Many people ask me how to organize move management. This is a great question. Many resources are available for moving, but an organizer can help you specifically based on your needs and schedule. Of course, there are a lot of variables like local or long distance, corporate relocation or DIY, remodel with move, downsizing, and possible storage needs. It can get complicated, but below, I share some basics of how we POs can help with various moving challenges!
What Pro Organizer do for your move
A big part of what an Organizer does to help with moving is called “Move Management” in our industry. The steps below break down the process. Organizing move management can help at any stage, from researching moving companies, purging, and setting deadlines to helping with packing, move day coordination, unpacking, and organizing the new home.
Start with the end date!!
The most important thing to keep an eye on is the end date. Work backward from there. Get your move scheduled ASAP, or at least have an idea of when the move is happening. Six weeks or six months is going to make a big difference! If you know who you will use, book your moving date asap (you can change it later if needed).
Don’t underestimate how much work moving is! One of the biggest mistakes I see when it comes to moving is people underestimating the time it takes to prepare. It is a much more manageable process when we break it down with the deadline in mind.
Do your Research!
Research and decide on your moving company or method of transporting items. Will you be packing items yourself, having a moving company pack everything, or something in between?
Book your movers about one month ahead if you have not already! Keep in mind that summer is peak season so plan ahead.
It’s never too soon to start purging.
If you have many items go through and are downsizing a great deal, get started purging.
Purge in categories (ex., Clothing, Books, Holiday decor, memorabilia, linens, furniture, etc.). Start sorting items one category at a time. Work large to small, starting with items like furniture and ending with easy items like linens and toiletries. An organizer can help you decide whether donating, selling, or giving away items is best. Use sticky notes and a notepad to identify and tag items to get rid of. This will help you keep track of larger pieces that will not be making the move.
Set aside a short-to-long-term “staging” area (e.g., a garage or spare room) for sorting and temporarily storing items to get rid of. This is also an area to keep packing supplies like tape, bubble wrap, paper, etc. Start gathering supplies to keep in this area so you can pack as needed.
Make arrangements for weekly pick up or drop off of donations (again, something an organizer can do for you).
Create an inventory “notebook” or file.
As you pack boxes, label them with the room they will go to, box number, and general contents on your inventory sheet. Also, keep track of special items or valuables on this list. Keep this notebook in your staging area and on hand as move day approaches.
Pack up personals,
Say farewell (for awhile) to photos and memorabilia, especially if your home is being staged for sale. Work with your real estate agent, organizer or stager to determine the appropriate amount of “accessorizing” for your home’s size and market.
Plan for a soft landing!
Book your unpacking crew (either with the moving company or your professional organizer).
Did you know that unpacking services do not include putting items away? They will only place items on horizontal surfaces, which can be a big annoyance! Coordinate with your mover and organizer to get you settled in ASAP!
DIY Packing tips
Pack by category and by room. Be sure each room and category is ready to be packed in a way that will make the most sense when unpacking.
The last items to be packed should be the first items to be unpacked. Be sure you know where items like sheets, towels, and frequently used household items (e.g., coffee pot, cleaning supplies, paper plates, or a few essential dishes) are.
You should pack these items in your luggage: toiletries, clothing, small valuables, medications, food items, and important papers you want to carry to your new home on a moving day.
Need Pro Organizing move management?
If all of the above just feels overwhelming, Pro Organizers is here to help! Contact us to learn more about how we can best use our skills to make your move a breeze.
Hire an organizer for move-day coordination. They can meet your movers as they pack the contents of your old home and check to make sure items are properly labeled and identified so they can be placed in your new home.
Hire an organizer for 1-2 days of unpacking service. We will set up your essential rooms for your first night in your new home. We can meet the moving crew on either or both ends. Upon arrival, we coordinate box placement to ensure they will not impede household use. We can immediately begin unpacking essential rooms like bedrooms, closets, bathrooms, and the kitchen.
Have a restful first night in your new home!
Moving can be stressful but with planning, prioritizing and help from an organizer, it can be a breeze and a lot of fun settling into a new home!
If you’re planning a move and feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to contact me so I can tell you more specifically how Pro Organizers help with Move Management!