First of all, let me remind you that moving is considered one of the top 5 most stressful life events. Despite being a professional organizer that can calmly help you with your own move (and can also bring some organizing friends with me to move the process along faster), I can fully attest to the stress level when it is your own move. In the two weeks leading up to my own move, I had debilitating pain on 4 separate days (later discovering I had gall stones - FUN!). My point is that moving is stressful for EVERYONE (unless you hire someone to help you).

We moved into a home that is 300 square feet smaller than our last home, and we had packed up our stuff 10 months prior, so we did not even fully remember what was in each of the 2 storage pods we packed. We (I) also had to move all of my business inventory out of my temporary local storage unit, back into my garage. We did not hire help, but relied on my dad to help move, and my mom to entertain the boys so they stayed out of the way. If it is in your budget, I always recommend hiring some level of help.

Here are my top tips if you are handling your move yourself:

1. Immediately set up a donate and sell pile. Even if you decluttered as you packed, you will likely find more items that just don’t work in your space.

2. Prioritize bedrooms first. Wash and make beds FIRST, then start unpacking other boxes.

3. Organize as you go. Measure and plan each space in case you need to purchase any new product. This saves you time, is more efficient, and helps you start fresh.

4. Use sticky notes temporarily as you learn your new space.

If you are curious, here is a break down of how we managed this move:

Day 1: we demoed all 4 closets, patched, and painted. We also measured for a custom couch so we could get it ordered asap as there was a 3-4 week lead time.

Day 2: storage container #1 arrived and was unloaded partially in the garage, and partially in the rooms in which each box belonged.

Day 3: storage container #2 arrived and was unloaded. This held our beds, so that was the first thing we set up. I washed all bedding throughout the day, as it had been stored in plastic for months. Dining room storage cabinets were built.

Day 4: two people installed Elfa closet systems in all 4 closets while I unpacked the kitchen, toys, and decor.

Day 5: closets/clothes unpacked

Day 6-14: Organization of all spaces, donations dropped off, items sold

Day 15-30: Many new furniture items purchased. Garage Organized.

I did all of the unpacking and organizing myself, which is why it took so long, but I am a control freak when it comes to my own space;) I also took 3 weeks off work to set up our home myself.

Need help with move management? I am happy to help you get settled and organized faster, with efficient systems set up for your family.