When you are going through major life changes like moving home, renovating, downsizing, combining households, or simply refreshing a space, it can create temporary chaos.
This often results in a short-term lack of space, with piles of belongings everywhere and big decisions over what to keep. Feeling disorganised in these moments is normal, but with a structured approach it can be manageable.
In this guide, Loxelys Self Storage provide expert advice to help you to plan, pack, store and resettle with less stress.
Plan before you start packing
Early planning can help to prevent any last-minute chaos, so draw up a timeline that includes your key dates, contractor visits, and packing milestones. You can then create a room-by-room checklist for what needs sorting and a floorplan for the new space so that people will know what will fit.
There is a powerful four-way sorting method that helps people stay on track which encourages you to either keep, store, donate, or discard items, making it easier to sort things. You should also go through a process of honest decision-making, as clutter is much easier to avoid early, instead of after your move or renovation.
Use smart packing systems
How you pack is just as important as what you pack, and being properly organised can reduce the amount of time you spend unpacking or searching for things. Label each box by room and the top items that are inside and use clear plastic bins for any items that will need quick visibility.
Pack your fragile items with plenty of cushioning and make sure you group valuables into their own box to help you find them easily.
You should also keep a ‘priority box’ or ‘first 24 hours’ box that includes a kettle, mugs, tea and coffee, toiletries, bedding, chargers, tools, pet supplies and medicines. Some people also photograph their cable setups or important drawers to recreate them easily in their new home.
Consider temporary storage for breathing room
Temporary storage helps to provide space, flexibility and calm when your home is in a transition period. It is ideal for overlapping move dates, decorating or renovation projects, downsizing before making permanent decisions, and storing bulky items that don’t yet have a place.
This can keep your home much safer and clearer during any renovations and reduces the pressure to make rushed decisions about sentimental items. Self storage also provides short- and long-term options depending on your situation, so it can work with your own schedule.
Reintegrate efficiently
Once your move or renovation is complete, you need to take a phased approach to unpacking. Reassess each item before you bring it in to avoid reintroducing clutter. Try organising your belongings by room and by purpose to help give you a more focused approach.
You could also think about a seasonal rotation of items and storing any rarely used or bulky items that can preserve space in everyday areas.
Bonus tips – how to stay organised during big changes
To stay on top of anything during a big change, you need to keep a written or digital inventory of what is in storage. Make sure that you use moisture barriers, covers and proper wrapping for any furniture that is stored long-term and label your boxes on multiple sides for better visibility.
Stacking heavier boxes at the bottom and leaving a clear walkway in your storage unit will make it much easier to find the things you need. You should also visit the unit occasionally to swap seasonal items or check what’s there. Colour coding your boxes for each room can also be a great time saver on moving day.
When it comes to big life changes, effective planning, smart packing and flexible storage are the best ways to stay in control. Big transitions don’t have to be stressful if you approach them with structure, and so a calmer, clutter-free move can create a much easier start in your new space.
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