Restoring Order exists to be an advocate for those we serve, and this means doing whatever it takes to help them enjoy a restored life. We are not just a professional organizing company – we are life managers for our clients. Who else can you hire to act as an advocate, practical helper, researcher, and more? Our aim is to be there for YOU when no one else is…to help you through life’s transitions as well as the common overwhelm of day-to-day life.
If you have ever gone through a move, you know that it can be stressful. Downsizing, in particular, can come with many emotions as you say farewell to space and belongings.
From finding a new place to call home, packing up years of belongings, to pruning through the items you no longer want or need, and to getting settled in, the whole process can be exhausting.
However, when you have help, moving doesn’t seem quite as daunting.
Recently, our Professional Organizing Consultant Tiffany Cobb helped one of our dear long-term clients living in SW Portland move from a high-rise condo into an assisted living facility in NW Portland.
Our client received a phone call from the owner of the condo she was renting telling her she could either purchase the unit or she would have to vacate within 30 days. How stressful! Not only did she have to research and locate a new place to call home within those short 30 days, but pack up all of her belongings, execute the move, and settle into her new home.
The first step was to find a new place for our client. As Tiffany consulted with the client, it became clear that this wasn’t going to be a simple condo to another condo move. Through a heartfelt conversation, Tiffany and the client were able to determine it was time to make the transition into a more resourced lifestyle. With the client’s health and mobility changes (due to Multiple Sclerosis and the need of more care), the two concluded she needed to be looking at an assisted living facility. And, after one week of searching together, they were able to choose the best facility for her. (Here are some pictures of her new home!)
The next step in the process was a complete overhaul of the home.
Now, for most people, this is the most difficult part: going through the home and identifying the things that you no longer need, use, or want. And usually, with nearly every belonging, there’s a memory or story and letting go can be the hardest part. (Here are some tips on how to sort and organize for a move.)
However, our strategy is to help folks focus on being a blessing to others in need. Tiffany helped our client donate the items she no longer needed to a good cause so that someone else could benefit from them. Then, more space-appropriate items could be acquired for the new location.
Also, because Tiffany has worked with this client hands-on for several years, and this client has been with Restoring Order for over a decade, the pruning process was not too overwhelming.
After the downsizing had taken place, Tiffany worked with the client to pack each box according to its destination in the new place. Then boxes were color-coded for where they were headed….this is a wonderful way to keep the move day sane. Each colored box is brought into the correct room and labeled with contents. In this manner, no shuffling has to take place later and immediately-needed items are easy to access.
After the condo had been completely overhauled, movers had to be scheduled, elevators had to be reserved, a plan had to be put into place, and packing had to begin. We create a customized Moving Checklist for each of our clients, as well as a Moving Timeline.
Don’t let the overwhelm and stress of moving keep you in a place that no longer suits your needs.
Downsizing doesn’t have to be an overwhelming, depressing process when you work with an ADVOCATE for YOU! If you or someone you know could use help in ANY TRANSITION, we are here to help! Learn more about our professional organizing services.
Related
- Get help with an upcoming move. Contact our office.
- Visit our Preferred Service Providers directory for other moving and hauling company recommendations.
- Hire Vicki to present her training In Order to Move: How to Organize and Mobilize for Transition for your event or group.
- Check out Vicki’s 3 part blog series: Practical Guide to Downsizing for more strategies
- Practical Guide to Downsizing Part 1 – Right Size Your Life
- Practical Guide to Downsizing Part 2 – Decision Making
- Practical Guide to Downsizing Part 3 – Parting With Items
