Move Happy: Your Stress-Free Guide!

Hey Happy Sorters!

I hope May has treated you well and you're gearing up for a fun-filled summer!

Did you know that May is National Moving Month? It's the busiest moving season of the year when home sales start to rise. It also coincides with summer breaks, giving people more time to focus if a move is on the horizon. Moving can be as challenging as piecing together a puzzle, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming!

Often just thinking about making a move can be stressful and it can conjure up repetitive thoughts that things will never get done. That is where my team and I can come in to help!

Happy Sort Teams Reduce Your Stress & Free Up Your Time

From start to finish, a positive, great team of organizers will execute my carefully drawn plan while we work with you throughout the process. From decluttering before listing your current home to unpacking each and every box in your new home on the other end, our services can ensure your move is a smooth and efficient experience.

Did you tense up while you were reading this remembering moves from your past? Please breathe a sigh of relief now with me… phew… we've got you :).

Plus, I include tips how we can help you even if you aren’t moving!

Easing into the process

As you are meeting with Realtors, or even before, organizers can help you with the first steps of the pre-move process. We often know what they will ask of you, so they can be impressed before they even get to see your home! Consider us your guiding hands through the early stages of your journey.

We Can Guide You (Pug Assist Optional)

Depersonalization is the key here; it’s time to take down the large family portraits and start working on clearing the main areas of clutter. This isn’t the time to go through each cabinet and drawer, but rather to streamline the surfaces. Remember, less is more – especially when it comes to your peace of mind.

Tip for non-movers! You can follow suit and box up any extraneous things on your kitchen countertop, island, and/or desk. Keep the box nearby and see how much you really need from it over a 6 week to 6 month period. Starting with a clear surface and introducing a bit to review at a time can lessen stress from the task. After the "boxed up" time passes (set a reminder in your calendar), donate or pass along your items with ease knowing they are no longer useful or taking up space.

Divide Paperwork Into Large Categories and Set Time Aside Before A Move if Possible

Delving into your spaces

Once listed, now’s the time to start going back to the basic organizing fundamentals of Keep, Toss/Recycle, Donate. This time you may want to add Sell into the mix, especially if you have fine furnishings that you won’t need in your next home. We can help you find consignment shops and auction houses to talk with, or if preferred, find charities that will appreciate your donated goods. We have a standing list of local resources I'm happy to share on each project.

Go room by room, cabinet by cabinet. If you tackle too much at the same time, you’ll get overwhelmed. With a team of organizers around to help you sort "like with like", the process will feel easier.

"Like with Like" is Our Happy Place

Tip for non-movers! Every once in a while, even just once a year, it’s a good idea to go through your cabinets, drawers, and closets, especially in high traffic rooms. Consider how great you will feel when the time does come for a move, or a downsize. Plus, you may finally find those socks missing their mate!

Get Packing!

Begin by packing items that you won't need while still living in your home, like the turkey roaster pan that only sees daylight during Thanksgiving or the BBQ tools that have been hibernating all winter. Create a designated area in your basement or garage—if you have one—for storing these moving boxes. Our team can help estimate the number of moving supplies you'll need, ensuring you never run out. We also help estimate how much space you'll need designated for the packed boxes.

And Just Like That, It Will Be Moving Day!

Tip for non-movers! Go ahead and pack as well!  Pack up items that you haven’t used or worn in ages but can’t seem to part with.  Store them and give yourself 6 months to a year. If you are not missing them, then just let the items go, without opening the boxes. Don't forget to set a calendar reminder--this keeps items from becoming outdated for resale or donation as well. Sure this can be risky, but try to pack things without high sentimental value or that household members are still using. 

I hope you have learned some ideas to incorporate into your home! Remember, organizing isn't just for those moving—it can be an annual event for all of us. Think of it as spring cleaning with a twist, and maybe even reward yourself with a treat for every drawer, closet, or room you conquer. Welcome to the sweet and satisfying side of decluttering!

Stay tuned for more in the next newsletter....

Happy Sort is an A+ Rated Accredited Business by the BBB