How to Prepare for a Move- Depending On Your Timeline

I know how stressful moving can be. Sometimes though, it becomes an opportunity to let go and reset, only taking with you what you love most and truly need. Or as Marie Kondo would say, does it spark joy? Making thousands of keep/release decisions all at once however- can be daunting- which is why pacing yourself, being realistic, and managing expectations is key.

The way you tackle your move exists on a spectrum. If you only have a few days, everything is likely going into boxes immediately. If you have a few weeks or months, then you can follow the steps: sort, purge, pack- one category (books) or room (kitchen) at a time. Once the box is full, you can label, close, and stack those boxes!

If you don’t get to properly sort/purge every category and room, you can still label the box roughly what it is and what room it was in; then schedule time for yourself to finish the sort/purge/organize steps on the other side of the move. For example, maybe it’s easy to sort/purge your books, clothes, and kitchen, but there’s no way you’re getting through all those technology cords and makeup toiletries. You can label that box “Makeup/toiletries to sort/purge” and “technology to finish going through.”

Donations: Depending on what you have, you can either drop it off (call first) at shelters or thrift stores; or arrange for a pick up. Free pick ups aren’t as available as they used to be, and it totally depends on where you live, but you’re most likely to find this by searching Veterans groups, Mission Groups, and sometimes Thrift Stores like Goodwill or Out of the Closet. Habitat for Humanity is awesome and used to be free but due to budgeting, now charges $40. You might also be able to do free curb alerts or join your local chapter inside Facebook: Buy Nothing Groups to give to neighbors.

Supplies: I recommend getting small, medium, and large boxes, tape, packing paper, bubble wrap, sharpies, and a box cutter. If you want to keep your clothes hanging for easy transfer, get wardrobe boxes. You can label on the box, or buy masking tape or large labels.

We’ve helped dozens of people move over the years, sending between 1 and 5 organizers. I often recommend 1 or 2 people focus on the kitchen because it takes the longest. Then 1 or 2 people focus all throughout the rest of the house. If you're going full DIY, this gives you a sense of how to focus and pace yourself. I’ve helped some clients virtually by creating shared Google Docs or spreadsheets so they can manage their move well, staying focused while feeling supported. :)

It may help to download my free resource guides. I often update it; feel free to share resources.

If you're moving to or from California, I work with a great company, Best California Movers. Here's my referral link to save $100 and request a quote. They offer local, long-distance, and interstate moving, packing, storage, white glove services, and more!