Move Management Countdown

July 15, 2026 by Heather Filed Under: Move Management, Organize, Organizing Projects, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources 6 Comments

Here’s a helpful move-management countdown calculator to help you plan and organize your move. Once your date is set, create a week-by-week task list to help you stay on schedule and to prevent feeling overwhelmed.

Start a “Moving” binder or expandable file folder to keep all the information in one location. Include everything related here (e.g., the moving information, donations, sales and giveaways, storage, lodging, and other information for the destination location).
Use food, cleaning supplies, and other perishables or consumables you don’t want to move. Have a plan to give away, toss or find alternate transportation for anything liquid, perishable or open food (most moving companies will only take sealed food-closed resealable bags are fine for food items).
Check pricing on moving companies, trucks, and storage facilities and be ready to book in 1-2 weeks. There are several options: DIY, hire a service or a hybrid (you pack, they move). You may also want to consider having a container dropped for you to fill and empty as you’re able.
Make decisions about large items to sell, donate, or give away. Collect items to get rid of throughout daily routines; keep an empty box and bags in one location and place items to get rid of. Take regular trips or schedule pick up so these items don’t accumulate.
Research hotels or other temporary housing and book as needed.
Enlist or hire help for the day of the move and unpacking the following days.

Packing Supplies

Locate and/or purchase boxes and other sturdy, undamaged packing supplies. Determining the number of boxes needed is a bit tricky, but a moving supply company can help you calculate this based on how many household members you have and how large your home is. This packing calculator is also helpful if your packing for yourself. Supplies will include the following:

Boxes in various sizes, including specialized wardrobe boxes, China and silverware boxes-aka Dishpacks, flat boxes, and cardboard for artwork.
Equipment such as dollies and hand carts will make moving large items much easier and safer.
Packing tape (and guns), markers, labels, box cutters (or other such knives), bubble wrap/packing peanuts, and newspaper (or unprinted newsprint, which is much less messy).
Packing pads, blankets, sheets (the old ones you don’t need anymore), and plastic shrink wrap (which is not very eco-friendly but sometimes is very helpful!).

Lists and Inventory

Number each box and add it to a list if you are DIY packing/moving. This will make unpacking essentials much easier.
Include a short description of the contents of each box, making special notes of valuable (sentimental or monetary) items or general contents by Category ex. Lampshades, pillows, linens, China, clothes, etc. These can be attached to the box or separate.
Label the box with the DESTINATION room location
Work alongside packers (if you’ve hired a moving company) to be sure boxes are labeled accurately (even if they don’t have a description, you can add a number and room).
Consider color-coding if there are essential boxes to be opened immediately, versus things to be stored and opened later (this is not uncommon with houses under remodel or more complex moves).

Packing-Where & How to start

Think about what is heavy and small versus what is bulky and light. You will want to match the most appropriate boxes to the items. Wardrobes and larger boxes for clothing (especially so you don’t have to remove everything from hangers!), small for books and dishpacks for kitchen items (they are usually stronger and can handle large/heavy and fragile items). Pack your boxes all the way full. Empty space at the tops will cause them to be crushed and damaged when stacked and in transit. This can cause damage to the items inside. Search for items (pillows, linens etc) that might fill the space or use wadded up packing paper to fill holes.

Start with large-medium pictures and artwork, especially personal photos, which are not functional, so you can live without them. These should be flat packed, with backs and fronts facing one another. Some art boxes can hold more than one work. Wrap them in bubble wrap or padded packing paper, then slide into art boxes.
Next, remove all the small artwork from the walls and surfaces. Pack smaller photos and artwork in medium-sized boxes, with newsprint wrapped around each and bubble wrap or cardboard between them.
Next, pack up small decorative non-function items. Otherwise known as Nicknacks:)
In the dining room and kitchen, pack formal China, stemware, crystal, and serving pieces you will not be needing.
Books should be packed into small boxes, so they can be more easily lifted and stored in transit. Since they will be the most heavy boxes, please don’t load them into medium or large boxes. Pack them all the way to the top.
Seasonal clothing or formal ware that you will not be wearing can be packed into medium-large boxes, unused luggage or wardrobes.
Linens that are needed can be packed in medium and large boxes.
Lamps should have lightbulbs, lampshades and harps removed. Use painters tape to label which lamps and shades go together. Stack lampshades together to be packed in the appropriate sized box-by themselves so they are not crushed.
Rugs and pads can be rolled and wrapped with shrink plastic (don’t use tape, which can damage the carpet fibers).

If you are looking for more moving assistance, please reach out and I can work with you to create a customized plan or search my blog for ‘move management‘ posts for more tips!

7 Top Excuses for Storing Extra Stuff

October 27, 2025 by Heather Filed Under: Move Management, Organize, Organizing Projects, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources Leave a Comment

“Out of Sight Storage”, nothing quite lives up to this description like a Storage unit, but there are other places you might be storing extra stuff. You might have asked yourself, Is there ever a good excuse for storing extra stuff? How can you prevent your out-of-sight storage from becoming a large junk pile? Below, I share some of the “good excuses” for storing extra stuff.

An estimated one in three Americans rents a storage unit. Of these renters, the majority are currently Baby Boomers, with a projected 50% of Gen Z planning to use them in the future.

So WHY are we storing so much stuff?

More and more storage facilities are popping up. With the popularity of shows like “Storage Wars“, our culture seems to have accepted that using storage units is “normal”.

Do we really need all this stuff or has our level of consumption outpaced our housing?

There are new trends in storing extra stuff, including shared spaces in people’s homes and a “on demand” storage companies that will drop off and retrieve storage, and even barcode items so you can get back only what you need, when you need them. Of course, these premium services come with premium prices!

I love the flexibility of both of these options, especially for short-term storage, or when downsizing to retirement communities (many of which have very little storage). There are definitely times that having some out-of-sight storage has been valuable and other times when it seems like a big $ pit.

When faced with inherited items or an eminent downsize, Americans are highly reluctant to part with their things. There is a lot of FOMO going on here, but not much evidence that people actually need or use the stuff they pay to store. There are instances when storage make a lot of sense and I will review those “good excuses” in this post.

In all circumstances, please review your insurance policies to be sure your contents of storage are covered adequately.

Here are the 7 top ‘Good Excuses’ for Storing Extra Stuff

Storing valuable personal property that might not be protected at home. Examples include extensive collections of climate-sensitive items. This may be expensive jewelry, vehicles, or other collectibles, that might be safer in climate-controlled off-site storage. This type of storage could range from a safe deposit box to an off-site garage.
Home remodeling. It’s often necessary to store items when remodeling or building. In this case, make items you might need easy to access. Building and remodeling can take longer than expected, so plan (seasonal wardrobe switch, paperwork, etc.).
Collections or work-related archives that you need to hold onto but do not have space for at your home or small business. Examples include artwork, medical or legal files/records, or other paperwork that is taking up valuable space elsewhere.
Temporary storage of items when relocating. This can be especially helpful if items are being moved to multiple locations. It also makes moving day easier when you specify what comes from storage vs. other locations. This may be necessary if you or someone in your family lives in college housing and goes “home” for the summer, but needs to store stuff near school.
Downsizing and times of indecision or stress. I share this option with extreme caution. Often, people fall into the forever-storage situation triggered by a move or downsizing. After the move they never get to sorting through their things. If you downsize and place items to be sorted in storage, do so with the minimum space needed. Have a plan to sort through items on a specific timeline (say one year max?). I’ve seen this work very successfully and I’ve seen the ambition be greater than the motivation to eliminate the storage.
Estate sales and family redistribution. There are times when a storage unit can help sort through and liquidate an estate. Sometimes, the family doesn’t live nearby, and the main property can no longer be used for storage. It’s best to know specifically what contents are going into storage. Have the estate inventoried for distribution to specific family members, and set a particular deadline. Decide in advance whether the family estate will pay for this or whether family members will split the cost. Be clear in your communication about expectations.
Insurance claim issues. There is sometimes damage to a house, and contents must be stored and or inventoried for insurance purposes. This is uncommon, but I have seen and worked with clients in this situation.

If you’re not sure whether off-site storage is the right choice, consider the cost per square foot of storage vs. keeping things in place. You may also want to consider what you will do with the free space you gain. What is the value of that space to you, fiscally, creatively, emotionally?

Once you have identified why you will be storing extra stuff, create an inventory and system for efficient storage. This can be a spreadsheet or a simple set of photos and list! Labeling items in storage is also essential and can correspond with an inventory or you can place a simple one-page inventory within the bins. A simple inventory will help you quickly and efficiently access what you need. If you are storing items for a business, create a file-inventory index based on the type of storage you will use. If you will store files in bankers’ boxes, decide on a labeling system and label the boxes and shelves so you can identify and replace items easily. Larger items, such as artwork, collectibles, or furnishings, can be labeled similarly.

If you’re renting storage space, create an easy-to-access system by bringing in easy-to-assemble shelves. Make use of the vertical space and tall ceilings in most storage units. Store anything sensitive in a climate-controlled environment. Be certain you have sufficient insurance and make regular payments to the storage facility (so that your unit doesn’t end up on Storage Wars!:)

If you know you are using a storage unit temporarily, don’t sign a long-term contract. Be aware of and notify your storage facility of your exit date (read the contract). Will you be getting rid of things all at once (book the mover early so you don’t back out!) or a little at a time? Have a plan to work through things that need sorting with a friend, family member, or an organizer.

Downsizing to Simplify Your Life

July 12, 2024 by Heather Filed Under: Estate Planning, Move Management, Organize, Senior Organizing Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the work you do around your home, you are not alone. Between maintenance, cleaning, landscaping, and organizing everything (inside closets, cupboards, and cabinets), it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. All the work required for larger homes can lead many people to consider how to one day Downsize or Rightsize to simplify their life—it isn’t just for seniors!

Last month, I shared helpful steps for an organized move on the Creatively Organized Spaces blog. But when you’re moving to downsize, there’s much more to consider.

Before making big changes, it’s important to consider a few things first. Below, we’ll discuss the benefits of downsizing to simplify your life, the emotional toll it can take, and tips for caring for older relatives during the downsizing process.

Why Downsize?

Simplified Lifestyle
Downsizing has many benefits, but the common thread is a simplified lifestyle. And as a professional organizer, you know I’m a big fan of that! We simplify our homes and lives and make space for what matters most.

Financial Savings
One of the most significant benefits of downsizing is cutting costs. A smaller home typically means lower mortgage payments, reduced property taxes, and decreased utility bills. For retirees living on a fixed income, these savings can provide much-needed financial relief, which leads to less stress.

Less Maintenance & Upkeep
The American dream of a large home, sprawling lawn, and white picket fence sounds nice, but it’s a lot of work!

A smaller home means less surface area to clean, repair, and organize. For seniors, community living is a great option. Many senior living communities offer maintenance services, which means tasks like lawn care, snow removal, and home repairs are taken care of for you.

Safety & Accessibility
A big benefit for downsizing seniors is increased safety and accessibility with single-story layouts, wider doorways, and other modifications. Reducing the risk of falling and other accidents gives seniors and their families peace of mind.

The Emotional Side of Downsizing

It can be especially overwhelming for seniors to downsize because they often have a lifetime of belongings and memories that need to be faced and sorted. This leads to a lot of decision-making, which can be emotionally overwhelming.

I am deeply compassionate about the sensitive nature of downsizing and have worked closely with many seniors to manage the emotional and physical aspects.

Taking frequent breaks, drinking water, eating, and pausing when emotions run high are a few things that help.

Most people need support sorting and decluttering their belongings; a compassionate partner and helpers make all the difference.

It’s important to honor the memories and nostalgia that arise when sorting through the past. For more information about coping with the emotions of downsizing, here is a wonderful article by the Elder Care Alliance.

Caring for Older Relatives During Downsizing

Adult children often help their aging parents downsize, which is bound to stir emotions for everyone. Supporting someone from a long distance can create added stress. This checklist for caregivers from the Family Caregiver Alliance is a good starting point for getting your to-do’s in order. Here are a few other recommendations.

Find in-person professional support. Whether traveling long distances or not, working with a senior move management professional can reduce stress for everyone. Contact me to learn more about my downsizing services.
Start sorting and decluttering as early as possible (if you aren’t rushed). It takes longer than you think and requires compassion and a healthy dose of patience.
Get organized! This is no surprise, but you’ll save time and energy if you get organized early in the downsizing process. Create a notebook or folder to keep all your checklists, contacts, and other important information. Gather supplies like boxes and packing materials. Keep an inventory of belongings as you sort through and pack them. You’ll thank your future self if you do these things beforehand!

For more tips and support in long-distance caregiving, here is a helpful article from the National Institute on Aging.

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Move Like a Pro-Organizer with these 5 steps

June 22, 2024 by Heather Filed Under: Move Management, Tips & Resources Leave a Comment

Whenever moving is mentioned in conversation, there are usually heavy sighs, groans, and eye rolls. No one likes moving, but below, I share 5 steps to move like a pro-organizer.

It’s often listed as one of the most stressful life events, and it’s no wonder — we have a lot of stuff in our homes! Getting organized before your move can make things run more smoothly and eliminate stress. And because summer is peak moving season, I thought I’d share a few steps to make your next move easier.

Plan Ahead

As with anything, a little planning goes a long way. Imagine what can happen if you do a lot of planning!

A plan reduces moving stress because you know what to expect when things get busy.

Keep Information in One Place — Create a binder or folder to keep all information in one place. You’ll want a packing checklist [hyperlink to yours if you have one as a lead magnet], schedule, utility information, contact information, and more inside your binder.
Plan Your Time — Well before your moving date, use your calendar to work backward from your move day and create a general schedule. You’ll want to save packing things you use often for the days right before the move, but you can begin packing infrequently used items early. Decluttering before you start packing is essential. You’ll also want to call the utility companies before your move. Mark these timeframes on your calendar to stay on track.
Gather Supplies — Create a tote with labels, Sharpies, scissors, packing tape, and other supplies so you can find them easily. You’ll use these supplies when decluttering. Begin collecting boxes so you don’t scramble at the end. Here are a few ideas for creating a moving kit. I share my favorite organizing tips, tricks, and supplies in this short post.

Declutter Before You Move

No one wants to move extra stuff they no longer use, but when you’re feeling overwhelmed, the move date can come quickly, and you end up throwing everything in a box whether you need it anymore or not. That’s why the planning step helps so much.

Go room by room and declutter as quickly as you can. Open closets, look under beds — get as detailed as time allows, and be ruthless if you can! Moving is stressful because we realize how much we actually have when we begin pulling it all out. Use this time as motivation to let go of unused items by donating or selling them.

Packing

It’s time to grab your packing kit! Pack your home room by room, starting with the spaces you use least often. It’s ok to move to the next room once you’ve packed a room and only items you’re still using remain, but don’t mix items from different rooms in boxes. Keep rooms separate so the unpacking process can go much more smoothly.

Label everything! It may feel like overkill, but you’ll be thankful when you’re unpacking. List the room the box belongs in and a few notes on what’s inside. Label boxes on the top and side so you can see what they contain when they’re stacked.
Expert Tip! Use luggage to pack essential items you’ll need right away, like toiletries and clothes.

A recent moving job with Professional Movers of Charleston. What a great team!

Moving Day

The day is finally here—try to enjoy the momentous occasion if you can!

Ask your movers to place boxes in their corresponding rooms to make unpacking easier.
Keep your moving binder accessible for any phone numbers or details you might need.
Celebrate! After everything is unloaded, take a moment to celebrate the move. A lot of hard work has led to this moment!

Unpacking

After the big day, it’s time to begin setting up your new home. The task can feel overwhelming, but think of it as a way to arrange everything as you’ve always wanted.

Reverse Order. You’ll unpack everything in the reverse order in which you packed it. Begin by unpacking your essentials, and then move on to the next most frequently used items.
Organize as You Go. Group things together, create zones, and label. This will help you and your family remember where things go as you adjust to your new home.

Describing how to organize your home requires multiple blog posts (search by category or space for more posts). Use this as an encouraging nudge to organize as you settle into your new space. You’ll thank your future self later!

Remember, moving doesn’t have to be as stressful as everyone thinks. You can do this!

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Ready to move like a pro organizer? If all this sounds like more work than you’re willing to take on, contact us to learn about our move management and unpacking services. We can take all of this off your plate!

Essential Moving Tools

July 17, 2023 by Heather Filed Under: Move Management, Organize, Organizing Projects, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources 2 Comments

When it comes to essential moving tools, lists and inventory are lifesaving. After over ten years of helping clients with move management and moving several times myself over the last decade, I have compiled some helpful tips to keep your move progressing while minimizing the risk of being overwhelmed.

No matter your circumstances, you are likely to pack a few things on your own, and a good moving company can help you calculate the number of boxes you will have based on your home, number of rooms, and household members. For example, when we moved locally to SC two years ago, we had approximately ninety boxes for two people.

Essential Moving Tools & Strategy:

My move management strategy includes breaking up packing into categories.
This is excellent for DIY moves or if you are selling your home and must declutter for staging.
Pack photographs, home accessories, linens, fine china, unnecessary kitchen items, and some clothing (out of season).
Purge, donate, sell….repeat:)
Pack a little bit at a time rather than try to cram it all into the last week or so. This will vary based on your schedule and circumstances.
Create a dedicated packing area (keep supplies here). This can be a corner of a room, the garage, or a storage unit.
Pace yourself and try to pack 2-4 boxes a day (5 days a week). Doing this lets you at least partially calculate how long it will take to pack fully.
A moving company will have you packed in a day or two.

Create a comprehensive move portfolio:

Have a dedicated spot for all your moving-related paperwork (contracts, inventory, notes, etc.)
As you pack, keep track of more details, and don’t try to remember everything.
Your list can be digital or on paper.
No detail is too small. For example, if you are temporarily storing items, note the location of the key or combination code.
Note where your very important papers are. Keep track of these during your move, especially if you have any temporary housing between locations. This is often the case for remodels, new construction, or long-distance moves.

Create a moving inventory:

Number each box and add it to the list
A short description of the contents of each box, making special notes of valuable (sentimental or monetary) items or general contents by Category ex. Lampshades, pillows, linens, china, clothes etc.
Label the box with the DESTINATION room location
Work alongside packers (if you’ve hired a moving company) to be sure boxes are labeled accurately (even if they don’t have a description, you can add a number and room)

With these essential moving tools, you will know what’s in each box and where it goes when you unpack. As a bonus, this inventory can serve insurance purposes if needed.

Moving Monday::Where to Begin with Packing (hkpowerstudio.wordpress.com)