A Professional Organizer's Guide to Moving
There’s no way around it: moving is stressful. Some studies rank it above other intense life events like having a child or going through a breakup. And it makes sense - there are so many different little things to do and remember when you’re moving (usually on top of an already packed schedule). Plus, going through your stuff and deciding what to bring into this new space can be emotionally draining and exhausting. But the good news is that moving to a new home is also an opportunity for a fresh start. It’s a blank slate, a place where you can create new memories, build better habits, and hopefully live in harmony with your family members and all your things.
As a company we’ve helped many of our clients move into new homes. Over the years we’ve learned what works (and what doesn’t), so here are our favorite tips to help you manage your move as gracefully and calmly as possible.
Tip 1: Declutter before you move.
I know this seems like a tall order, especially with all the preparations that it takes to move. But if you can carve out some time to sort through your closet, look through your kitchen cabinets, and peek into those garage bins you haven’t opened in years, you’ll thank yourself later. Donate or toss things you don’t want anymore before you unpack into your new space and you’ll be saving money on packing materials and moving labor, plus you’ll be saving yourself tons of time and headache when you’re putting your new home together.
*If you’re feeling stuck, our organizing course Make Better Space has videos, worksheets and audio meditations that can help you get clear about what you want to keep and what you want to part with. Click here to learn more!
Tip 2: Think ahead as much as possible.
Try to plan for what future you will want during the move days! Here are a few things we always suggest:
Get your internet set up and turned on ahead of your move-in date.
Pack an overnight bag for each member of your family so you can be comfortable the night before you move but still have most of your belongings packed ahead of time.
Plan for a grocery delivery the day of your move-in so you have snacks and beverages around while you’re unpacking.
Tip 3: Unpack right away and get boxes out of your house.
The more you can put away in the first week of living in your new place, the better. As soon as you unpack a few boxes, break them down and get them out of the house. Once you see your place start to look like a real home, you’ll be inspired to keep going! If you are living among piles of boxes for weeks you’ll become less and less motivated (and more and more overwhelmed), so the sooner you can make your house feel like a home, the better.
Tip 4: Don’t expect too much of yourself.
Moving is hard and exhausting. Your focus should be on the move as much as possible, so don’t also expect yourself to cook every meal or take on extra projects at work at the same time. If you have kids, try to plan for as much childcare as you can afford so you can focus on all the other details of what’s going on. And last but not least, remember that it’s not all going to be perfect. Just know that it’s going to be a crazy week or two and that’s ok - you’re doing your best, you’re amazing, and you’re going to get through it.
Tip 5: Set up organizing systems within the first few months of living in your new home.
After you’ve taken a weekend or two to recover from the move, make a list of spaces that could use a little work. Do your kitchen drawers need dividers? Could your closet use some extra hangers? Pick a project or two per weekend to tackle and try to get them done before you get used to your spaces being disorganized. Slowly but surely the systems in your home will come together and you’ll love where you live even more.
