises or hidden charges along the way, and everything was accomplished with great efficiency and care. I will be recommending Darling Movers without reservation, to my family, friends and colleagues - this was by far the most worry free move we have made, and we will certainly be engaging them again.
Paul Saker
Recommend? Yes
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My in laws were recently given an opprtunity to move into a retirement facility. This was very much smaller than the home they had been living in for the past 40 years.
Adding COVID into the mix it was almost paralysing to think about. After a recommendation to Contact Darling most of that fear went away.
Professional, competent and most importantly Caring.
They made this move so smooth for my wife and her parents.
On moving day they left their old home and at the end of the day arrived in a new home with all their belongings unpacked and arranged. Completely stress and back pain free. The next day Darling took care of removing items targeted for donation and all remaining items for waste.
I cannot recommend this service enough.
Thank you so much.
Jennifer Perry
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I wanted to thank you so much for all of your help with my parents move.

Frankly thank-you does not even cover it. Your team, led by Julie, was absolutely incredible from the first moment we met down to the beautiful new plant for my mom and our goodbyes at the door.

They were so organized, thoughtful, friendly and polite. It was a sincere pleasure to work with all of them. I enjoyed the experience so much I am almost sad that the move is finished but happy that we will meet again when my parents are ready to hang their many pictures.

Again, I am in awe and am telling anyone with ears about Darling Solutions so they will hopefully in turn tell their friends and family.

Very best regards and please send our thanks once again to your team.
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