A GON Reader Asked:

I have lived in my house 47 years, raised by a depression mom, worked 33 of those years and raised two daughters on my own! I am moving to a condo. This is scary, overwhelming, and unbelievable. How would you suggest I get started? I have about 4-6 weeks to get my house on the market. Help!

--Jeanne Sayre, Canal Winchester, OH Divorced for 35 years, retired for two years. Have hired an organizer that really pushes me (that's a good thing!). I really would like to sit and crochet rather than clean!

Maria Gracia Responded:

Hi Jeanne,

That is definitely a lot to take in all at once, so I get that you're feeling overwhelmed. That's why it's so important to a) take this one step at a time and b) give yourself the time you need to begin transitioning emotionally.

a) Downsizing: Moving from a house to a condo takes a significant amount of downsizing effort. I'm glad to hear you're working with a professional organizer to help keep you both focused and productive. That was a good first step. I am assuming that organizer is helping you weed out as much as possible...actually helping you get items you don't need and/or won't fit in your new place out of your home. That is key. Each day, your home should feel a bit lighter than it did the day before.

b) Packing: Now, I'm not sure if that professional organizer is also helping you pack or not, but you definitely should start packing now either way. Start with those items you're bringing to your condo that you don't absolutely need right now. For instance, photo albums and other memorabilia could be packed, as well as clothes that are out of season, books you absolutely can't live without, holiday decor and the like. Please be discerning. It's very easy to pack everything and then discover you really can't fit it all at the new destination.

c) Getting important TO DOs done Give yourself an hour of 'desk time' every day to work out details associated with your move, like changing addresses on your bills, determining how to change the address on your driving license, researching moving companies, and the like. First make a list of all of your TO DOs, and then begin tackling them one by one. I included a Moving Checklist in my Easy Organizer if you need one. Work for an hour a day on this...and then crochet for an hour...it's important to take that time to rest and relax.

d) Transitioning emotionally: Each day write down something you love about your current home AND something you look forward to when you move. So maybe you can write a memory about your daughters that took place in your current home...and then maybe you can write how the new home will provide you with more time (because you'll have less to clean) or the fact that you'll be able to make some new friends, or that it's closer to the supermarket, etc.

e) Memories travel well: You've had 47 years of memories in your current home, and you'll be building new memories in your new home. Try to always make that connection in your mind and heart to help you get through this transition. And also keep in mind that just because you're in a different place doesn't mean those old memories are going to be behind you. They're all traveling with you!

I hope your move goes smoothly and would love to hear about your move and your new adventures ahead.

Hugs!

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___ 1. Do today's task on my October Monthly Organizing Checklist. The October 21 TO DO focuses on adding a wonderful fall aroma to your home. Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my October Monthly Organizing Checklist.

___ 2. Identify some items you really don't use anymore. Look through your book collection, your coat closet, your basement, your garage...and identify those items you never use. Give them a new home. Either bring them to a thrift shop, sell them, give them to a friend or neighbor, or donate.

___ 3. Find out my response. A GON reader asked, 'When I organize, the next day it's back to a mess. Help!' Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my response to this question.

'It's never easy to leave everything we've known for so long behind. Still, sometimes, moving is necessary if we want to leave our troubles behind and create a new adventure for ourselves.' (Unknown)

I'd love to hear from you.

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And remember...there's no better time to get organized, than to Get Organized Now!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!
getorganizednow.com

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