I think moving is pretty far up on the list of life’s stressful events. Despite the excitement of new beginnings, moving forces you to confront your stuff and make what seems like a million decisions. It’s sort of rapid fire organization because you don’t want to move things that you no longer use or love. With some smart planning and packing, I promise it doesn’t have to be as torturous as you might think. Here are a few tips that I’ve found helpful in my own moves.
1. Declutter. Before house hunting and definitely before putting your house on the market, begin decluttering. Try to keep surfaces clear except for a few decorative, useful or beautiful items that you love and are meaningful. Do this little by little. Take 20 minute to 2 hour chunks of time to focus on a particular room and try to see it with fresh eyes.
Photo by Bria Hammel Interiors
2. Arrange for a charity organization to pick up any items that you don’t want to take with you. Sell higher value items.
3. When it’s time to begin packing, take it room by room. One day at a time, one room at a time. Break it down into manageable chunks so you don’t get overwhelmed by the whole house and it’s contents.
4. Label. This goes for all organization but is especially important when moving and unpacking. It’s SO much easier when the contents of a box and the room it goes into are clearly labeled. Get detailed here — for example label “cookbooks/kitchen” instead of just books. Seems obvious but can be easy to forget in the monotony of packing.
5. On moving day, make sure each family member has an overnight bag packed with toothbrush, essentials & pajamas.
6. Makes sure you have fresh towels and a shower curtain readily available so you can shower after a long day of moving.
7. Unpack everything before putting anything away. It helps to have wine or your favorite beverage of choice. Also put on a great playlist or your favorite podcast to make this part less tedious. You’re on the final stretch now and soon you’ll be relaxing in your new, well organized home.
8. If you get overwhelmed or simply don’t have the time, hire a home organizer. We are specialists in unpacking and creating organizational systems that will keep you organized in the long term.
Congratulations and enjoy!!🍾🏡