“If we are resistant to change, we are resistant to life. If we are resistant to life, we are kind of missing the point…” -Cass Hamill
When I look back at 2022 I would categorize it as one of the more challenging years. There were health and fertility struggles, moves and job changes. But now, many of the efforts that were put into last year are coming to fruition in a really positive way in 2023.
Last year we purchased a sweet little home in German Village in Columbus. I love the historic neighborhood full of preserved charm. It was fun and gratifying making updates to the house – selecting light fixtures, hardware and new paint colors. I think Zak and I blended our styles nicely. Not too feminine, not too masculine. We created a cozy urban cottage that we were able to turn into a sweet rental property for someone to enjoy.
After a year in Columbus renovating our house and a serendipitous series of events, we are back in Chicago! I’m thrilled to be back enjoying the city. Given this is our second time relocating from Ohio to Illinois, I’ve definitely learned a few tips and tricks along the way about decluttering and preparing for a move.
In general, I’d say Zak and I are relatively minimalist. But even so it’s alarming how quickly things can accumulate at home, especially in closets and cabinets. Moving is always a great opportunity to purge and get organized. Here are a few things we always do when packing and moving:
- Empty your closet (or cupboard) in one giant pile to get a sense of the quantity. If you shift through items piece by piece you won’t grasp the sheer volume of things you might have. I always start by fully emptying my closet into a pile and separate items into keep, donate or sell.
- Evaluate things you haven’t worn in 6 months to a year. If you haven’t worn something in nearly a year, ask yourself why you’re hanging onto it. Sentimental reasons? An old item you’re hoping might fit again one day? I know if I haven’t worn a piece of clothing in at least 6 months I’m likely not going to reach for it, so it goes in the donate or sell pile. Another good question to ask yourself is ‘If I say this today in a store, would I buy it?’ If the answer is no, toss.
- Choose a select number of boxes for moving and stick to it. If you decide ahead of time you’re not going to exceed 20 boxes for a move, it can really help the decluttering process and help you be more discerning with what you toss. If you keep adding more and more boxes, more stuff will travel with you.
- Pack and keep your bathroom items separate. Whenever we unpack, toiletries are always one of the first things we need. You don’t want to unpack and be searching around for toothpaste, so we always keep all bathroom items separate and easily reachable.
Image: JC Movers and Lumper Service Inc.
If you’re in the Chicago area, reach out to JC Movers & Lumper Service Inc for help! These furniture disassembly professionals can provide boxes, pads and wrap special items for you to ensure they are secure. They also provide checklists for packing and organizing and do a final sweep of the household to ensure no items are left behind. The team ensures your items will be moved safely and make it to your next destination while being fully ensured and offering free moving estimates.
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