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My guest blogger is Maria Stuart. I appreciate her sharing this advice.
Moving to a new home can be an exciting experience, but the process often comes with unexpected challenges. One of the most common pitfalls is packing and storing excess items, which can add unnecessary complexity and cost to your move. Excess belongings can slow down every process step, from packing and loading to unpacking and organizing. You can plan more efficiently and save time, energy, and money with focus and the right action.
The Hidden Costs of Packing Too Much
When you pack and store items you no longer need or rarely use, it not only increases the time required to move but also adds to your expenses. Every extra box, bag, or item takes up space and adds weight, leading to higher transportation and labour costs. More items also mean purchasing additional packing materials like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap, which can add up quickly. The increased volume of excess items can significantly inflate moving costs for hiring professional movers. Movers often charge based on the size or weight of the load, so the more you pack, the more expensive your move becomes.
Why Downsizing Matters
Streamlining your possessions before a move is not just about reducing clutter; it’s also a way to save money and minimize stress. Excess items can slow the packing and loading process, delay your move, and make unpacking at your new home overwhelming. When you downsize, you simplify the entire moving process and ensure that your energy is spent only on items that truly matter to you.
Don’t wait to discover how packing and storing excess items can cause moving pitfalls.
How to Downsize Effectively Before a Move
Downsizing simplifies your move and helps you start fresh. Begin by sorting your belongings into three categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard. Ask yourself, “Have I used this in the past year?” or “Does this add value to my life?” If not, it’s time to part ways. Donate usable items to local charities or sell them on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay. A garage sale is another easy way to remove unwanted items while earning extra cash. Streamlining your belongings will reduce moving costs and create a more organized space in your new home.
How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Packing and Storing Excess Items
To make your move more efficient, follow these steps to declutter and organize your belongings before the big day:
- Sort and prioritize: Separate your belongings into three categories: keep, donate, and discard. Be honest about what you truly need.
- Start early: Begin decluttering weeks in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
- Rent a storage unit wisely: Only store items you will use shortly or have long-term value.
- Minimize packing supplies: Fewer items mean fewer boxes, saving money and effort.
- Digitize when possible: Scan documents and photos to reduce physical storage needs.
The Role of Excess Items in Moving Delays
One of the most overlooked consequences of packing and storing excess items is the additional time it takes to load and unload your belongings. Take action now, reduce what you pack, and save valuable time and energy. Movers may spend extra hours handling unnecessary items, which can lead to delays in transportation and higher fees if movers charge by the hour. Excess belongings also create logistical challenges, as larger or bulkier items may require special handling or additional storage space. Even if you’re moving alone, the sheer volume of excess items can make the process exhausting. Multiple trips to transport everything can lead to burnout, making the entire move far more stressful than it needs to be.
Packing Smarter, Moving Faster
A well-organized move begins with thoughtful planning. Start by inventorying everything you own and identifying which items you use regularly versus those gathering dust. If something hasn’t been used in months or years, it’s a good candidate for donation or disposal. Decluttering also creates opportunities to help others. Items in good condition, such as clothing, furniture, or electronics, can be donated to local charities or given to friends and family.
Also, to pack like a pro after decluttering, use the right packing supplies, such as sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape, to keep your belongings safe. Adopt a room-by-room packing strategy to streamline the process, focusing on one area at a time to stay organized. Be sure to label and organize boxes by content and room destination—this simple step will save time and energy when unpacking in your new home. Planning ahead and efficiently packing can make your move smoother and faster.
Rethinking Storage: Value vs. Cost
When storing items, it is important to think critically about their future value and necessity. Seasonal decorations, sentimental items, or belongings you might need in the future can be stored temporarily, but consider whether these items are worth the ongoing storage cost. For instance, if an item hasn’t been used in years and holds little practical or emotional significance, it might be better to donate or sell it instead of paying to keep it in a storage unit.
Additionally, downsizing your belongings before renting a storage unit can lead to significant savings. By carefully curating what you choose to store, you may be able to rent a smaller, more affordable unit. That reduces costs and prevents you from holding onto items that could become a burden over time. Choose from innovative storage solutions when downsizing and moving to a smaller home.
Fewer things equals lower costs of moving.
The Long-Term Benefits of Decluttering
Packing and storing excess items doesn’t just slow you down during the move—it also affects how quickly you settle into your new home. Fewer items mean less unpacking, giving you more time to focus on arranging your new space. Moving into a clutter-free home can be refreshing and helps create a more organized living environment from day one. Decluttering before your move also helps you better appreciate the belongings you choose to keep. When your new home is filled only with items that have a purpose or bring joy, it’s easier to maintain a clean and functional space. This approach makes your move a logistical success and a positive start in your new home.
In Conclusion
Packing and storing excess items can quickly complicate your move, wasting time and increasing costs. By decluttering your belongings, prioritizing essentials, and carefully planning your packing strategy, you can enjoy a smoother, more budget-friendly relocation. A little upfront effort can save you time, money, and stress, helping you settle into your new home easily. Start early, pack smart, and make your move a positive experience.
Share a moving tip that made your move easier
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
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
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 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
