We sold and closed on our second home in California in a week! We chose to sell the Shangrila furnished. I wanted to take all of our personal possessions because every piece had a story. So, 83 boxes of our personal life went with us. And, as I sit at my computer at 5:29 am, in my beautiful Chicago, and reflect back on our move… I can honestly tell you everything went smoothly. Early planning, including setting a moving date well in advance, was crucial for a successful move and helped us stay stress free. Looking back, our moving journey truly benefited from starting early, which made all the difference in ensuring a stress-free experience.

How did I move from a huge home with my Ultimate Concierge, my pooch America, and 83 boxes into our furnished downsized apartment in the sky and find a home for all our treasured possessions with a story? Well, I was super organized. I laid out a plan, focused, and followed it to a T. A comprehensive moving checklist can be your best friend throughout the process, keeping you organized and on track. Creating a detailed timeline was key to a successful move, helping us stay on track and adapt as needed. For those pieces I could not leave behind I said to myself, “I will figure it out!” That is called positivity that does not always work! LOL. But, where there is a will, I find a way. So, I am smiling.

The Emotional and Physical Side of Moving with Professional Movers

Moving from one’s home has a profound emotional side effect because it represents the end of what was and the beginning of what is to be. In our case, it was our choice. Therefore, the hardest part of our move was the physical work rather than the emotional and yet, it was emotional too.

If you are moving or have parents who are downsizing I learned there are ‘Senior Move Managers’ who specialize in helping you or parents distribute, donate, and discard unwanted items. They also can help you move and set up new housing. You can find a Senior Move Manager in your area at the National Association of Senior Move Managers website: NASMM.org.

Choosing the right professionals, such as professional movers or moving services, is essential to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition. Opting for a full service option can further simplify your move by handling every aspect of the relocation process, including packing, logistics, storage, and management, so you don’t have to worry about the details. Professional movers bring expertise and efficiency, while moving services can simplify logistics and provide valuable support throughout the relocation process.

It is So Nice to Rely on a Friend!

I love to seek the advice of those I feel are in the know. Whenever I am in doubt about anything, I go to a person with wisdom. I did not know of an A-plus moving company. Therefore, I relied on a friend whose opinion I trusted. This saved me time and gave me confidence that all would run smoothly. Having well-structured plans and support from friends can lead to less stress during the move, as you are better prepared to handle unexpected changes and ensure everything stays on track. The company, Plycon Movers, was exceptional. There was no breakage except two tiny beaks of two birds. I took photos and Plycon is picking up the lamps and taking them to a restorer! How is that for service and… the suburb wisdom of a friend. So, do ask for help, darling.

Organize, Focus, Survive with a Clear Plan!

It’s best to start packing about 3 to 6 weeks before your moving date to ensure everything is organized and ready for the movers. I had everything organized for the movers. Every item I chose to ship I took out of cabinets and drawers and laid them out in an orderly manner. All books, all photos, all china, crystal, all serving pieces, all treasures, everything I decided to take had sticky notes on them that said, ‘pack.’ To make unpacking more efficient, I also used a color code system for labeling boxes. This took me three days of hard work. I also told the packers to label the boxes with the room they came from in Shangrila and the room I wanted them in my apartment in the sky.

An added note: Though it is hard to do, I left my ‘maybes’ behind. I have read that typically ‘maybes’ end up in storage and that gets very expensive. It’s important to consider different storage options early to simplify the logistics of your move.

When organizing items for packing, I found it helpful to break the process into manageable tasks to reduce overwhelm. Make sure each box is filled with the right amount of cushioning and essential items, so you can easily access what you need first when unpacking. For fragile belongings, use bubble wrap, packing paper, and additional padding to minimize the risk of damage during transport.

When packing and preparing items, I made sure to use quality packing materials, such as sturdy boxes and professional packing materials, to protect my belongings. Ensuring each box was filled properly and organized allowed for easy access to essentials during unpacking.

And, I was well aware that I would be short of space in Chicago, so I devised a plan. I knew I would have to build out space and configure a plan for all my treasures so I decided to phone California Closets–who had done work for us. But first and this was exhausting, I had to unpack 83 boxes and organize all my possessions from Shangrila so Allyson from California Closets would be able to visualize the space I was going to need and build my plan.

How Did I Decide What Out of Season Clothing to Take?

Everything I own is a memory, has a story. I splurged on one set of china, Hermes, and have no regrets… this I took with me, of course. As well, I packed my dishware from Positano, Italy, and from Vietnam… they both have stories. Just as my stemware from Baccarat that added a new dear friend to my life. Then I brought my Waterford Crystal that was purchased in Ireland and I remember buying vases for ‘my girls.’

When moving, it’s essential to take extra care in protecting valuable items and family heirlooms, as these irreplaceable possessions require specialized packing and careful handling to prevent damage or loss. For fragile or valuable pieces, using the original packaging whenever possible provides the best protection during transit.

Darling, I packed what made my heart sing. And, I left the meaningless. My treasures are based on feelings. They can cost $1.00 or several hundred. Here are a few more that I packed to take back to Chicago with me:

Notifying Others of Your New Address

One key part of the moving process that’s easy to overlook in the flurry of packing tape and moving boxes is letting the world know where to find you next! Darling, notifying others of your new address is more than a formality—it’s essential for a smooth transition into your new home and to ensure that important documents, treasured letters, and those little packages that brighten your day all arrive safely at your doorstep.

Start planning this step early, ideally a few weeks before your move. Begin with a list: family members, close friends, and anyone who sends you regular correspondence. Next, think about the practical side—banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, and your favorite magazines or subscription services. Don’t forget to update your address with the postal service and notify your local post office to ensure mail forwarding to your new address, and notify your doctor’s office, pharmacy, and any other professionals you rely on.

If you’re moving long distance or crossing state lines, double-check with your moving company and any service providers to ensure all the paperwork reflects your new address. This will help avoid unexpected delays and keep the entire process easier and more organized.

And, darling, don’t forget the little joys—let your friends know so they can send housewarming cards, and update your address on your favorite online shopping sites for a seamless transition to your new home. With careful planning and a clear plan, you’ll make this part of the moving process feel like a celebration of your fresh start!

1. A ‘God Bless America’ rock that I found at a Flea Market. I gave it a home of prominence. So, it sat on a ledge outside our front door.

2. I hung this in a window in my bath. A gift from my daughter, Jenny.

3. A piece of pyrite that I bought in Aspen. It symbolizes for me a glittering life.

4. A mug I carried home from Ireland and another from Paris of Manet’s art.

5. My cookbook holder art that is very special to me.

6. A Mexican handmade pot, so delicate and beautiful.

The Pleasure of an Organized Life

As I unpacked I focused on a plan that took into account what lay ahead. Allyson would arrive from California Closets and life would be easier if she could visualize the space I would need for our possessions. So, I decided to have everything in place ahead of time. My china, stemware, silverware in one area, barware in another, platters and serving pieces in another, large kitchen appliances and cookbooks had a home of its own, etc, etc, etc…

Proper planning and organizing the new space in new homes is essential for a smooth move. By breaking down the process into manageable steps and preparing each area, you can transform an overwhelming relocation into a structured and satisfying experience. This approach makes the entire process feel less overwhelming and much more manageable. Additionally, preparing essential items and organizing necessities for the first week in your new home ensures a smooth transition and daily stability.

This was an ordeal of mass proportion, but, when Allyson arrived, she was definitely impressed because she knew exactly what she had to deal with and she started to make a plan. As my Ultimate Concierge says, “Nothing good happens by accident.” My organization and my time and energy have brought the ultimate satisfaction. California Closets will install my new spaces on November 17th!

Keep Life Visual

A very important part of my plan was to keep our life on a ‘visual’ even keel. I did not want to live in clutter, and, our dining room became our storage room. But, as of November 18th, it will once again be used as a dining room! We decided to call in a decorator to hang our art before California Closets’ appearance on November 17th. That is on my ‘today list.’

It has been three weeks and I am still unpacking. But, I do see light at the end of the tunnel. I will admit this move has taken its toll on me because I have so many other responsibilities. Some responsibilities have had to be left behind and this creates a feeling of guilt and even despair. I ask myself, “How can I get everything else accomplished? How can I focus with so much on my plate?” One of my friends told me to write a daily or weekly plan and don’t waver. Sounds good to me. Even makes me feel good.

Creating a detailed moving plan early on really helps you stay organized and stay focused throughout the process. By following a moving plan, you can keep track of tasks, reduce stress, and ensure nothing important is overlooked.

Fingers Crossed!

November is quietly sneaking upon us. There are no butterflies, no flowers, no real sunshine, no warmth. In its place, the air is refreshingly cold and crisp and the foliage is a crimson orange and gold. I know as November’s days fade away we are going to have to radiate beauty from within. And, we will. The first step is to buy my 2021 weekly planner calendar in the hope I will be able to focus and discipline myself as I did in our move from Shangrila to our apartment in the sky. Strategic planning and setting a realistic budget are essential for making future moves well-coordinated and cost-effective. It’s important to consider moving costs, as proactive planning can help manage and reduce these expenses by allowing you to budget, declutter, and choose the right timing and services. Fingers crossed!

Unpacking and Settling into Your New Home

Unpacking and settling into your new home is a key part of the moving process that deserves just as much attention as packing and planning. Once the moving truck has pulled away and you’re surrounded by a sea of boxes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But, darling, this is where a clear plan truly makes all the difference in ensuring a smooth transition into your new space.

If you’ve chosen to work with professional movers, you’ll find that their expertise can help streamline the entire process. Many moving services offer assistance with unpacking, helping you organize your belongings and set up your rooms efficiently. This support can be invaluable, especially after the hustle and bustle of moving day, allowing you to focus on making your new home feel comfortable and inviting right from the start.

Begin by prioritizing the essentials—think bedding, kitchen basics, and important documents—so you can settle in with ease. Tackle one room at a time, turning what might seem like an endless task into manageable steps. As you unpack, take the opportunity to thoughtfully arrange your treasured items, making your new home a true reflection of you.

Remember, darling, the unpacking process is not just about putting things away; it’s about creating a fresh start and embracing the possibilities of your new surroundings. With careful planning and perhaps a little help from the right professionals, you’ll find yourself enjoying your new home sooner than you think. A smooth move is all about staying focused, keeping your plan in mind, and celebrating each small victory along the way.

How would you decide what to take if you moved or downsized? Let me know if the comments at the bottom of this page!

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