Moving
Reading time – 10 minutes
My guest blogger this month is Sophia Perry from Arizona Moving Professionals.
Downsizing often requires rethinking how to organize and store your belongings effectively. Whether you’re downsizing locally or moving to a new country, innovative storage solutions are essential for making the most of limited space, offering creative and practical ways to keep your home functional and clutter-free. So, let’s explore various storage ideas and strategies to help you transition smoothly into your new, cozier living space.
Innovative Storage Solutions Through Multi-Functional Furniture
Multi-functional furniture is one of the most effective innovative storage solutions for small homes. These versatile pieces serve multiple purposes, helping you maximize every square inch. For example, ottomans that double as storage bins, beds with built-in drawers, and coffee tables with hidden compartments are all excellent options. Multi-functional furniture allows you to maintain a tidy home without sacrificing the essentials.
A Big Step Before the Move
Taking time to declutter and then organize your belongings is vital before moving to a smaller home. Reducing what’s truly necessary can significantly ease the moving process. Sorting through your items and deciding what to keep, donate, or discard ensures your new space isn’t overwhelmed with unnecessary clutter.
This process makes unpacking more manageable and your new home more organized. Professional packing services can assist with this process. Their expertise can help you efficiently pack and label your items, ensuring everything is ready for the move.
Preparing for the Big Day
A well-organized moving day is essential for settling into your new home smoothly. To prepare for the big day, consider creating a packing strategy that includes labelling boxes clearly, making an inventory list, and packing items by room. These steps can save time and reduce stress on moving days, helping you transition into your new space more efficiently.
Utilizing Vertical Space Efficiently
In smaller homes, floor space is often limited, making it essential to use vertical space efficiently. Walls provide an excellent opportunity for storage that doesn’t encroach on living areas. Installing wall-mounted shelves can help you store books, kitchen supplies, or decorative items, freeing up floor space. Hanging organizers are also useful in closets, kitchens, and bathrooms, keeping smaller items tidy and within easy reach. Tall cabinets offer additional storage while maintaining a clean, organized appearance.
Smart Under-Bed Storage Solutions
Under-bed storage is an often underutilized area that can be incredibly valuable, especially in smaller homes. This space is perfect for items that aren’t needed daily, such as seasonal clothing or extra bedding. Rolling bins allow easy access to stored items, while vacuum-sealed bags help save space by compressing bulkier items. Custom-made drawers under the bed provide a more permanent solution, keeping your belongings organized and accessible. Effective under-bed storage keeps your living area clutter-free, ensuring essential items remain within easy reach while lesser-used items are neatly stored out of sight.
Use under the bed storage for extra supplies
Custom Built-In Storage for Maximum Efficiency
Custom-built storage solutions are ideal for maximizing space in smaller homes. Tailored to your needs, these built-ins, such as cabinets, shelves, and closets, provide ample storage while maintaining a streamlined look. A custom pantry in the kitchen can help organize groceries, while built-in living room bookshelves offer storage and a place to display items. In the bedroom, a custom closet with a mix of hanging rods, shelves, and drawers ensures all your belongings have a place.
Maximizing Closet Space
Closets in smaller homes can quickly become overcrowded, but you can significantly increase their capacity with a few adjustments. Double hanging rods maximize vertical space, allowing for more clothing to be stored. Shelf dividers keep items organized and easy to find, while stackable bins help manage smaller belongings. Slim, non-slip hangers free up even more space, ensuring your closet remains neat and functional. These simple changes can transform a cramped closet into an organized and efficient storage area.
Off-Site Storage: A Practical Option
Even with the best innovative storage solutions, some items you can’t fit into your new home may still exist. Renting off-site storage can be a practical option for seasonal items, sports equipment, or family heirlooms. This option allows you to maintain a clutter-free home while still having access to your belongings when needed.
When choosing a storage facility, look for one with climate control and secure access to ensure your items are well-protected. A reputable company, for instance, in Victoria, like Hendra Moving and Storage Victoria BC, provides a range of storage solutions to meet your needs, whether you require short-term or long-term options.
Keeping Clutter Out of Sight
Hidden storage solutions are perfect for maintaining a tidy home. Furniture with concealed compartments, such as sofas with storage under the cushions or benches with lift-up seats, provides discreet storage for items like blankets, books, or board games. These solutions keep your home looking clean while keeping your belongings easily accessible.
Kitchen Storage: Maximizing Small Spaces
Kitchens in smaller homes often have limited storage, making it challenging to keep essentials organized. Stackable containers, magnetic knife strips, and over-the-door organizers can help optimize kitchen storage. Pull-out shelves or lazy Susans provide easy access to items in deep cabinets, keeping your kitchen functional and clutter-free.
Room Dividers with Built-In Storage
Room dividers with built-in storage offer a versatile solution for open-plan spaces. These dividers, excellent space-saving hacks, help create separate areas while providing additional shelving or cabinets. They are ideal for storing books, decorative items, or office supplies, helping you stay organized in your smaller home.
Embracing Innovative Storage Solutions
Moving into a smaller home requires thoughtful planning and creative solutions. Embracing innovative storage solutions allows you to create a functional, organized, and comfortable living space that meets all your needs. These strategies will help you make the most of your new home’s space, from multi-functional furniture to custom-built storage and off-site options. Start planning your move today, and choose the storage solutions that best suit your lifestyle.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. 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
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Moving house from town to town, state to state, or county to county can be rather intensive. It takes real effort to pack up your life and place it somewhere new. The orbit of your life has changed, and it may even take some time to convince your children of the change and to settle in well.
If that takes some time to get used to, imagine what it’s like moving from country to country. You may have an experience planned out yourself, perhaps moving for a new job, experiencing a new culture, or being closer to family. No matter your reasons, it’s important to remember that this effort is more than possible and a positive life change. That doesn’t mean it comes easy.
In this post, we’ll discuss a few insights that they rarely tell you about moving from country to country, and how you can pre-empt those issues or new experiences to better handle them. Without further ado, let’s get started:
You May Need To Relearn The Basics Of Daily Living
It’s easy to think living in one place is the same as everywhere, but that’s not always the case. Anyone who has moved to Canada with North American Van Lines will no doubt notice the weather change. In some cases, feet of snow has to be negotiated all winter long before driving anywhere. Perhaps preparing your home against the weather will become a new norm you have to get used to. In some countries, like Spain, the professional environment can be more relaxed and you need to make provisions for daily siestas. The standards of your daily living may change, and that’s okay.
Residential Standards May Be Different
The same goes for residential standards. In some countries, making noise past a certain time might be bad form. In others, late-night music and celebration may be commonplace. The utilities change too – for instance, in the United States, many people have to pay fees for garbage collection, in the United Kingdom this is relatively unheard of. Understanding that and asking questions of your neighbours can make a big difference, and help you feel well-situated and less confused within your new home.
You May Require Specific Aid From Equipped Services
In some cases, the move you’re planning could be to a remote location, a new country, or perhaps an area underserved by a moving specialist. In some countries using removalists who are licensed to move your belongings from country to country cleanly, without getting caught at border patrol, and with drivers who may be skilled at driving in that new location (for instance, heading into Canada during winter is quite the unique and frozen driving experience), can make the move more seamless, and you won’t have to worry about it. Perhaps you have specific requirements such as needing your insurance provider to offer insurance on highly valuable items. Keep this in mind when transitioning large quantities of possessions.
With this advice, you’re sure to move to a new country with care.
Let me know the situation you had to deal with when you moved to a new country.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. 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
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Click here to learn more about working with a Professional Organizer.
My guest blogger today is Sophia Perry from Arizona Moving Professionals.
Sometimes, it can be challenging to get ready for a move. Frequently, you don’t realize how much packing and cleaning you need to do until you’re in the heat of it. However, one of the best ways to prepare is by clearing the clutter in your house before relocating. That way, you may save time, effort, and money while making packing easier. Additionally, your moving company will appreciate your efforts. Therefore, read on to discover the importance of decluttering before the move and how it can help make your relocation a breeze.
Decluttering before the move can help you sell the house faster
Homes that look neat sell more quickly. Ask any real estate agent, home stager, or professional organizer. Without all the clutter in your home, you may portray a neat, polished image of your house. That appeals to purchasers much better than a crowded home. Additionally, adding simple finishing touches like fresh paint or decorations will be much simpler.
Save time and energy during the move
If you’ve ever left a house after many years or seen someone else do it, you know it can be frightening. The amount of things we may gather just by going about our regular lives is quite astounding. When the time comes, the packing will be simpler if you go through every room in your home and get rid of everything that is no longer useful to you. Not to mention that if you hire packing services in Toronto, experts can give you a hand with much more ease. Furthermore, when time is of the essence, you’ll save a lot since you won’t have to decide what remains or leaves on the spot.
Making an inventory will be easier
Decluttering before the move might help you find treasures you have missed over the years. Additionally, once you’ve settled into your new house, you’ll know what to buy—and what not to buy—to ensure you have all you need to live a fulfilling life. Moreover, you could discover that you can sell or give away items before relocating when you do an inventory of everything you own. You may even make some money by selling your spare items, which you could use to decorate the new place or pay for the relocation. Alternatively, you might brighten someone else’s life by giving away things that are still in excellent shape but are essentially worthless to you.
You can make more space
You have some furniture or stuff you seldom use but find it difficult to part with. We are sure of it! Unfortunately, they occupy space that you could be using far more effectively. So, make a fresh start in your new home and eliminate the clutter that has stuffed your old home. For instance, recycle outdated appliances that only function half the time or clothing you keep wishing you’d wear someday. If you’re relocating to a smaller flat, decluttering is exceptionally important. It will keep your new space from becoming overly crowded. You may have additional wardrobe space or a vacant room with a little effort.
Decluttering reduces stress and improves your well-being
Although it might seem odd, decluttering can enhance your health and happiness. Homes that are stuffy and messy make many people feel more stressed. Additionally, clutter frequently makes finding the items you need more challenging, distracting you from your work and causing frustration. Furthermore, despite your best efforts, it might be challenging to maintain a tidy home with so many things around. Not to mention that those piles of belongings increase the likelihood of mold, vermin, and dust developing, exacerbating allergies and asthma.
On the other hand, you will have more than only a healthier atmosphere if you organize your living area. After getting rid of all the extra items, you’ll feel more at ease, content, and in control.
Spot issues with ease
As mentioned before, having lots of items increases the likelihood of safety issues. Therefore, when you declutter, these issues may come to light. For instance, you may find anything from mouldy lotion containers and half-opened bottles to expired food cans and rusty paint tins. As a result, thoroughly decluttering and cleaning to find any hidden issues will make your house more appealing to potential buyers. You don’t want a potential buyer to see the old rag you left under the bathroom sink.
Make space for new ideas
It might be challenging to let go of something you’ve had for a long time. However, it will be freeing when you eventually dare to let go. Furthermore, you will have more room and energy to welcome fresh ideas into your life if your home and thoughts are free of useless objects. For instance, your half-empty closet may motivate you to experiment with more fashionable clothes. Or having less furniture in the living room might result in a completely different decor style than you were used to.
Unpacking will be easier
Decluttering before the move shows its benefits even after the relocation. For instance, you’ll quickly finish unpacking because you won’t have as many items to arrange in your new house. In addition, you won’t have to spend weeks attempting to unpack if you bring nicely set boxes loaded with things you’ve previously sorted. All you have to do is start organizing by putting the appropriate boxes in each room.
Final words
Our homes fill up with things we don’t need, want, or use over time. Therefore, it might be challenging to know where to begin when it comes to dealing with the clutter once it is time to relocate. However, remember that decluttering eases the stress of packing, increases mental focus, and conserves essential resources like time, money, and energy. As a result, never neglect the importance of decluttering before the move. And trust us! You will thank yourself when you get rid of all the clutter crowding your home and thoughts. Also, if you need a hand in organizing your move, don’t hesitate to contact a professional.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She guides and supports you to manage your time and projects and reach your goals. 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
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time – 3 minutes
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:
- Glasses – plastic or glass for drinks or water.
- A roll of paper towels
- A roll of toilet paper for each bathroom
- A bar of soap or container of liquid soap for the bathroom
- A hand towel in the bathroom
- Dishcloth, dish soap and tea towel for cleaning dishes that may be dusty from moving
- Sheets for the bed and pillows so you can go to sleep at the end of a long day moving in
- Towels for a shower and basic cosmetics to clean up after the move
- A change of clothes as well as medications
- 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:
- Cloths
- All-purpose cleaning supplies
- Broom and dustpan
- Mop
- Pack it all in a pail
Pack a toolbox with basic tools. You may have to reassemble beds, bookcases or electronics. Have:
- a screwdriver with multiple heads
- hammer
- plyers
- adjustable wrench
- 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
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of physical activity to reduce clutter, in your home and office. She guides and supports you in managing 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
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time – 3 minutes
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:
- Glasses – plastic or glass for drinks or water.
- A roll of paper towels
- A roll of toilet paper for each bathroom
- A bar of soap or container of liquid soap for the bathroom
- A hand towel in the bathroom
- Dishcloth, dish soap and tea towel for cleaning dishes that may be dusty from moving
- Sheets for the bed and pillows so you can go to sleep at the end of a long day moving in
- Towels for a shower and basic cosmetics to clean up after the move
- A change of clothes as well as medications
- 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:
- Cloths
- All-purpose cleaning supplies
- Broom and dustpan
- Mop
- Pack it all in a pail
Pack a toolbox with basic tools. You may have to reassemble beds, bookcases or electronics. Have:
- a screwdriver with multiple heads
- hammer
- plyers
- adjustable wrench
- 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
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 situations. She uses her love of physical activity to reduce clutter, in your home and office. She guides and supports you in managing 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
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
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 moving 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 hands. 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 about 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, let alone during the summer. Hence, enlist professional movers who 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, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of physical activity to reduce clutter, in your home and office. She guides and supports you in managing 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
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
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, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of physical activity to reduce clutter, in your home and office. She guides and supports you in managing 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. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
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 favourites. 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. Share on X
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, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She enjoys working with her clients to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. 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. 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
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
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 swaps 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.
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
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 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 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 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?
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of physical activity to reduce clutter, in your home and office. She guides and supports you in managing 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
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
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. Share on X
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, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She enjoys working with her clients to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She reduces clutter, streamlines processes and manages time to help her clients be more effective in reaching their goals. 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
Twitter Facebook Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
