Hey friends!
If you’ve got a move on the horizon, first—take a breath. Moving is no joke. It’s emotional, exhausting, and somehow even more chaotic than you expect, even when you’re “ready.”
But here’s the thing: you do not have to pack up the mess and drag it with you to your next home. You really don’t.
Whether you’re moving across town, helping a parent downsize, or just trying not to scream every time you open your shed—you can make this easier. Start here. Before you even reach for the packing tape.
These are the things I walk through with clients before we pack a single box—and they make a world of difference.
1. Start with a surface sweep
Before you get lost in cabinets or drawers, do a quick visual reset. What’s sitting out that doesn’t belong? What’s trash, broken, or clearly not worth moving? Do a lap and clear the surfaces first—it builds momentum and clears your brain a little too.
2. Create a “don’t pack this” zone
You’ll come across stuff you don’t want to bring—trust me. Make it easy on yourself by keeping a box or bin labeled “donate/trash/sell” right in the room. As soon as you hesitate, toss it in. No second guessing. Just keep going.
3. Bring in a folding table
One of my favorite move tricks. Clear surfaces = less stress. Set up a folding table or card table to give yourself space to sort without sitting on the floor or digging through piles. Bonus: it makes unpacking easier too when you land in your new place.
4. Pack a first-day essentials bin
Think of this like a survival kit: a few outfits, toiletries, chargers, snacks, meds, important papers, a roll of toilet paper (yes, really). It should be the last thing you pack and the first thing you open. Keep it in your car if you can.
5. Ditch the paper clutter
You don’t need to move 3-year-old school flyers, expired coupons, or the 200 receipts you meant to scan. Now is the time to shred and recycle anything you don’t actually need. You’ll lighten the load and feel better doing it.
6. Label smarter, not harder
Please don’t just write “kitchen” on the box. Your future tired self will thank you if you label it with some detail—“kitchen: plates + mugs” or “pantry: baking stuff.” It makes unpacking way less chaotic.
7. Use it or lose it
Moving is the perfect time to use up random pantry or cleaning products. If you’ve got half-used bottles or one random snack left—use it before you move or let it go. You’re not going to want to pack it, unpack it, and still not use it.
8. Back up your important docs
Take a few minutes to scan or take photos of birth certificates, medical info, insurance, etc. If it gets lost in the move, you’ll be glad you’ve got a backup. This is a huge help for families with kids, too—especially if you’re switching schools or doctors.
9. Give yourself a calm corner
If possible, leave one space calm and clutter-free. Just a chair or bed that isn’t covered in boxes. Trust me—you’ll need somewhere to take a break or eat lunch without stepping over a dozen donation piles.
10. Ask for help (really)
Moving can feel heavy—physically and emotionally. Don’t do it alone. Whether it’s me, a friend, or your most organized cousin, ask for help when you can. It’s so much easier to make decisions when you’ve got someone gently keeping you on track.
💬 Let’s make this easier on you. If a move is coming up, and you’re already feeling overwhelmed by where to start—I’m just a message away. I can help you prep, sort, and pack in a way that makes your new home feel lighter before you even get there.
📦 Book a free organizing chat via [ I NEED SOME HELP – CLICK HERE]—we’ll talk it out and come up with a game plan that works for you.
You don’t have to move the mess. Let’s make this move purposeful.
💛
Nicole
Stay tuned for next week’s POP Talk!
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