Moving

What are the 2 most important boxes in a move?

By Julie Stobbe / September 27, 2022 /

Reading time – 3 minutes

Home interior right after moving in with many boxes piled up

Where are those 2 special boxes?Planning a  move takes time.  Moving is stressful.  The packing of all the boxes, the day of moving and then the unpacking.  It is easy to misplace something you need on moving day or soon after you arrive. Consider having those important things with you in your vehicle.

What are the 2 most important boxes?

When you are moving pack 2 boxes that have everything you need for moving day and the first night. Keep these 2 boxes with you and not in the moving truck. These boxes should include:

  1. Glasses –  plastic or glass for drinks or water.
  2. A roll of paper towels
  3. A roll of toilet paper for each bathroom
  4. A bar of soap or container of liquid soap for the bathroom
  5. A hand towel in the bathroom
  6. Dishcloth, dish soap and tea towel for cleaning dishes that may be dusty from moving
  7. Sheets for the bed and pillows so you can go to sleep at the end of a long day moving in
  8. Towels for a shower and basic cosmetics to clean up after the move
  9. A change of clothes as well as medications
  10. Chargers for your phone, tablet and computer

What supplies are important? 

It is handy to pack a pail of basic cleaning supplies so you can do a quick clean before things are unpacked.  Bring:

  1. Cloths
  2. All-purpose cleaning supplies
  3. Broom and dustpan
  4. Mop
  5. Pack it all in a pail

Pack a toolbox with basic tools. You may have to reassemble beds, bookcases or electronics.  Have:

  1. a screwdriver with multiple heads
  2. hammer
  3. plyers
  4. adjustable wrench
  5. tape

Where is that paperwork?

Lastly, have a bag with vital papers.  You will need your purchase/rental documents for your new home. Carry memory sticks, backup drives, passports etc that you don’t want to be misplaced or stolen  If there is work, assignments or agendas you will need the next day add them to the bag.

With these things easily accessible you can clean up and get a good night’s rest before you continue to unpack and make your new place a home.

Share your moving hacks in the comments.

If you need help with an 8-week packing/moving plan contact me julie@mindoverclutter.ca 

A blue and white striped tunnel in the background with Julie Stobbe in the foreground wearing a white blouse.Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, in person and virtually. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situation. She uses her love of physical activity to reduce clutter, in your home and office. She guides and supports you to manage your time. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.

Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca

Click here to learn more about her online course Create an Organized Home.

 TwitterFacebook Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space

 

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What are the 2 most important boxes in a move?

By Julie Stobbe / September 8, 2022 /

Reading time – 3 minutes

 

Home interior right after moving in with many boxes piled up

Where are those 2 special boxes?

Moving is stressful.  The packing of all the boxes, the day of moving and then the unpacking.  It is easy to misplace something you need on moving day or soon after you arrive. Consider having those important things with you in your vehicle.

What are the 2 most important boxes?

When you are moving pack 2 boxes that have everything you need for moving day and the first night. Keep these 2 boxes with you and not in the moving truck. These boxes should include:

  1. Glasses –  plastic or glass for drinks or water.
  2. A roll of paper towels
  3. A roll of toilet paper for each bathroom
  4. A bar of soap or container of liquid soap for the bathroom
  5. A hand towel in the bathroom
  6. Dishcloth, dish soap and tea towel for cleaning dishes that may be dusty from moving
  7. Sheets for the bed and pillows so you can go to sleep at the end of a long day moving in
  8. Towels for a shower and basic cosmetics to clean up after the move
  9. A change of clothes as well as medications
  10. Chargers for your phone, tablet and computer

What supplies are important? 

It is handy to pack a pail of basic cleaning supplies so you can do a quick clean before things are unpacked.  Bring:

  1. Cloths
  2. All-purpose cleaning supplies
  3. Broom and dustpan
  4. Mop
  5. Pack it all in a pail

Pack a toolbox with basic tools. You may have to reassemble beds, bookcases or electronics.  Have:

  1. a screwdriver with multiple heads
  2. hammer
  3. plyers
  4. adjustable wrench
  5. tape

Where is that paperwork?

Lastly, have a bag with vital papers.  You will need your purchase/rental documents for your new home. Carry memory sticks, backup drives, passports etc that you don’t want to be misplaced or stolen  If there is work, assignments or agendas you will need the next day add them to the bag.

With these things easily accessible you can clean up and get a good night’s rest before you continue to unpack and make your new place a home.

Share your moving hacks in the comments.

If you need help with an 8-week packing/moving plan contact me julie@mindoverclutter.ca 

A blue and white striped tunnel in the background with Julie Stobbe in the foreground wearing a white blouse.Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, in person and virtually. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situation. She uses her love of physical activity to reduce clutter, in your home and office. She guides and supports you to manage your time. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.

Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca

Click here to learn more about her online course Create an Organized Home.

 TwitterFacebook Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space

 

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Tips for getting organized during a move

By Julie Stobbe / August 10, 2021 /

August is that time of year for people moving to be settled before September when a lot of commitments restart after the summer.  It might be into a dorm room, across the country for a new job or a new home. My guest blogger is Sophia Perry from Arizona Moving Professionals.

Moving to a new home might be exciting, but the mere thought of getting ready for the move is seldom so. With a bunch of tasks on top of an already busy schedule, anyone would feel frazzled. Nevertheless, proper organization is a key to a successful household transfer. A sure way to keep on track with your relocation journey is by designing a detailed to-do checklist. Furthermore, there are a few more practical tips for getting organized during a move. These will benefit your effortless and untroubled relocation to your new home.

Make time your ally – prepare early

Once you cast the dice on your household moving, there is no reason to postpone preparations. Getting organized during a move is best with enough time on your hand. It is essential to get ready mindfully, without feeling rushed and pressured by the lack of time. Did you know that moving houses is one of the top 3 most stressful life events? However, allowing yourself sufficient time to arrange the relocation will significantly decrease stress and anxiety levels. And if you want to make the entire process a breeze, consider virtual organizing consultations. It is a cost-effective solution to set up an organizing system in place. Also, it will be helpful if you find yourself struggling with what to keep or don’t even know how to start organizing your items for the move.

Declutter and organize your current home

Regardless of whether you are moving within the greater Toronto area or beyond, you will need to sort out your possessions. With enough time to dedicate to this task, you will streamline the entire moving process. You can always ask for help with organizing your inventory and slash hassle.

Whether you have lived in your current home for over 20 years or less than a year, you probably have items that you rarely use or not at all. Thus, make a point to get rid of these. Moving them to your new abode will only create mess and clutter over time. And relocation is the perfect opportunity to declutter your stuff and keep only those items with real value in your life.

If you feel uneasy with tossing still usable items you don’t need, there are several ways to give them a new life. Your friends or relatives may appreciate a nice surprise gift. Or you can sell or donate things for worthy causes. Setting up an organized move in big part is sorting out your possessions. Hence, get on this task at the earliest, and sail smoothly to your new place come moving day.

Book your moving services with time to spare

Summertime is when most people change locations. And with the moving season in full swing, make sure you lock in your moving date as soon as possible. Finding good movers in Niagara can be challenging at any time, and let alone during the summer. Hence, enlist professional movers that know the area well as you sift through your belongings. An expert mover is instrumental in getting organized during a relocation. Thus, rely on professionals, and secure your swift transfer to a new home during the warm summer months.

Neat paperwork is vital for getting organized during a move

Every household move involves a lot of paperwork. To keep organized during the entire process of moving, get your papers in one place. All you need is a practical binder that you can have with you along with other essentials. To be well organized during your move, ensure you have easy access to all important documentation. Keep your moving company paperwork, such as order of services and bill of lading, neatly arranged. Besides, keep all of your personal and financial documents with you at all times.

Ask your mover for moving supplies 

With your inventory sorted, and important paperwork safely set aside, it is time to tackle the packing part. But before you embark on this mission, have your moving supplies ready. Instead of searching for suitable materials across Niagara, rely on the assistance of your mover. It is the easiest way to find all the materials you need. Like so, you will get a supply of quality packing materials that will not compromise the safety of your valued possessions. Besides, you will save lots of energy and effort looking for and gathering pieces from different places. Hence, talk to your mover to ensure your comfort and save yourself from another onerous moving-related task.

Have a sound packing plan

Once you have secured your moving supplies, it is time to start the packing party. Although the filtering of their household items is an arduous task for many, all will agree that packing is a drag. Unless you opt for professional help to see it through quickly, you will need a good packing strategy. First and foremost, do not put off the task for later. And, remember that you do not have to do it all in one day. Hence, motivate yourself to make progress in the course of a few days. Packing an entire household is certainly not easy, but the most important part is to start the job. So, create a timeline and follow it. Getting organized and keeping it up during a move is a challenge within itself. If you feel yourself lagging with the process, you can always reach out for some boost from your professional organizer.

Box in the essentials last

Preparing and packing on time is the safest way to stay on top of your move. However, essentials such as bathroom supplies, bed linen, and kitchen utensils should be packed last. You will need these and various other items until the last moment on your moving day. So, make sure you designate a couple of boxes to pack them last. These should also be your open-first boxes when you move into your new place. All the essentials will make your first couple of days more comfortable until you start unpacking and settling in. Getting organized during a move might seem like a tricky task. But, with the tips mentioned above, it is possible to streamline your project and make it a cinch

How far in advance of your moving day did you start packing? 

Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, in person and virtually. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situation. She uses her love of physical activity to reduce clutter, in your home and office. She guides and supports you to manage your time. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.

Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca

Click here to learn more about her online course Create an Organized Home.

 TwitterFacebook Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space

 

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Organizing a Move? Six Moving Tips from Award-winning Moving Company Bob the Mover

By Julie Stobbe / April 6, 2021 /

Thanks to my guest blogger Bob the Mover for sharing moving tips.

Moving is generally centered around leaving your old home for a new one.

Unfortunately, organizing a move is a long and arduous task involving packing, cleaning, loading, and unloading your belongings. It often can take longer than expected to get through this process.

From time to time, people can get careless after finishing packing; simply assuming their job is done. This leads to simple mistakes that can damage your home.

Whether looking to do it yourself or hire a professional, the tips we give you today will help your move go smoothly.

Without further adieu, let’s get into our top six tips for moving.

1: Choose a Professional Moving Company

First and foremost; the simplest way to have a smooth move is to hire a qualified, professional, and licensed moving company. They’re aware of all the problems and hiccups that are involved in the moving process.

Doing things yourself may lead to careless errors or broken items. The truth is if you break your own items there’s no insurance involved to protect you.

A professional mover is available for all your moving needs and will take care of all your questions and concerns; as well as several you may not even know to exist.

2: Clean Before the Unload

This will help you break down the move into several parts. Preparing your bathroom and bedroom before you unload will let you rest when you’re done.

Check for any pests before dropping your belongings inside the house.

3: Arrange Plans for Unloading

What are you moving and where is it going? Your simple question may have a complex answer.

Can your 10-foot-tall dresser fit up your 8-foot-tall stairs?

Think clearly about your items with sharp edges and where they need to go. Is there enough room or will it scratch your walls?

Where are your entrances? Can your house be accessed through the garage or do you have a separate basement entrance? These are simple things that can help minimize the risk involved in moving.

4: Use Floor Coverings

One of the easiest things to break during a move is your flooring. Carpet, hardwood, tile, and other types of flooring all come with their own pitfalls. Floor coverings will save you from stains, scratches, tears, or other types of damage.

Check with your Professional mover to see if they provide floor coverings for the a move. If going the DIY route, be sure to purchase some sort of floor coverings to avoid damage.

5: Keep the Kids and Pets at Bay

Once you’ve got a lot of the smaller details taken care of, you’re ready to start your move. One way to make things easier for your movers, or yourself, is to keep your kids and pets in a separate area.

A secondary location is preferable if you’ve got a babysitter. An anxious animal may dig up the flooring at your new place. Kids likewise may make a mess or a lot of noise. This will allow the move to go smoothly.

If keeping them at the new location—try to keep them isolated to an area with entertainment available and very little foot traffic.

6: Make Sure You’ve Done Safety Checks

Does your new place have a security system in place? Do all your locks work? Do your windows close tightly? These are all potential risks that can lead to theft.

While it may not be at the forefront of your mind, it’s something to consider as being newly moved makes you an easier target.

Don’t forget to change your locks—the previous owners may have spare keys or given spare keys to their relatives in the past and forgot about it. Changing your locks ensures you’re the only one with a copy of your house key.

Bob the Mover

If you’re looking for a St Catharines moving company, Bob the Mover services the entire Niagara region with the utmost professionalism. Bob the Mover is the 2020 Diamond award-winning reader’s choice best moving company in both the St Catharines ON  and Niagara Falls ON  regions. Find out more details here (link: https://bobmoveshouses.com/st-catharines-movers/.

Need help with timelines for your move?  Work with me to help you get your packing and preparations done on time for your move. in-person or virtually. 

Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, in person and virtually. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situation. She uses her love of physical activity to reduce clutter, in your home and office. She guides and supports you to manage your time. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.

Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca

 TwitterFacebook Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space

Click here to learn more about working with a Professional Organizer?

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Guide to merging two homes into one

By Julie Stobbe / August 18, 2020 /

My guest blogger this month is Jenna M. She is a stay-at-home mom who loves spending time online. She often explores social networks and writes blog posts on various topics such as cooking, home organization, moving house, etc.

Combining two households is not always easy – whatever the reason for this may be. Moving in with your partner, getting married, your colleague becoming a roommate – all of these bring different changes, both emotional and physical. Moving in together can be a big test for a love relationship, but also a test of how well you can get along with your new partner. Either way, merging two homes into one should be done with a proper plan and preparation, so you end up with a lovely home and a harmonious atmosphere. We’ve created a simple guide on making two households one, so you can be sure about what you can expect and how to deal with common challenges.

Communication is the key

As any other big step in life, moving in together should be discussed by both parties. It’s necessary to plan the whole moving process, including the look of your new home. Talk about the necessities like the working space, additional closet space, etc. Communication is the key to any successful project. By talking and agreeing on all the details, you will ensure a stress-free move and merge the two homes a lot faster and easier. Also, remember people often fight about the items in their homes. That’s why you should always keep in mind that these are just things, and very often, they are not worth fighting with your loved one.

When merging two homes into one, it’s all about communicating and accepting the changes – don’t fight over small details!

The first step of merging two homes into one – the selection of duplicates

Probably the hardest thing to do is to sort out double items in both homes and pick the favorites. As you won’t need duplicates, especially appliances and furniture, you will have to make a selection of items that will make the perfect home. To do this, you’ll have to make a list of the items both households have and decide which ones you’re going to keep. Here are some criteria you can consider:

  • style of the items – it’s natural that the styles of the two homes are different. So, once you decide on the style of the new home, see if the items match. Also, sometimes a fun mix-and-match can turn out to be amazing!
  • condition of your items – if you have two similar or identical items, you can keep the one that’s in a better condition or the one you bought more recently.
  • check if the item fits – measuring is another important part of merging two homes into one. Check if the items fit into the dedicated room, or if they need a smaller/bigger replacement.

Sometimes, if it’s too difficult to decide, buying a new item is the perfect solution. If you can’t decide which item is better to keep, maybe it’s fun to get rid of them both and go shopping for a new one together. And you can always sell old items at a garage sale or online and even make some money out of the merging process. However, if you still want to keep some items but can’t use them in your new home, storage can be a solution for excess furniture and other belongings you want to keep safe until you need them again.

Select all the duplicates you now have and decide together what you’re going to keep in the new household.

Merging two homes into one should be done with a proper plan and preparation, so you end up with a lovely home and a harmonious atmosphere. Click To Tweet

Preparing for the merge

There are a couple of things you need to do before the big move, whether you’re moving into a new home or welcoming a new roommate.

Decluttering

Removing unnecessary things has several benefits. Besides making more space, you can significantly save time and money if you’re moving. So, start getting rid of all the things you don’t need or use anymore, as well as outdated and damaged items.

 

Clutter is no good, so make sure you get rid of it before merging two homes into one.

Compare floor plans

If you’re both moving into a new house, it’s good to compare floor plans and measure where each piece of furniture will go. This way you can put the items in their place as soon as you move in, and avoid making an unnecessary mess all around the house. However, if you have trouble organizing your home to maximize the space, try contacting an organizing pro to help you out. This will help you have a fresh start with a functional home.

Label the boxes

If you’re both moving in on the same day, it’s good to know what’s inside each box so you can unpack much faster. Make sure you label the boxes with your name, but also the items in them. It will be much easier to sort the boxes out and find certain items if you need them quickly.

General tips for merging two homes into one

Even though this is a big and exciting change, many people feel stressed when moving in with someone and often tend to make the event even worse by holding on to certain rules or items. So, here are some tips on how to make merging two homes a happy occasion and stay positive during the process:

  • Be open-minded – since you will be sharing your living space now, be sure to stay open-minded about the new home. It will be different from your old home, and that’s okay.
  • Don’t hold on to small things – it’s okay to have certain rules about sharing the living space or not give up on some important items, but don’t make a big thing out of small décor items, for example. Be ready to compromise and accept some other solutions proposed by your new roommate.
  • Respect the other party – no matter how well you know each other, make sure you respect the preferences and decisions of your new roommate. Also, don’t express negative opinions too loudly, especially when talking about the family heirlooms of your partner. Even if the item doesn’t suit your taste, you need to respect other people’s family items that have been handed down.

Finally, merging two homes into one should be about compromise and mutual respect. We’re sure that everything can be solved with a proper conversation. And even if you don’t like something now, you might change your opinion after a while, or find a solution to the problem. Stay positive about the new life change and do everything you can to make this a memorable event!

If you need help planning your move book a 30 minute complimentary virtual organizing assessment. https://mindoverclutter.as.me/virtualorganizingassessment

Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, in person and virtually. She enjoys working with her clients to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situation. She reduces clutter, streamlines processes and manages time to help her clients be more effective in reaching their goals. Julie can coach you to break-free of the physical or emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. 

Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca

 TwitterFacebook Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space

Click here to learn more about working with a Professional Organizer?

 

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7 Packing tips for a move across the country

By Julie Stobbe / August 4, 2020 /

Depositphotos_73413557_m-2015

My son told me he would be packing and moving across the country to start a new job.  He would be leaving in 2 weeks.  Can you help Mom?  Long distant moves on a budget require a lot of planning before the packing begins.  Some of you may be moving for a job or for school.  Take a deep breath and relax.

If you are not hiring a moving company

This move involved selling anything and everything people were interested in buying.  Put your ads for the things you are selling on Kijiji or Craigslist.   Don’t forget about neighbourhood swap and selling sites on Facebook.  You may have multiple sites in your area and it makes scheduling pickups so much easier when you know that they are in your neighbourhood.  Don’t forget the most important source for your sales.  Tell your friends and family and ask them to tell their friends, family and co-workers.  One of my readers shared, “do an Internet Garage Sale where you made a list of items with prices, emailed it to everyone you know, and asked them to share it with others. We  were able to sell quite a few of our larger and more valuable items that way.” Don’t be shy.

Smaller items need to be sold too

You may need to sell clothing, jewelry or home decor items.  Take them to consignment stores. Leave the information for picking up the cash with a friend or relative. They can e-transfer it to you.

Determine what you will take, store and ship. 

Moving out

In this case, he was driving a car across the country.  He would be staying with relatives until he found an apartment.  He knew of a few people who would be flying out to see him in the next few months.  With this information, the packing began.  For each item, it had to be decided if it would be packed:

  • in the car
  • in a suitcase for someone to bring next month
  • in a suitcase for someone to bring the following month
  • in a suitcase for someone to bring later
  • in a box because there were items that he might want when he had an apartment
  • in a plastic bin and stored

Pick up used suitcases at a thrift store. When you fly you can leave the suitcase behind to be donated instead of bringing it back with you.

You never know what you might want to be shipped 

Knowing what is in every box makes it easy to find what you need

Knowing what is in every box makes it easy to find what you need

As boxes and bins were packed someone was in charge of keeping an inventory list of what went in each box and bin and labelling the container with a corresponding number to the list.  We used google docs so later in the week when more things were packed or removed from boxes the list could be changed and a new list doesn’t have to be emailed to anyone.  You don’t have to worry if you are using the most up to date list.  The reason to do an inventory is so you can find items that might be shipped later.  The hope is that the whole box will be shipped but more likely they will decide on certain items and they might be packed in a number of different boxes.

Food

We started by going through the cupboards and anything that was unopened and not expired was donated to the food bank.  This can be done early in the packing session and it is an easy way to start.  No difficult decisions need to be made.  Some food can be used during the 2 weeks, some disposed of and then find a friend who will be happy to take your food.

Donate

Remember to donate items to charity and not to put them in the garbage.

Remember to donate items to charity and not to put them in the garbage.

As time moved on he found things he didn’t want or need, couldn’t sell or give away or give back to people.  Donate these items to charity.  It is easy to think no one wants them and start putting them in the garbage but most things can be donated.  It takes just as much time to put them in a garbage bag as in a box or bag to go to a charity.  You will probably be eating out so you can take them to the charity on the way to dinner.

You’re finally finished

You are probably tired and overwhelmed and overstressed.  Just take a big breath.  You did a great job, you are about to start a new adventure.  Focus on that.  Don’t focus on the stuff.  Enjoy the trip and the time off before the new job or school begins.

Guide

Here is a link to a moving guide, How to pack for a move: a complete checklist  It has checklists for pre-moving, packing list, packing the truck, questions to ask the mover,

What is your advice about moving across the country in a car, on a plane or on a train?

A blue and white striped tunnel in the background with Julie Stobbe in the foreground wearing a white blouse.

Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, in person and virtually. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situation. She uses her love of physical activity to reduce clutter, in your home and office. She guides and supports you to manage your time. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.

Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca

 TwitterFacebook Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space

Click here to learn more about working with a Professional Organizer?

 

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Top tips for a less stressful move

By Julie Stobbe / March 20, 2018 /

My guest blogger this week is Brooke Faulkner.  She is a mom and writer in the Pacific Northwest . When she’s not wrangling her own kids, she’s writing tips to help other families do the same. You can see more of her writing on twitter, @faulknercreek.  Brooke thanks for sharing your expertise.

As you probably have already experienced, packing and moving to a new location — whether across town or across the country — rank right up there as the the least desirable tasks to tackle in life.

Research has even shown that moving is MORE stressful than a divorce or starting a new job. In a poll of 2,000 adults who have moved in the past three years, almost two in three (61 percent) placed moving at the top of their stress list.Research has even shown that moving is MORE stressful than a divorce or starting a new job. In a poll of 2,000 adults who have moved in the past three years, almost two in three (61 percent) placed moving at the top of their stress list. Click To Tweet

Meanwhile, a crumbling relationship, divorce and a new job were ranked second, with less than half (42 percent) voting those life events as the most stressful.

Fortunately, there are many ways to lessen the burden of packing up your life and starting a new chapter. It can even be an opportunity to take charge and move like a boss.

And once you’re done with the big move, you can slowly unpack your belongings, breathe a sigh of relief, and enjoy your new space.

Here are a few things you can do to make the process easier along the way:

To-Do Lists Are Your Friend

There are so many things to keep track of as you work your way through the transition from the old place to the new house. Create a plan of attack by making a to-do list. It can be organized on a week-by-week basis to make it more manageable and less intimidating as the moving date approaches.

Prioritize all of the important tasks first along with the associated deadlines for each.

You don’t have to make a list of tasks out of thin air. There are many handy moving checklists available to use as a guideline. A good moving checklist includes around-the-house and preparatory tasks like scheduling connections of utilities at the new house, disconnecting utilities at the old place, filing a change of address form with the post office, arranging for cleaning services, reserving a moving truck, and collecting moving and storage boxes, to name a few.

An Opportunity to Downsize

Before you even start packing, you’ll want to get rid of any clutter or unwanted items. This will help you feel more organized from the outset because you’ll only be packing up the things you need or want to take with you.

In a previous Mind Over Clutter blog post, we recommended a book called “Don’t Toss My Memories in the Trash” designed to help loved ones move, complete with practical steps and suggestions for downsizing without sacrificing treasured memories. For many people, giving up the family home is comparable to losing a loved one.

At the same time, it’s a pretty freeing feeling to downsize, donate items, and clear out the old to make way for the new. Otherwise, it can be frustrating to pack stuff you’re going to get rid of anyway after the move. Give yourself plenty of time to do what needs to be done in order to have a successful move.

Prepare Your Mind

Get ready for the possibility of anxiety that comes with living among boxes and in chaos for a while. Don’t let the stress cause you to procrastinate on the items on your moving checklist.

People in general have the tendency to procrastinate. Think of it like packing for a vacation. What happens when you delay packing until the very last minute before you leave? You inevitably forget something you might need or want on your trip.

It’s natural to avoid things you don’t want to do, but uprooting your life is a big deal and deserves your full attention. Even after you’ve done the work, there’s always still more to be done. But it will get done. You got this.

It may take a while to make the space your own. That’s to be expected. You don’t have to do it all in one week. Give yourself and your family time to settle into the new environment.

Organize Your Belongings

You’ve likely moved before and found yourself frantically looking for something specific only to find you didn’t pack the item in a box with similar items. When you start shoving things within reach into boxes, you set yourself up for chaos.

It seems like a no-brainer, but mixing and matching kitchen supplies with bedroom supplies, for example, isn’t the most effective way to pack. Socks and spoons don’t go together. Organizing your belongings into categories is a relatively simple step.

Labelling each box with its contents with a sharpie is a good way to go. You’ll have more than one box of kitchen supplies, so when writing on top of the box, make sure to write what’s in the box. Simply writing “kitchen” on each box isn’t very helpful. Writing the specific contents under the kitchen category will not only make it easier for you but the movers as well.

There are many ways to downgrade the stress levels you may experience during the moving process. You may even look back and think, “Hey, that wasn’t so bad.” Pat yourself on the back, enjoy the moment and, of course, your new home!

Share with us where you donate the items you don’t need anymore. 

Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, in person and virtually. She enjoys working with her clients to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situation. She reduces clutter, streamlines processes and manages time to help her clients be more effective in reaching their goals. Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca

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Downsizing? Read Don’t Toss my Memories in the Trash

By Julie Stobbe / April 3, 2017 /

This month I am reviewing a book to help you in downsizing yourself and probably someone else in your life.  Don’t Toss my Memories in the Trash by Vickie Dellaquilia.

Guide to help downsize a loved one.

This book has very practical steps and suggestions for downsizing in many different types of situations. The person may be moving to a smaller house, an apartment, moving in with family members or to a senior’s home.  In each situation, the person is losing something and must learn to adapt to a new living situation. They may need to get used to meeting new people, having less privacy, and being less independent.  This book guides caregivers to avoid pitfalls that can occur.

Here are 6 tips from the book

1. Giving up the family home is like losing a loved one.  When the family is gone the memories are all they have left.

2. Remember the goal is to get the parents resettled with the things they love that make them happy and comfortable.  It is not about the finances of selling stuff, emotional battles over a childhood or arguments between family members.

3. Consider how much energy and time you have for the job.  Children sometimes have a small window of opportunity to help and want to do it in a week when parents need to go more slowly. Get help with moving, selling items and removing junk you don’t have to do it all yourself.

4. Have a goodbye ceremony with some family and friends to say farewell to the house.  Take pictures of things or videos of experiences in the home.  Then start packing up

5. Take pictures of how a room is set up, and how things are on the dresser or in the bathroom.  At the new place, you can replicate the situation so they can adjust more quickly.

6. Have sheets of packing paper and use them to simulate the furniture and assess what large items can be moved and where they will fit in the room.  A visual representation can make decisions easier.

This book covers: 

  • Timelines
  • How to start talking about the need to  move
  • How to start
  • What to take
  • Packing suggestions
  • What to ask a mover
  • Unpacking
  • Adjusting to the new home

It is a great, quick, easy to read resource.

Post a comment about the best tip you have for helping someone downsize.

Julie Stobbe, professional organizerJulie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, in person and virtually. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situation. She uses her love of physical activity to reduce clutter, in your home and office. She guides and supports you to manage your time. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.

Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca

Click here to learn more about her online course Create an Organized Home.

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What are the 2 Most Important Boxes in a Move?

By Julie Stobbe / October 1, 2015 /
Home interior right after moving in.

Where are those 2 special boxes?

When you are moving pack 2 boxes that has everything you need for moving day and the first night. Keep these 2 boxes with you and not in the moving truck. These boxes should include:

  1. Glasses –  plastic or glass for drinks or water.
  2. A roll of paper towels
  3. A roll of toilet paper for each bathroom
  4. A bar of soap or container of liquid soap for the bathroom
  5. A hand towel in the bathroom
  6. Dishcloth, dish soap and tea towel for cleaning dishes that maybe dusty from moving
  7. Sheets for the bed and pillows so you can go to sleep at the end of a long day moving in
  8. Towels for a shower and basic cosmetics to clean up after the move
  9. Chargers for your phone, tablet and computer

It is handy to pack a pail of basic cleaning supplies so you can do a quick clean before things are unpacked.  Bring:

  1. Cloths
  2. All purpose cleaning supplies
  3. Broom and dust pan
  4. Mop
  5. Pack it all in a pail

With these things easily accessible you can clean up and get a good nights rest before you continue to unpack and make your new place a home.

 

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