We have come this far…Now let’s get down and ORGANISED!  

1. KEEP – FREQUENT USE – Items that fit, that go with other items, that you wear often – or have worn in the last 3 months
2. KEEP – INFREQUENT USE – Special occasion items such as evening wear, wedding dress, maternity wear
3. KEEP – OUT OF SEASON – whatever is not worn in the season you are currently in

So the next question to ask yourself is – What Should You Keep, and Where?

Step Six – Pride of place

1. FREQUENT USE items being located in a place that’s easiest to access,
2. And INFREQUENT USE garments should be kept somewhere that’s not as accessible, and this is the same story for any OUT OF SEASON clothes.

In STEP THREE you will have looked at the wardrobe and storage space you have available – both immediate space and secondary storage space. So you would have made a start on deciding where the best places for each category of these clothes would be.

Now that you have sorted and got your allocated clothing piles ready to be replaced back in their new homes it’s time to see if it will all fit back nicely into your closet and storage spaces. Below are some tips to solving space issues…

Here are Mooving Matters wardrobe makeover professionals top tips for this step:-

• Store clothes you want to keep but don’t need every day in various locations – For example; under the bed, in a loft space, in a closet in a guest bedroom etc… These spots are for occasional access over the every day.
• Wardrobe stylists will understand everyone has sentimental items like their wedding dress, evening to ski attire and christening gowns etc.. But what about cherishing their importance and looking at displaying them over placing them in deep storage areas? If you can’t display please make sure that they are stored properly as clothing can be damaged over time by buys and mould if not correctly packaged up

If you don’t have a huge amount of storage, be careful about where things go and sort your clothes like so:

• Hanging space – Hang from left to right as follows: 1. Going out clothes – dresses, tops, Skirts, trousers 2. Working outfits – dresses, tops, skirts, trousers – 3. Casual wear – dresses, tops, skirts, trousers. Below this you can have space for fitness clothes and your gym bag.
• Shelving – Should be where jeans, jumpers and t shirts are folded and placed on top of each other.
• Chest of drawers – Is the best place for all underwear and accessories, and above this on the dresser top you have a jewellery organiser
• Colour code – Try sorting everything in colour groups as well – it makes it easy to find a certain coloured top when you need it right away.
• Seasonal Items – Best spot for out of season clothes are kept in storage containers or vacuum bags under your bed

Step Seven – Organising Each Space

You are now ready to fill and sort your wardrobe! Your Wardrobe makeover is nearly complete – you have everything that you need to store back in it, that you use frequently, and also possibly other items dependent on space available.

For all the spaces you have available, ask yourself the following questions –

• Do you need more hanging space, drawer space, or other type of storage?
• Is it possible to add a shelf above or below the hanging space?
• Is it possible to add storage above the wardrobe or underneath?
• Is it possible to add boxes inside your wardrobe for shoes etc…?
• Can extra hanging space be installed? –increasing hanging space with new rails at the certain positions can be a great way of doubling up space if you have mostly hanging items. This goes hand in hand with the type of hanger you use as well
• Can you add hooks on the door for accessories or jewellery?
• Wardrobe stylist non negotiable rule – Everything must be visible! – if you can’t see all your clothing on accessing you wardrobe then you may as well not have it or wear it!
• Categorise – Consider storing things by colour / style / type or a mix. It will make life so much easier!
• Do any of the clothes need specific storage?

By following the above or  storing your clothes with all this in mind, then you will find that selecting and accessing your outfit each day will be a breeze!

At this stage you will be back to the beginnings of wardrobe stylists dream – a professional and personalised system that hasn’t broken the bank!

If you are battling with space still and can’t fit in certain items, you may well want to go and maximise the space further by using the correct storage products in the next step…

Step Eight – Get Any Organising Items / Storage essentials That Are Really Needed

Only ever look at purchasing items when you are out of the available space and there are actual items you still I want to keep. You want to buy the correct items to help assist rather than cause more clutter and just throw away your money.

Do some research on wardrobe storage tips and tricks and refer back to the questions you asked yourself earlier so you buy whats essential..

Now Let’s Take A Step Back….

Well done on achieving your DIY wardrobe makeover! You will hopefully see that these changes are for the best and can also be maintained in the long run…Now to Reality, the real life of your living wardrobe…

Step Nine – The real life – Live With It For A  Little While…

The 2nd last step is to live with the system, and to work with it daily.

Unfortunately clothes are constantly needed, will need to be constantly looked after to stay organised in your wardrobe otherwise sooner rather than later they will get messed up and cluttered once again.

Here are some essential wardrobe makeover directions to try and stay on top of your clothes and lifestyle, so lets create some new closet rituals:-

• The one in one out policy: Replace an old item for a new one so you don’t run out of space, a future proofing technique so that your wardrobe doesn’t become overwhelmed again.
• Know what you need –spend a little time working out what items go with what in your wardrobe, and what you need to complete an outfit – that way you are only ever getting more value out of what you already have. Stop wasting time and money on buying items that you won’t wear because you don’t need it or you haven’t got anything to complement it.
• Clothes rotation is key as the seasons change – look  to change your clothes over as weather shifts to hotter or colder months. Rotating clothes is also a good idea if you have a lot of them and none of them get missed!
• Look after your clothes – an organised wardrobe equals more wear and value from every piece of clothing you own – another way of saving you time and money.
• Catalogue you outfits – Take photos of you wearing the clothes, and add them to inside of the wardrobe door. That way you won’t forget that ensemble you liked and can see at a glance what you look like in things, what items complement each other. This trick makes it even easier to put outfits together quickly, and even easier to see what goes used.
• Prepare outfits the night before – if you have time think ahead, if you know what clothes you need for the following day you can hang them out ready so that you don’t need to rush around when you need to leave trying to ironing or having lost a pivitol accessory.

Step Ten – We have made it but Lets Evaluate & Make Any necessary Tweaks…

Finally the last step but an important one – The Evaluation Process. When it comes to evaluating the system you have put in place, you want to be able to easily change or correct anything that doesn’t seem to be working out for you.

You could be finding it hard to find items quickly still? Or do you still feel that you have too many clothes? – there are numerous ways that you could evaluate, but getting into the habit of upkeep will make daily life easier – especially if you have a lifestyle (career or weight) change that means a wardrobe change!

• Unsure of what you wear? Keep track of it! Get into the habit of having all coat hangers facing the same way when they are put into the wardrobe, and then when an outfit has been worn, put the hanger back but turned around. This is a super quick way of seeing at a glance what you actually wear…, You may be able to get rid of more clothing than first thought!
• The yearly wardrobe organisation assessment – On a yearly basis its a good idea go through your wardrobe and ensure that you have all the staples for your look, and that they are in good condition – if not, replace them! Items that can be considered staples are things like a good pair of jeans, a white shirt, a little black dress, knee length boots, strappy shoes, trainers, a good gym kit etc…. whatever you need that works for your look.

If you need help to getting started on organising your wardrobe chaos, contact your wardrobe organisation experts Mooving Matters your team of trusted and caring Professional Organisers  and Wardrobe makeover services Sydney. To arrange a complementary on-site inspection of your property by  Mooving Matters, your home organiser Sydney or to simply discuss our ‘Ultimate full service packing + moving’  experience call (02) 93375333 or visit us at moovingmatters.com.au.

Want to get your wardrobe properly organised once and for all? Mooving Matters the experienced wardrobe stylists can help get your started with their one on one wardrobe makeover services Sydney. Trust us once you have experienced our decluttering service you won’t want to go back!

If your organised wardrobe over the months has lost its way again never fear! This 2 part wardrobe organisation series should give you the simple steps to get you back on track and help you maintain your beautifully organised closet! Learning how to organise and manage your wardrobe makeover can save you tremendous amounts of time and money on a daily basis, so don’t delay it anymore!

Now let’s ASSESS the situation!

Step One – Identify the Reason/s for Re-organising your wardrobe

Does any of these sounds familiar on a daily basis?

“I just don’t have anything to wear!?”

“Where the hell is my…?”

“Ughh it’s in the wash or needs to be ironed!”

I’m sure frustratingly one or two of the above reasons are bound to resonate with you – and  why you want to get your closet space more organised quickly…. Now that you know why you want to get your wardrobe organised, keep this as your motivator and focus!

Step Two – Clear it out

All good Wardrobe Stylists recommend to remove everything as it is the only real way to see everything clearly.. Its only then you will be able to see exactly what clothes, shoes and accessories you have already and also what space is left for storing these clothes once they are returned back to the wardrobe. Going through items one at a time will take you much longer.

A trick that is helpful during this initial step of the wardrobe organisation process is to have a large flat surface to be able to layout your the clothes on – basically a bed, or even a table can be set up close by. Trust us this will make it less hard work and stress on your back than having to bend over to grab things off the floor constantly.

Step Three – Now what Space are we left with?

If you are lucky enough to have plenty of space, then it shouldn’t be a problem to return all of your clothes back in your wardrobe however in an organised manner. But you may have to think about storing some items elsewhere or doing another clothing cull.

Once you know what space you have left to play with, you can make the important decisions about how best to organise your wardrobe, and what techniques would work for you day in day out.

If you have run out of wardrobe space the last thing you want to do is simply move the problem out of the wardrobe and somewhere else in your Bedroom or home!  The key is to only mark out places that you would be able easily to store items such seasonal or special event clothing.

Hopefully now you should be drawing closer to what you would like to go where, how accessible certain items need to be within the space you have be it hanging, shelves or drawer spaces.

Step Four – Sort it out

Simply pick up each item of clothing and make a decision about its future there and then – Wardrobe stylists believe now is not the time for procrastination as this is the step that could overwhelm you and throw you off achieving your ultimate wardrobe makeover!

The 8 piles trick is the best way to sort it all out relatively quickly… Having some post notes or signage for each pile type will ensure no mix ups and resorting…

1. KEEP PILE 1 – FREQUENT USE– Items that still fit you, that coordinate with other items, items that you wear often – basically garmets you have worn in the last 3 months
2. KEEP PILE 2 – INFREQUENT USE – Special occasion items such as evening wear, your wedding dress, and or maternity wear.
3. KEEP PILE 3 – OUT OF SEASON – whatever is not worn in the season you are currently in
4. KEEP PILE 4 – TO ACTION – items that require cleaning, mending etc… – These items need to be tended to as soon as possible or they will be forgotten and create clutter! – Truth is you won’t wear them until these items are fixed or done so dont delay as they are of no use or value at present…
5. LOSE PILE 1 – CHARITY– Items in good condition that you don’t wear anymore
6. LOSE PILE 2 – GIVEAWAY– either to friends, Freecycle, supermarket recycling bins etc..
7. LOOSE PILE 3 – SELL – on Ebay or gumtree for example, branded relatively new or classic pieces that people will want are the best to sell online.
8. LOSE PILE 4 – RUBBISH– Only genuine garments that no one will be able to reuse goes in this pile.

Remember the Wardrobe stylist’s GOLDEN RULE:

 “FIND THE STRENGTH & BE RUTHLESS – THE REALITY IS YOU ONLY USE ABOUT 20% OF YOUR CLOTHES 80% OF THE TIME (IF YOU ARE LUCKY)!”

Now it’s time for the DECLUTTER dance!

Step Five – Piles no more!

Once you wardrobe contents has been categorised it’s now time to start to take on each pile by some instances removing them from the situation as soon as possible.

For now Ignore the first 3 categories, the KEEP PILES 1- 3 for the time being, as these are items that you want to keep and that don’t need significant action – they are all clothes and items that you will need to put back but organised later on.

Lets tackle each of the categories in turn:-

Lose Pile 1 – CHARITY

Get some large garbage bags and place in them all the items you wish to donate. Sometimes if you are finding it hard to say goodbye to your clothes it can help to donate them to a charity that’s close to your heart.

So your house doesn’t turn into a tip you will need to work out when you will be going to that charity shop in the near future, if you can do it right now, or make a note in your diary to take these bags when you are free in the next week or so. Place the bags somewhere out of the way and or where you will see and remember them for example like the boot of the car.

Lose Pile 2 – GIVEAWAY

As with the charity piles, you quickly want to work out where or who these items are going to, so make a plan to get them out of the house and into the right place or hands when you can. Otherwise give that person a call to see if they want it or to come by and check it out and collect it from you.

Lose Pile 3 – SELL

For this pile it is only really an options if you are going to have the time to organise the sale posts / ads. Remember you will also have to manage the auction and then visit the post office to send the bough items out. It can take up considerable time and energy to do this. Otherwise there are people who will do this for you however will take a cut of the sale price.

Lose Pile 4 – RUBBISH

If you have hit the button to get rid of these items completely as they are really worn or old and no one would want them then waste no time getting these to the bin or local tip.

Keep Pile 4 – TO ACTION

Is it stained, damaged and or needs mending, or it doesn’t fit and needs altering?.Once you tend to these items that need extra attention you will find your have a renewed wardrobe with lot of wearable outfits and options! When you look to drop things to charity or to your friends and family make a stop at the dry cleaners or alterations shop if you can’t do it yourself. Once the clothes have been actioned and collected they can then either be put into one of the KEEP piles, otherwise immediately placed into your newly organised wardrobe space.

WARDROBE MAKEOVER SERVICES SYDNEY

If you need help to get you started to organise your wardrobe chaos, contact your wardrobe organisation experts Mooving Matters your team of trusted and caring Professional Organisers  and Wardrobe Makeovers services Sydney. To arrange a complementary on-site inspection of your property by  Mooving Matters, your home organiser Sydney or to simply discuss our ‘Ultimate full service packing + moving’  experience call (02) 93375333 or visit us at moovingmatters.com.au.

How do they do it? How do professional organisers stay organised? Movers that pack for you, Mooving Matters share below the biggest golden rules, daily routines and rituals that they recommend and that you can introduce and maintain to keep your home clean, tidy and organised everyday…no excuses!

Prioritise

Most people whose spaces are effortlessly organised don’t actually think about organizing very much at all. Being organised is not their ultimate goal; it’s simply a by product of their lifestyle!

Home dis-organisation stems from lack of prioritisation. Most of us are caught up in a constant loop of always ‘being busy’ . It’s really important for one to write out how they want to spend their time. What is important to you? Once you get clear on what matters, you’ll be on your way to making changes that will affect your home and lifestyle for the better.

Make your bed

It should be seen as the most important activity to start the day, however many bypass this easy task. Bed making actually promotes productivity throughout your day and will help pave the way for a more organised lifestyle. It’s also a nice feeling to get into a made bed at the end of a long tiresome day!

Plan ahead

To be on top of things getting ready for the day ahead the night before is essential and it doesn’t take much out of your evening relaxation time either. Spend 15—20 minutes each evening tidying the house, cleaning up from dinner, putting toys away, turning the dishwasher on and doing a load of washing overnight. By doing this routine when you get up in the morning you are not waking up to chaos.

Professional organisers agree another helpful task to cover is to make sure that the next day’s lunches are organised and kids bags are packed for day-care or school. It will help tremendously to get you out the door in time the next morning.

Figuring out a daily routine that works for you and your family is vital – and it should be one you can easily stick to.

Time management is important but routine is critical. 

Enlist the help of others

Don’t let yourself do everything around the house! Improve your time management and stress levels and get your partner and or kids to share the load. For example start teaching children their responsibilities and to put away their toys from when they are toddlers.

As they hit their adolescent years they can help and manage their own bedrooms, laundry and school breakfast and lunches. They may not get it completely right but will still assist you more than they didn’t do anything for themselves.

Take the stress out of getting dressed

The key to getting ready for work or for outings with ease is to maintain an organised wardrobe.

The number one step is to firstly get your clothing under control is to assess your wardrobe via  a brutal purge. Get honest with yourself and keep what is meaningful in your life.

It has be said that most people actually only wear about 20% of the items in their wardrobe and rest is just sitting idle for months and years taking up room and collecting dust.

Basically go through the wardrobe contents and get what you don’t wear, and either offer to friends or family it or give it to a charity.

Once your cull is complete its time to sort out your belongings, you now want to create and  arrange your wardrobe in a systematic way so you can keep things in order on a daily basis.

A way this can be done is to divide clothing items into ‘work’ and ‘play’ attire into separate sections. These can then be sorted into groups of items such as shirts (long and short-sleeved), skirts, pants and so on, colour-blocking as she goes. Out of season and Winter clothes that take up the most space should be packed away in vacuum-packed bags and placed in high cupboards or under the bed during warmer months.

Drawer dividers and also storing folded items horizontally, rather than vertically, can also help as you will then be able to so find what you need at a glance.

Tidy as you go

Decluttering services experts Mooving Matters believe it’s always a good idea to clean up throughout the day, so that you are not overwhelmed and lumped with a cluttered mess at the day’s end. This is primarily focused on those problem areas as the kitchen where dishes can pile up in the sink and counter tops left dirty and in bedroom where clothes and bags can lay left scattered all over the place.

When you pick something up, ensure you return it to where it belongs as soon as possible.

Don’t let mail accumulate on the kitchen bench. Move it to the study or an in-tray – all it takes is a few seconds rather than a day’s worth of sorting if left for weeks…

Write things down

To be organised don’t expect you can retain and remember it all by creating lists in your memory bank. With our busy lifestyles it’s easier to keep track via jotting a list of goals for the day and or having a whiteboard in the kitchen where a timetable and to do lists for each week can be tackled. displaying a communal list and calendar  also ensures everyone in the household knows exactly what is happening on a given day or the tasks that need to be completed.

Being visual is a simple and powerful tool for communication and getting things done.Its also a great feeling of accomplishment to tick or strike things off a list!

Tend to your clothing when you take it off

Always hang, launder or fold every piece of clothing and DO NOT let anything touch the floor. Neglected clothing can slowly build up and lead to an overwhelming mound that know ones to tackle!

Wash your dishes

A sink full of dishes will instantly make your kitchen feel and look messy. Get in the habit of washing dishes at the end of the day or at least soaking them overnight so you can quickly wash them the next day.

Sort through your mail

Tend to your mailbox daily to avoid a build up of necessary bill payments and to-dos. Immediately toss junk mail into recycling and store the rest in an active inbox so you’ll know where to find it.

Set your keys down in the same spot

Whether it’s a hook by the front door or a plate set on a surface by the entrance, make sure your keys have a destination and place them there. You don’t want to spend time searching for them when it’s time to leave.

Empty out your pockets and bag at the end of the day

Take a couple of minutes to throw away any receipts or trash that you’ve acquired throughout the day. Place loose change into your wallet or coin jar and make sure any loose papers are filed or thrown away.

Implement an easy system

Do you want to feel Clean? Calm? & Collected in your home and lifestyle? Would you love it to be easier to find things? Easier to do things? The last thing you want to do then is to implement an elaborate or confusing system that only makes your life harder when you have minimal time!

Yes you will need a plan of action, and you definitely wont need every bin or gadget at the store, or enforce strict rules about what being organised means. The goal is to make your life easier, so priority number one is to figure out a system that you know you can actually achieve.

For example opt for a general catch-all bin to gather incoming mail rather than throwing it on the table like you used to. Set up a system that you know you’ll actually follow, not one so rigorous you’ll eventually give up.

Maintain it

Organised people know that slow and steady wins the race. Sure, it’s fun to get meticulously organised, sit back and admire your work. But your home is not a gallery or museum. You still need to live your life, and things are eventually going to get messy. To maintain an organized home long term, you must make organizing a habit.

Do at least one thing that makes you happy.

Life’s too short to have grumpy mornings. Listen to a favourite song, read your favourite quotes, watch a funny video, or just tell yourself you’re ready to have an enjoyable day and take time out for you.

Meditate

Don’t laugh many professional organisers mediate each morning. Studies have shown that meditation can help ease stress and anxiety, and make you more focused.

You don’t need a formal system to get started — even five minutes of quiet time could do the trick. It can be simply just lying there, not looking at your phone or rushing to get out of bed. Those first few moments when one wakes up can be when you have the most clarity, before the stress of the day sets in. So take some time to acknowledge and enjoy that before you get busy with your day ahead.

If you need help to get you started to organise your existing home or one you are about to move into, contact your mooving experts Mooving Matters your team of trusted and caring Professional Organisers  and Movers and packers in Sydney? To arrange a complementary on-site inspection of your property by  Mooving Matters, your home organiser Sydney or to simply discuss our ‘Ultimate full service packing + moving’  experience call (02) 93375333 or visit us at moovingmatters.com.au.

Ever wondered how they do it? How Professional organisers create the most organised spaces in no time and keep it that way? People generally end up with clutter because they either have too much stuff or not enough storage. See below some helpful advice used by the industry experts, mover and packers and home organisers Sydney, Mooving matters to help get you started and keep your home tidy and clean.

So let’s start on what the Top 3 things are that people leave around the home?

1. Clothes
2. Toys
3. Papers

These items may get put away somewhere however are they needed still or organised properly?  A main problem is created where the good and the bad get jumbled and lost together and each time these items are accessed is just causes more frustration! So let s discover the methods you should consider to get you on your way to a home organised and tidier home.

The 5 Piles

When sorting you should always create the mandatory 5 piles

1. Move to another room or space
2. Give to a certain person
3. throw away
4. Donate
5. The Marinating Pile

The essential Marinating pile is where you place items in this pile into a labelled box that is dated to be opened within 6 months to a year for packing. If the box is not touched or open by the due date, you should be able to safely discard those items if they aren’t precious keep sakes.

Want to speed up the process?

Make some rules and boundaries on what your keeping and discarding and stick to it. For example when culling your wardrobe look to donate clothes that no longer fit or may need to be repaired. And for magazines look to only keep ones within a year old.

Prepare for organisation to take a little longer

Make time for sorting through personal papers as on average it will take 5 times as long than expected.

Does it really need a lid?

In all honesty lids just make it harder to put things away.. this includes laundry baskets, bins and various other containers.  Clear storage boxes / containers however are great for holding everyday essentials from pantry items to your kids lego and toys. They fit in most shelving units and come in various volumes and you can always see clearly what is inside them.

Paperless?

The notion of a paperless society unfortunately has become a myth. The truth is people love things in hardcopy format and are often scared to part with it. It’s astonishing to know that 80 percent of the paper you get you don’t actually need. So to try and organise your paper chaos it’s important  to sort out your collection of papers at least every week if not daily, including magazines, catalogues, mail, receipts, etc.

Your number one goal!

Is to remove the clutter not create more storage space. So don’t go off and buy more containers and baskets and hooks! Don’t work in reverse create your 5 piles and do a clean out first.

Are you just a little too sentimental?

Do you have something from the past that you cannot part with but is just being neglected in storage or gather dust in a cupboard? If possible try and pass it on to someone who will use and respect it. Take a photo of it for yourself to remember it. If you can’t bear to part with a family heirloom then make sure it is given pride of place in your home by placing it out on display.

So you are considering Ebay or Gumtree?

But do you have the time? If you are serious about finishing the organisation of you space don’t look to also start a career in ebay sales. Unless you are already a online seller and really need the cash, it is recommended just to donate it…remember also your time is money!

Keep an eye on those potential layout spaces…

Flat worktop and surfaces unfortunately quickly become easy spaces to park random objects and create clutter. Home organisers recommend for example with dining tables to places a floral arrangement or decorative centre piece or even place settings to stop clutter from starting. You don’t want your dinner table no longer being used for eating meals at.

Put it in your boot

If anything needs to go somewhere it should be in your car and not in your house.

Keep your vouchers or discount coupons placed  in a clear folder so you have it on hand when needed. Get an errand basket to hold items that need to be returned. Buy some crates to store kids’ toys and various supplies or shopping. Also always have a car garbage bag for rubbish that always tends to accumulate on your car floor and under the seats.

Mark it in your diary

Or calendar, note all your important errands, exercise classes, cleaning tasks in it. Then make sure you prioritize the things that are  most important to you. If it’s not on your schedule, it’s not in your life.

My biggest secret?

Don’t procrastinate. If you postpone things that take a few minutes, it adds up and suddenly you’re looking at several hours to clear your clutter. A home organisers motto is to always tackle immediate things in the minute, so open your mail right away, do dishes right after you use them, and put things away as soon as you’re done with them.

Do you keep looking through that same paper pile?

It’s a huge time waster. So try this, every time you look at a piece of paper, put a red dot on it. If you’re ending up with 10 dots on one piece of paper, you need a new system to deal with your paperwork.

Please, get rid of that hired storage unit.

Stop wasting your money. The truth is you could buy all the stuff that’s in there for the price of the annual rental fee and that doesn’t include the cost of the moving truck and your time. The contents you have stored is usually never really worth what you think it is and you are better off losing it.

Want a roomier kitchen?

1. Adjust the heights of shelves in your kitchen cabinets or try and add more to create more space.
2. Remove unused kitchen gadgets as the bread maker and popcorn machine from your counter tops if you don’t use them weekly. Store miscellaneous appliances in cupboards or in a store room and only bring them out when you need to use them.
3. Do really need all those plastic container? keep the ones frequently used and donate the ones you rarely use or throw out the ones that are old.

Our favourite little kitchen tip:

Try to always load the dishwasher in an organised manner by grouping the same utensils and crockery types together. It will make it easier and faster when unloading and placing items back in the drawers and cupboards that they came from.

Get in your closet.

Open your wardrobe and do yourself a favour and hang everything backwards on the rod. Once you have worn it place it back the normal way. Within 6 months if you still have items still facing backwards then look to get rid of them or if out of season place in storage bags and out of hanging space.

Transform your closet

It’s as simple as converting to 1 type of hanger! Using the one type allows clothes to sit at the same height and to see everything better. Velvet covered ones also ensure clothes don’t fall off them as easily.

Get more out or into your closet

Just by putting in an extra tension rod so you can hang shirts on top and skirts on the bottom, and always add hooks to hang jewellery and scarves if you have extra wall space. You can even put a chest of drawers in there if you have the room.

The hanging shoe bag

These storage creation aren’t just handy for shoes, they can be used for all those little items and accessories as gloves and hats in winter and for sunblock, sunglasses and goggles in summer, and even for crafts, toiletries and makeup.

Don’t keep cardboard boxes

Cardboard storage boxes are a great hiding spot and home for bugs and roaches. So once you have moved or renovated recycle or dispose or those cardboard boxes and if you need boxes invest in clear plastic storage boxes.

Don’t feel guilty

If you have kids the last thing you want to do is throw away their artwork creations. A good idea is to purchase an album to place these in or storage picture frame such as a Li’l Davinci Art Cabinet which can store up to 50 pieces inside that can be rotated for display. Your kids when they are grown up will also be grateful if you label and store special mile stone keepsakes.

In summary you don’t need to be neat freak to get your household organised. And being organised doesn’t mean everything is in its place; it means everything has a place and can easily go back in its place every time. A rule of thumb is if you can get your house ready for a surprise visitor in under 30 minutes, then you’re organised. And its ok to have not only one, but a couple of random item junk drawers in your kitchen! Your biggest motivator for getting organised will be the more freedom and time to have fun and do the things you really want to do on your days off.

The top 5 mistakes professional organisers always notice that you may miss

To help you make the most of your decluttering and organising goals we thought it best to  share the most common top five mistakes we notice with our clients when they fail at organising, and to help us come up with actionable solutions that ensure we will never relapse into a giant disorganised mess again.

Do you think you’re making organisational mistakes that are keeping you from truly getting your clutter under control? Understanding the following may help you achieve better organisation of your home.

Mistake 1: Not decluttering before organising

Attempting to organise your belongings before thoroughly editing them will probably leave you feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. Remember, organised clutter is still clutter! Firstly weed out outdated, damaged and unused items before starting to organise where they will go.

And if you get stuck, ask yourself the following 4 simple questions:

1. Would I pay full price for this item today?
2. Would I miss not having this item in my day to day life?
3. Is this item really worth the space it’s taking up in my home?
4. Does this item add any value to my life right now?

Mistake 2: Not categorising your items

Are you having issue finding things in your home? Could it be because your belongings haven’t been grouped and stored together by both type and usage? Think to how a supermarket is set up in categories such as fresh produce, dairy, confectionary etc it a wise idea to apply the same organisational methodology to your home. Setting up stations is another way to look at it. For example a “bill-pay station” which is stocked with envelopes, stamps, cheque books, and pens; or a “gift-wrapping station” containing wrapping paper, tissue, ribbon, gift tags, scissors, cards, and tape. It’s also really helpful to create a designated space for all household utility essentials such as light bulbs, batteries and tools.

By consolidating your own household belongings by type and usage, and making sure to create one centralised zone or “home” for each category will make your life a lot more stream lined and stress free.

Mistake 3: Not creating a plan before buying storage containers

The more storage you have does not mean the more organised you will be unfortunately. It’s one of the greatest misconception professional organisers have to deal with, with their clients.  So don’t fall for buying all the new nifty container from your local home wares store.  Before you head out to make such purchases make sure you have made a specific list of items you actually need to store your actual belongings. It is essential to measure the size of the storage area you are going to place the new boxes so they fit functionally. Otherwise all those great looking bins and baskets you bought will only become useless and add to clutter.

Mistake 4: Not answering the vital questions

Mooving Matters believes you should ask yourself if each item you own sparks “happiness” however there is still more to this when overcoming the clutter factor. If you goal is to truly have less clutter in your home, but you feel overwhelmed or resistant to parting with your stuff, you may simply be focusing on the wrong questions as you assess each item.  Questions like, “Could this be useful one day?” “Did someone give this to me?” “Did I pay a lot of money for this item?” stem from in guilt and fear – and basically give you the justification to not let go of anything and hold on to everything.

Professional home organisers recommend that you focus on the following constructive questions. Such  questions will help keep you on track in creating a space that supports your current goals and lifestyle. You don’t want to be careless and turf everything but try to remain on the goal on keeping things that are truly meaningful or still functional.

1. Does this item support my current values and priorities?
2. Does this item fit in with the vision I have for my ideal home?
3. Does this item still important and meaningful to me?
4. Could this item be more useful or helpful for another person?

Mistake #5: No vision of the final outcome

Stop feeling like organisation should be a daunting and draining task. To alleviate this emotional toil start with a clear vision in mind. The clients who have the best and quickest successes, are those who have clearly defined their motivation for wanting to make a change. So what is your goal?  Do you want to make space for a nursery for a new baby? Or do you want to declutter so you can rent your home out and travel? Or do you just want to feel comfortable entertaining and hosting friends and family in your home without feeling embarrassed. Today is the first step so take the time to clearly define your personal reasons for wanting to transform your living spaces. You may get stuck at some point in your journey but don’t get disheartened, simply remind yourself of what you are trying to create. If you keep the goal at hand, the mission of decluttering will fly by and be stress free.

So Why Hire Professional Decluttering Experts?

The 3 main reasons you need Mooving Matters

1. Decluttering services experts will get you around to It

You work full time, you juggle a couple of kids and really you have other things that need to be done first. Unfortunately we all get busy and there is always something else to side track you. You may not be able to jump into organising your home yourself but its still your goal you have been endeavouring to “get around to it” for some time. At Mooving Matters our team helps you achieve your goal without you having to be hands on. As professional decluttering experts we will get you there and provide you strategies to maintain your newly organised home.

2. Decluttering services experts will help you see the reality of the situation

Stop wasting time and thinking about what you are going to do with your stuff!. Our team will assist in providing a fresh perspective and share our expert knowledge, that helps you “get real” about your time, information, space, and ‘stuff’.

3. Decluttering services experts will give the head start you need

Our expert team has been there and done that numerous times. We are experienced and understand the best known methods for your decluttering situation, as well as  your quickly understanding your learning style, brain type, and personality. We will give you a customised assessment and create a realistic ‘real world’ plan to your budget and time frame.

Are you needing a team of trusted and caring Professional Organisers  and Movers and packers in Sydney? To arrange a complementary on-site inspection of your property by  Mooving Matters, your home organiser Sydney or to simply discuss our ‘Ultimate full service packing + moving’  experience call (02) 93375333 or visit us at moovingmatters.com.au.

What do Professional Organisers Really Do, And How Can They Help?

People who require the assistance of a professional or home organiser come from all walks for life. For some they may suffer anxiety issues when it comes to organisation, and a helping hand is all they need. Or alternatively it maybe a married couple who may hire the expertise of a professional organiser because one is much messier than the other, and having someone’s objective in the middle helps reduce strain and unneeded tension in their relationship and home life front.
To be honest there’s so much more to being a professional organiser than just sorting items into three bins marked “keep”, “toss” and “donate”, and there’s more to the profession they frequenting storage ware shops for next best packing and organising box. In truth getting help from an home organiser is no different than getting help for any other issue you may not be able solve or do on your own.

“Professional organisers are trained, skilled specialists who help people create order where it is lacking in their lives, so that they can make long-term improvements and keep disorder and frustration away”.

Professional organisers can offer an objective, experienced opinion to help you move forward. They will offer that opinion or help you discover options you wouldn’t have known on your own. Decluttering is rarely as easy as “just throw it away” or “anything you haven’t used or worn in a year should go”, for many items have historic and sentimental attachments that are hard to part with.

Unfortunately many people think organising is something everyone should innately be capable of doing, like boiling water. The truth is quiet the opposite.

At the end of the day, a professional organiser is like any other specialist. They can help you when you need their specific skills.

Professional organisers work with more resources than the average person. We know a wider array of trades including closet companies, movers, art appraisers, garage companies, painters, auction houses, organising products and stores, junk companies, shredding companies, consignment stores, , contractors, etc. We know who is reliable and appropriate for each budget. We have developed relationships with a lot of these companies to be able to offer discounts for our clients.

The advantage of undergoing decluttering services via an experienced home organiser is that they will have a better idea on what is worth selling and what is worth donating. And they won’t throw away a single thing without their client’s permission, they should present their client with every alternative to keeping or discarding an item.

Who Can Benefit from a Professional Organiser

People tend to think of POs as working just with people who are already “disorganised” — and that’s often true — but many of us are also brought in before any disorganisation or dysfunction occurs to create systems that work. In this way, professional organisers working with their clients are proactive, and not just reactive.

But of course, that’s not what most people are thinking about when they discuss what professional organisers do. They’re thinking about mostly the decluttering services aspect — the removal of piles of stuff.  Whether the “stuff” is tangible objects (kitchen items, laundry, paperwork), temporary (to-do items, projects for work or home, appointments, lessons) or emotional (worries and fears, hopes, plans), organising is never about the accumulated stuff. It’s about the person who owns or interacts with the stuff.

Why People Seek the Help of Professional Organisers

Getting organised or seeking the help of a professional organiser doesn’t aim to make your home look like a design catalogue. A good eye for design of course plays a role, but the most successful spaces are the ones that give you room to work and get messy when you need  and want to. When it’s time to clean up, you’ll be able to do it quickly because you have a system already in place that is easy to follow every time.

Here are three basic reasons people employ the help of an OP:

1. They don’t know how to get organised or where to start on their own. Some people get overwhelmed and too anxious to even begin. A Professional Organiser can help find a good starting point and create a plan to follow. Knowing the steps to take (usually starting with cleaning out the storage spaces first, then going through everything needs to be stored to decide what to keep, then figure out how to best fit it in that space) and knowing someone is going to keep you focused and productive can make it a whole lot easier to accomplish your goals.
2. They don’t have the time to do it on their own. They have busy families or jobs and need an extra set of hands to complete a space quicker. A Professional Organiser can work with you and make it all happen in a fraction of the time.
3. They don’t want to do it themselves at all. Just like accountants, tailors and housekeepers, there are certain activities that people are capable of doing themselves, but they just don’t want to spend their time on it.

The common services professional organisers can offer:

HANDS-ON ORGANISING

One organiser or an organising team will come to your home or office, to work with you to organise the space and then advise you on the best organising strategies for your specific challenges. The time investment can vary anywhere from a few hours to many weeks, and is all dependent on three important aspects – the size of the space, the amount of clutter and your ability to make decisions.

HOME MAINTENANCE

Not your average maintenance person, organisers however can help create optimal organisational systems for relatively organised homes. Home maintenance could include an annual clean out of your kitchen pantry or help with redesigning your home’s garage and storage areas. Organisers can help you to streamline your household and encourage communication and reduce friction between family members.

TIME MANAGEMENT

Time management requires prioritisation, which can be extremely challenging to do alone. When you’re stressed and overwhelmed, everything seems important. An organiser can help you and your family evaluate which activities should be placed higher on the to do list  and what can be eliminated.

MOVING, RELOCATING AND DOWNSIZING

Moving is an incredibly time-consuming and stressful time and task, especially if you’re moving an entire family  home. Professional organisers like Mooving Matters specialise in moves and relocations, They can help  manage everything from liasing with moving companies to packing, unpacking and styling and organising all your household belongings into your new home.

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ORGANISERS DON’T DO

Professional organisers are not household cleaners. Though they may offer hands-on organising, their job is to organize your clutter, not clean your home but can organise a cleaner for you. 

Professional organisers will not force their services on someone who doesn’t want help. Many times a family member of someone struggling with clutter will call a professional organizer for the other person. If someone’s not ready for help, or simply doesn’t want it, an organiser won’t be able to contribute.

With todays work loads and busy lifestyles, more often than not it’s worth paying someone to help you set up a system that eliminates your frustration instead of hoping one day soon you’ll eventually have the time to handle it yourself.

An Organiser’s service can be tailored to be a long or short term relationship Those who have psychological or emotional issues around their clutter, a relationship with an organiser may be a prolonged processes or someone you meet with every few months after an initial project. For others looking to organise a home office, for example, their work with an organiser maybe to get that simple decluttering service completed in a day. Either way, you don’t work with a professional organiser remotely — they work one on one with you.

How to Choose a Reliable, Helpful Professional Organiser

It totally acceptable to ask a PO for his/her credentials, training and experience when considering hiring one. Importantly you want to ask for references. It is recommended that people identify two or three POs in their area or state who appear to meet their needs and then to set up phone or in-person interviews to identify which one best meshes with your personality. You are trusting a PO with your personal possessions and inviting this person into your home or office, and you should feel comfortable with that close relationship.

Don’t be afraid to ask estimates, let an organiser know what your budget is so they better understand what they have to work with and waste anybodies time on options you can’t afford.

Working with an organiser is nothing to be embarrassed about nor does it suggest you are a clinical hoarder — so don’t be shy about it, be proactive today and give Mooving Matters a call. Remember helping people get organised isn’t just about putting things in boxes, it’s about getting to know people, helping them move past their own mental blocks and trip-ups, getting the to forgive themselves, and make progress not just with their stuff but with their lives as a whole.

Are you needing a team of trusted and caring Professional Organisers  and Movers and packers in Sydney? To arrange a complementary on-site inspection of your property by  Mooving Matters, your home organiser Sydney or to simply discuss our ‘Ultimate full service packing + moving’  experience call (02) 93375333 or visit us at moovingmatters.com.au.

Are you looking to help move a senior loved one into a new home, or moving both parents into a senior community or retirement village? Moving someone’s lifetime of belongings from one house to another can be a particularly stressful and challenging experience for all parties. There are numerous  scenarios on why the move could be happening; the of a death of a partner, their house has gotten too big, they are struggling to cope and need extra care, all the above circumstance will usually require downsizing and this can be very daunting time of change. Adult children and care givers will want to ensure the transition goes smoothly, tending to their health, finances and logistics. The following article by  professional organiser Sydney – Mooving Matters hopes to provide useful tips and helpful advice to alleviate stress and how to stream line the senior move process, helping ease them to adjusting to their new home and surroundings sooner.

How to help with moving the elderly

If your elderly relative needs additional support during a move, particularly if you can’t be present,  Movers and packers; offering full service packing and moving and unpacking services can really help.

Topping the list of the most difficult aspect of moving for seniors is the culling of their possessions as they look downsize their home.

“As a majority of our senior clients have been living the same house all their life, it can become very stressful and disorientating to make decisions on what to take with them,” Home organiser Anne Maree says. “This is when family and friends and or a qualified removalists and professional organiser team such as ours step in. The main objective is to keep them calm and to not be overly hands-on throughout the move”.

“Prior to the move we have our all women decluttering services specialists to help sort, cull and organise clients’ belongings. In most cases our clients can’t bring everything to the new house if they are downsizing. We believe taking snap shots of their existing display cabinets so that everything returns back the same way is an excellent idea – it is the elderly that tend to worry about these aspects of moving to a new environment, they want continuity”.

“It is essential seniors need someone to help over see their move, especially if they don’t have family or friends to assist, that’s where home organisers are a god send. The elderly get very tired very quickly, and at times forgetful. It is always good thinking to have a well packed “Essentials” go to box containing important medications, and any items they may require immediately so there is not any confusion or upsetting situations on moving day.” Explains Anne Maree, director of Mooving Matters, packing services Sydney. 

“A great tip is to also make sure they have all necessary local phone numbers at their finger tips and that their new bedroom is set up perfectly for the first night with all the absolute essentials at arm’s length.”

Below is a “how to list” and ideas to manage a senior move:

1. Communication and Choice – Get them involved

Seniors are usually very emotionally invested in their home; there will be sadness and apprehension about the pending move to a new one. Firstly ensure to make time to chat about the move with them but also allow them time to grieve the pending change. Talk to them about where they will be living next, the new neighbourhood and community and why they are moving, this will help make them feel more comfortable about the transition and hopefully make it smoother. Seniors tend to get stressed when there is a perceived loss of control in their life, so give them as much love, understanding and choice as they or you collaboratively organise and set their move in motion.

Packing, the physical aspect of the move is where most seniors will require a lot of assistance with but at the same time be careful not to take over or make them feel useless. With numerous years worth of sentimental objects, it more than likely they will need to get rid of items but remember to involve them in the decision making process of what is to move with them and what will be ultimately discarded. If you can’t help during this time bring in trusted move management specialists and professional home organisers to provide a head start and hand along the whole move process.

If your elderly relative is unwell and unable to pack at all, they can still assist. Have them sit in a comfortable chair near where you are sorting and packing so that they can easily discuss and help guide you as you undertaking the moving process.

Always remember it is their home when you arrive at the new place, and you must ask them or place things where they prefer things to go and can easily find things or reach them. Never just assume and place things where you like or think they should go.

2. Where to Start? How to plan effectively a seniors move well in advance

It’s always a good idea if you have the time, plan the move for a few months to even a year coming. Move management starts with decluttering and sorting through the accumulation of years of belongings which can be a very hard, exhausting and cause emotionally agony. Elderly people also need time to adjust to the change and process so you don’t want them to feel forced into moving before they are mentally ready. Below are key points to get you going:

• Make lists & keep a notebook – Just for the move and keep it on you at all times, and whenever you think of something you can write it down. Include to-do lists, a calendar/timeline, things you’re likely to forget, questions about the new residence, floor plans. Even anecdotes or historical notes about possessions are also great to capture. Although the notebook may not be particularly orderly, at least you’ll know where to find the info during the busy time.
• Request estimates from reputable moving and packing companies – Some fees may be negotiable especially if you plan ahead and schedule the move for off peak times. Packing services companies such as mMooving Matters can do all this for you!
• Set a date – As soon as possible lock in a firm date for the move and inform those it effects most.
• Take photos – Before families or friends embark on the sorting and home organising process, it helps to have photographs and a sketch plan of what they are going to. What and how many rooms need to be furnished? What furniture items do they need and will their existing items ones fit  or last in the new place?
• Make a floor plan – Or template of the new home. Be sure measurements are accurate, and reflect placement of doors, windows, appliances, storage etc. Best to know precisely how much space you will have and not left guessing or fall short.
• Consider accessibility – Be sure to check accessibility points to new home if there are any mobility issues involved. You will want to determine the number of stairs and alternate paths of travel, there are any elevators or lifts? Is the new home is wheelchair accessible? I is wise to visit the new home ahead of time if possible to install safety measures like handles in the shower or near the toilet, and no slip surfaces throughout. Although they may not need at the minute, there may come a day when such support devices are required.
• Weather – Before your moving day, keep an eye on the weather. Moving in the cold or during storms is not ideal and can be especially difficult for seniors, who often have weaker immune systems and are generally more fragile. If you know you’re planning a move during the winter months, have a backup plan in case as the last thing you want is to have your loved one end up in the emergency room with pneumonia or, worse, have them end up in hospital with a broken hip from a fall.

If finances allow or you just don’t have enough time to assist, consider hiring Mooving Matters, your trusted movers and packers, and decluttering experts who can help with your senior relocations.

3. Get family on board & divide tasks

It’s impossible to expect an elderly person to sort and pack their whole house in a weekend but you can get them to start to do a small area of packing if they are able. Its best to logically work through one area or cupboard at a time so it doesn’t overwhelm them with the enormity of the task and get them flustered. Mooving Matters would agree it makes sense to get them to begin in a room that has the least sentimental meaning such as spare or guest bedroom or bathroom. It’s also best to keep packing to a few hours a day. For the fastest and best result  to engage a packing services company to do the work for you…

4. Sort and Organise

Go through the house room by room and item by item with your support team or family members who can help out. It’s a good time saving idea to categorize objects into 4 main groups to make the process more streamlined:

1. items to be moved,
2. keepsakes to be maintained
3. items to be sold or donated, and
4. items to be thrown out.

A few points to consider when sorting and retaining or throwing items:

• Shred, toss or give away obvious items such as old cancelled cheque books, outdated food or medications, clothes, or extraneous household items that consume space.
• Best to ask an accountant or tax person what records need to be retained.
• Undertake the decluttering process gradually in months leading up to move. You’ll be surprised at how much you can eliminate before you delve into quandaries of dealing with sentimental possessions.
• Collate and retain important papers & records including deeds, wills, Powers of Attorney, medical records, diplomas and degrees, birth certificates, passports. These can be in a file cabinet or safe-deposit box, but let key family members know where they are and have access to them.
• Inform grown children to no longer use the home as a storage space. Now is the time for them to claim their keepsakes and take them with them.
• Try to limit sorting and packing takes to no more than a couple of hours per day for your parent or elderly person. Try to keep it relaxed and social, enjoy a cuppa or glass of wine and always take well earnt breaks.

In the midst of such a move its key to remember, these are not just things you’re moving about or discarding; they are often have priceless memories attached to them. So be open to their feelings and your own feelings, especially if this was your childhood home as well.

5. Clean and Repair

After the major task of organising and packing is completed, there is work that still needs to tackled. Regardless on if the house is going to be sold, rented or passed on to another relative — the house still needs to be thoroughly cleaned and essential repairs made where needed. It’s better to take care of major maintenance issues as soon as possible and all at once rather than dealing with them later or when it gets worse while the house is for sale or once new occupiers have moved in.

6. Be Patient & Calm

Calm and patience is important when helping your senior relative move homes. If they seem to be taking a long time packing an area and keep getting distracted by old photographs, etc please leave them be and let them enjoy this moment. This is all about enjoying the journey of the move.

As one grows old their brain is often not as sharp as it use to be and their response time is slower than what you have patience for. Rushing them won’t get you anywhere or anything accomplished.

In the midst of this process as most professional organisers agree one needs to be kind and listen to their elderly relative or friend’s treasured stories. One must place themselves in their shoes, appreciate their life history, and remember, you are also there to provide both physical and emotional support. You will need the same respect and time one day.

7. Hire trusted movers and packers

Professional “movers that pack for you” is what you need. Packing services Sydney company, Mooving Matters can take care of the move from start to finish, including arranging decluttering services as well as full service packing and unpacking packages. As a home organiser they have all the right equipment to move large bulky items with ease and therefore reducing the risks of costly breakages or damage. It also means your relatives won’t feel obliged to help or won’t feel guilty watching you carry boxes back and forth to a truck.

Mooving matters can help you organise a moving plan and schedule that suits both yourself and your elderly relative or friend ensuring a smooth transition to their new home.

8. Plan the Moving Day

There are differing strategies for moving your senior loved one into their new home and truthfully a full service mover and packer service is the easiest way to go, and doesn’t have to be the most expensive. They will load everything, deliver to its destination and put things in the right place. There are numerous degrees of DIY options available too where you can rent a moving truck or trailer. But, even the DIY option of renting a truck isn’t cheap when you factor in the time and fuel consumption.

Experienced movers and packers understand and will look after your precious cargo of all: your loved ones. Most senior people have outgrown their road-trip days and probably wouldn’t be too keen on arduous long haul drive.  If  you do decide to pack and move everything yourself, consider arranging for your senior loved one to fly to their destination if its interstate. If they have any health issues, these of course need to be considered– but we hope these tips help you better plan and execute your elder loved one’s next move.

General check list for moving senior persons:

• sorting and decision-making
• packing
• arranging the move
• arranging for charity pick up, garage sale, estate sale or consignment shops
• unpacking boxes and arranging new home.

• If pets are involved, be sure to have a plan for them to be moved and accommodated in their new home.
• If needed, change providers for utilities such as gas and electricity.
• Refill prescriptions in advance.
• Complete address changes:
• Post Office
  • credit cards
  • bank accounts
  • investment/retirement accounts
  • Medicare & Social Security
  • voter’s registration
  • family & friends contact details
  • driver’s license/car registration
  • newspaper/magazine subscriptions
  • social clubs & places of worship
  • notify lawyer, accountant, insurance agent, other

9. Packing

• Welcome others to help with packing chores: family members, friends, the move specialist or home organiser company. With everything pre-labelled, the task is much easier and straight forward.
• Label all boxes with their destination room/area in the new residence.
• Moving companies can supply specialized containers, e.g., wardrobe boxes, so you can leave clothes on hangers.
• Pack “open first” box(es) or Essentials Kit. The contents are for setting up sleeping accommodations and the bathroom. Include items such as fresh bedding, soap, toilet paper, toothpaste & toothbrush, comb, nightclothes, towel, plate and utensils, one change of clothes, flashlight, tape, scissors.
• Pack other important items that you’ll keep with you during the move: new lease or residence contract, keys, medications, legal documents, phone / mobile, address book, first-aid kit, extra cash, your relocation notebook. Label this container. Valuables such as jewellery should be in a safe or lockable box unless items are worn regularly.

10. Moving

• Be sure you have a written contract from the moving company and clear idea of coverage for lost or damaged possessions.
• Get a firm time for their arrival, at both the old and new residences.
• Check inventory lists.
• Check payment options: credit card or check?
• Have someone assigned to meet the movers at the new residence. Be sure they have a key! If this is a facility, be sure the manager is expecting you.
• Ensure that all boxes are properly labelled.
• Use the “open first” boxes to set up the bedroom and bathroom immediately.
• Prepare to spend a few days unpacking and organising. Get someone to help if you can as work as quickly as you can to make this new residence to feel homelike.

11. Settling In

Plan to call and or visit often with your parent or elderly friend. They will need time to adjust to their new surroundings which may take days, weeks or months. Each persons’ reactions differ after such a change process. Some people can just be relieved at not being alone and no longer having to maintain a large home. Others may be scared, withdrawn and worried about making new friends. In some shape or form many do grieve the loss of their old community and friends and lifestyle. On a positive note it’s great when one feels they should have undertaken the move years ago.

Embarking on a seniors move and need a team of trusted and caring Movers and packers? To arrange a complementary on-site inspection of your property by  Mooving Matters, your home organiser Sydney or to simply discuss our ‘Ultimate full service packing + moving’  experience call (02) 93375333 or visit us at moovingmatters.com.au.

It’s no surprise that “moving house” has been ranked as being one of life’s most stressful experiences. So if it’s an overwhelming and emotional time by adults and parents alike, how do our younger generations feel and cope with such a major home life transition, especially if they have only ever known one home?

This article aims to provide some informative tips and insights on how to survive each stage of a big move with your little ones (and not so little ones) and how Mooving matters, your full service packing and moving team and professional organiser Sydney can help you along in the process.

1. Before the Move:

Talk about the Move and get them ready:

• Once the decision has been made to make a move, its best to organise a family meeting and have honest and open communication on the moving plans with your kids. Teenagers especially don’t like surprises so make sure your immediate family know what is going to happen and when changes will commence and also how they are expected to help. Involve them where possible in the decision making.
• Try and answer all questions your kids have truthfully.
• Even if the transition is for the better and will improve family life, children may not understand or see it that way, and tend to focus on the uncertain aspect of the move such as making new friends in a new neighbourhood.

Introduce them early to the idea of moving, the new house and new suburb:

• If you can make a family excursion to the new home and new area they’ll be living in prior the move. This can help minimise any anxiety they may have and at the same time engage and create excitement. If this isn’t possible take a virtual tour online.
• Research the new area and its opportunities for new activities.
• Let them gain ownership and give them a chance to think about how their new bedroom will look.
• Get young children to read books about families that have moved house to help prepare them for the move.

– Big Ernie’s New Home, By Teresa and Whitney Martin

– Louis + Bobo: We Are Moving, By Christiane Engle

– The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day, By Stan and Jan Berenstain

Book recommendations – Ages 6 and Up

– Maybe Yes, Maybe No, Maybe Maybe, By Susan Patron

– Where I Live, By Eileen Spinelli

Packing and de-cluttering

• Moving house is the best opportunity to de-clutter. A good rule of thumb and a great of move management strategy is if you haven’t used something in the last year then it’s time to toss it.
• When de-cluttering, set up a box of items to donate, a box for goods to sell, and a box for the items to be binned. If you think you will have a lot of rubbish, it’s a good idea to order a skip for the week or two before your move. Keep toys and clothes to be moved to a minimum.
• Let kids get creative and decorate packing boxes to show what’s in them
• Get someone to look after kids while you pack, or pack in the evening when the children are asleep. If you need to pack during the day, get the kids helping to pack the non-fragile items. Otherwise save our precious time and the the headache and get MOOVING MATTERS – your home organiser Sydney in, the movers that pack for you… and don’t forget to ask about our decluttering services!
• Disassemble the beds and let them sleep on the mattresses for a week or so before the move.
• Leave their favourite toys out as long as possible and pack everything else first.

For further hints and tips refer to our Mooving Tips article The Essential De-clutter Guide

Engage the professionals – A home organiser:

Contact Mooving matters, the packing services Sydney team and let their professional organiser deliver a full service packing and moving package. Our team of movers and packers will meticulously pack, move and unpack your home to your liking so you have more time to be with your kids.

Make it a fun experience – Pack A Special Move Box

• As you start the packing up of your current home, get each of the kids to pack their very own special box of their most prized possessions. This will include items they’ll want to have as soon as they arrive to the new home.
• Allowing easy accessibility to their things, will allow them to feel more comfortable in their new room and home more quickly.
• Always handy to include stuff they’ll need the first night, including bed linen toiletries, pjs, and favourite toy.

Mooving Matters, your movers that pack for you, believe your Children’s well-being must be a priority during the moving process.

A lot of Mooving Matters clients have young families. “If you have the time you could look to pack yourself but throw a couple of kids in the mix, it definitely helps to have some extra experienced hands to help you out and relive some of the burden on your family”. Director of Mooving Matters, Anne Maree says, “I hire only experienced mature and reliable women, because we understand the level of service our clients are after and deserve”. Their full service packing and moving package run by only professional organisers could be the answer to your moving prayers and offer you peace of mind.

“It’s highly recommended if younger children can stay with friends or family or a sitter on moving day”. This will ensure not only that they don’t get bored or hold up the process but also their safety – because when removalists are carrying out a heavy piece of furniture, the last thing you want is the little ones getting in the way or in danger.

“As movers that pack for you and more, we ask what time the kids are due to arrive to their new home and we will make certain to have their rooms unpacked and ready for them. Their bed made, all their toys out and their clothes ordered neatly in the wardrobe. It’s the little details that show you care and give the room that warm welcoming feeling.”

2. On Moving Day:

• Use a baby sitter if possible or ask for help from family and friends – especially if you have younger children, otherwise you’ll have to keep your eye on them during the move.
• Pack a picnic – sandwiches and drinks for when you all need a break. If they are with you on the day prepare snack packs for the kids
• If children are old enough let them help – they can take care of pets, in pet-carrier
• Make the move fun – provide a fun-pack for each child to keep them amused and out of yours and the movers way. Packs can include – Books or Picture books, Colouring and activity books and crayons, Stickers and sticker pads and Small puzzles.
• Keep tools needed to put beds back together handy. Always stick screws and bolts to bed frames in a zip lock bag.
• Have beds & linen ready – Have the beds put together first thing so everyone has somewhere comfortable to sleep on the first night.
• Get the kids rooms set up as a priority and make them as homely as possible.
• Hiring a removalist WILL make things easier to move in one go. You can also ask removalists to put the furniture together when you arrive.
• Move house while the children are at school or day care so that they’re not underfoot. It is important to make sure the kids are occupied and not in danger.
• OR just let your professional organiser and packing services Sydney- Mooving Matters take over! Simple as that!

3. In the new house:

The last but most important stage of your home’s move management.

• Prioritise your new home set up – bedrooms and kitchen are first inline and then get the bathroom ready for use. The fridge and BBQ or microwave (for easy meals) are essential items to have ready to go in the new house.
• It’s not uncommon for children’s behaviour to change with the changes. Give it a little time.
•  Save some left over packing boxes for play for the little, they will love it.
• Keep the kids room as similar as possible to the old house and let them help set up and decorate their new rooms.
• Use a nightlight at the new place until they adjust to the change.
• Make sure you have bread and milk and any other essentials ready.
• Let them unpack a special box when you get there.
• Try to stay calm so that your kids are not picking up on your anxiety. Make it an exciting family adventure.
• Ease the adjustment and try maintain some of your old routines, such as bedtime rituals especially for younger children.

Need a team of Movers and packers? To arrange a complementary on-site inspection of your property by the Mooving Matters the home organiser Sydney team or to simply discuss your ‘Ultimate full service packing + moving’  experience call (02) 93375333 or visit us at moovingmatters.com.au. 

Mooving Matters – Professional Organiser Sydney for Full Service Packing and Moving and Presale Styling!

Moving? How to use an interior design to sell your house faster

You have found the property to move into but you’ve still got to sell the old one, and the time is ticking because the longer it takes the more it costs you. Although you can partially stage a property for sale while you still live there, as soon as your removalists are out the door is a great time to maximise the impact that a home stylist can bring to the potential of your sale.

Statistics tell us that selling a property that has a furnished and styled interior reduces the time the property is on the market and can also potentially increase the sale price.

So What is Property or Presale Styling?

Property and pre sale styling is simply engaging a qualified property stylist and home organiser to prepare and style your home in a way that enables it to appeal to the largest numbers of buyers prior to putting it on the market. It is about enhancing and transforming your home both aesthetically and functionally so that the potential buyer can easily picture themselves living there and making it their future home.

At Mooving Matters, your professional organiser Sydney, we are the movers that pack for you and more. Our full service packing and moving service can also provide a stylist who will work with you on all aspects of your home to increase its appeal. Our pre-sale styling service offering will cover the following essential aspects:

– Improvement of the furniture layout to make the most of the space that you have. This involves using the right amount and type of furniture, and making sure that the rooms are linked in order to create a flow within the home and its overall design.

– The selection of the appropriate colour scheme used in accessories and when looking to repaint. Whatever palette is selected it should be one that best highlights your homes features.

–  Ensuring that the home is clean, uncluttered, and not over personalised. Basically making sure that the home does not feel like it already belongs to someone else as the goal is to make the potential buyer feel like they are already living there.

– Increase the exterior appeal of the home by tidying the landscaping and also perform and give advice on home maintenance tasks that needs doing.

What are the benefits of Property Styling?

The main aim objective of this service is to help to sell or rent your home in the fastest possible time, at the highest possible price.

Houses and units that have been styled especially by a home organiser for the purpose of selling stand out against those properties that have not. Styled homes look more impressive on real estate websites and in photo presentations making them more appealing to the target market and will make potential buyers want to investigate the property further.

Property styling along side decluttering services provided by a professional organiser is a great move management tool and motivator. The home seller also gets a head start on preparing for the move. Things used less often are already packed and you have begun to view your home as a product for sale. Your stylist will help you emotionally disconnect from your home in preparation for change, which greatly reduces the stress of selling and moving. Other benefits to note are:

• Property styling for sale creates emotional buyers which in turn pushes the value up and helps the home to sell quickly
• It shows best use of space and design in photography
• A Mooving Matters stylist and home organiser will aim to highlight the best features of the property
• Styling methods can help distract a buyer from some minor defective features of a property, for example; stains or scratches on walls or floors can can be easily repaired by the new owner.
• Most importantly it helps buyers to fall in love with the property which is your ultimate goal!

How much difference does Property Styling by a professional organiser make?

Recent research has shown that the average time on the market for homes that have been styled to sell is only on average 33 days compared to 90 days for non-styled homes from the latest real estate agent reports.
It has also been seen that on average, properties styled to sell can attract a 3-6% minimum increase in final sale price.

One important thing to note is that property Styling and or having your home reviewed by a professional organiser also costs significantly less than your first price reduction. Research has shown that $3,000 spent on property styling or on a home organiser can be more effective in selling a property than dropping your askingprice by $10,000.

Another plus is that property Styling on investment properties is tax deductible. The furniture and décor items, can be leased with comparative a lower cost than conventional interior decorating, which requires the procurement of furniture and accessories.

Why should I engage a Professional Residential Stylist or home organiser?

Many people have a natural talent for home decorating. Your friends or family or yourself may have done successful home reno, have an artistic eye or feel for minimalism and a little knowledge of Feng Shui up your sleeve. However, will you be able to economically increase the asking price of your property?

As busy lifestyles and work commitments get in the way, will you still be able to coordinate your talented friends into your timetable? However, we do welcome and encourage you to do as much as you can yourself we find the best results are produced when we work with you towards the ultimate outcome.

At Mooving Matters, as professional organisers andmove management specialists not only do we offer full service packing and moving, we can work in partnership with you and our proven team of professional trades to also attain your pre sale property styling goals. As a one stop shop we strive to provide you of an excellent quality service, while keeping costs to a minimum. Our aim is to ensure that our clients at the end of day are happy with their investment. All repairs, improvements and interior design work are carried out efficiently to a high standard and within a time frame, and if you have preferred contractors we can oversee them to ensure that your plans are realised and deadlines are met, leaving you to carry on with your everyday life stress free!

Below is basic checklist of the essential things a vendor should go through before putting their property on the market.

Services: Check fuse box, water heater, roof tiles, guttering, rubbish removal, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, light fittings, locks and hardware, pool equipment, and make sure DIY jobs are completed.

Maintenance: Check exterior surfaces, patch & paint especially entry doors and window frames, tidy gardens, lawn care. Check interior surfaces, patch & paint, repair obvious problem areas and anything that leaks or squeaks.

Cleaning: Ensure the property is clean inside and out, windows, carpets, everything should sparkle!

Presentation: The property must be tidy and decluttered, and this should be maintained throughout the Open Inspection period.

Styling: Are the spaces or rooms functional? Can you imagine someone else living there? If you can’t, then neither can potential buyers. Does each room have impact to sway the decision of a unsure buyer?

Mooving Matters’ move management and decluttering services strategies can efficiently guide you through the process, from project concept to completion, leaving you to sit back and enjoy, as we do it all for you.

Other additional commonly asked questions…

Does the property have to be vacant?

No, the property can be partially staged while you still reside at the property.

If the home is vacant, what areas are best to have styled? 

The general rule of thumb when it comes to staging your property is to always style the living room, dining room, kitchen, main outdoor area and master bedroom.

What are the top tips when it comes to presale styling?

• Let in as much natural light as possible and turn on all of the lights and lamps during open homes. This will make the property feel bigger, fresher and brighter.
• De-personalise your home by taking down all family photos – you don’t want the buyer to feel like they are in someone else’s home, you want them to feel like they are in their home.

What if your budget is on the tight side?

You don’t have to go with a whole property makeover if the budget just doesn’t allow for it,

Just talk to your home organiser Sydney – Mooving Matters, we are the movers that pack for you and refresh you space too! 

To arrange a complementary on-site inspection of your property by the Mooving Matters team or to simply discuss your ‘Ultimate full service packing + moving’  experience call (02) 93375333 or visit us at moovingmatters.com.au. 

Undertaking “the big move” from either a shoebox apartment or a spacious mansion, can be one of the most stressful and frustrating life experiences, for some being comparable to going through a divorce or unemployment. The epic task of packing up your life’s treasures and belongings then having to unpack and then reorganise them in your new home is usually a huge juggling act and interruption to your daily routine and work life balance. Put it simply most people don’t have the time or would rather someone else, a packing services team take care of it! And in that case this is where the movers that pack and unpack for you; Mooving Matters the professional organiser  Sydney can definitely help!

As most associate negative feelings when going through a house move, it can actually be a fantastic chance to revitalise your home, sort and rearrange your furniture and household items and be more functional in the next abode.

So is there a magic formula to help you have the most successful move experience? Yes! Mooving Matters and their “Ultimate Move”- full service packing and moving package can take the stress out of every aspect of your pack, move, unpack and styling! To help get you started thou below there are some handy tips that a good home organiser lives by to help you achieve a smooth transition from one home to the next:

1. Say goodbye to useless items

Don’t let old furniture and boxes of meaningless stuff follow you and take up space in your new home. Plan at least a couple of weeks prior to your moving date, to begin the process of going through and sorting each room’s contents. Create four categories to stick to: keep; to give away; to sell; to dispose of. Move management is so much easier when you stop being a hoarder and declutter your home & life. Moving is the perfect time to reassess and re-edit your furniture and homewares.  Get rid of anything that is broken or that you have fallen out of love with. Moving can be that perfect time to splurge on something you really love for your new home.

2. Keep it clear and simple

As your experienced packing services company of Sydney, Mooving Matters recommend to create order with cheap stackable labelled storage containers, they will let you store
everything, from flours and sugars to cereal, in plain sight. A dedicated area for electrical kitchen appliances is a must and if your pantry has deep shelving that makes it hard to see what it contains, your local $2 shop or supermarket will have storage baskets that are perfect for all of those spice jars, pasta and rice. The baskets can then be pulled out like a drawer instead of rifling through piles of groceries each time you need a random spice.

3. Avoid moving in the summer or on a Friday or Saturday

The worst months to move house happen to be the warmest, according to research. It is also the busiest time in the moving industry, therefore when demand is high so are the removalist rates. The best season to get moving is actually Autumn as there is less traffic, smaller delivery timeframe and full time employees. And with days of the week Sunday is the best day as only 7% choose to move then rather than nearly 20% on a Friday.

4. Deal with admin tasks in advance

Move management is about tying up all your loose ends and the moving process isn’t only about the transportation of your belongings. One of the most stressful and overlooked aspects of moving house is tackling administrative tasks prior to moving day which include:

• Change of address and forwarding mail to the new place,
• Cancelling utilities and researching providers at the new place,
• Informing your bank/insurance company of new address,
• Dealing with realtors and ceasing rental agreements or selling property.

5. Use plastic cling wrap to pack liquids and jewellery

Even the best efforts to carefully wrap delicate items and safeguard liquids can be undone whilst in transit. To avoid disappointment when unpacking your boxes, cling wrap can be your best friend.

Cling wrap can be used to also keep necklaces and bracelets from getting tangled. Lay a few pieces of jewellery on a length of plastic wrap and fold the wrap over. Press around your items to keep them separate.

The plastic film can also be used to prevent liquids from spilling. Simply unscrew the lids of bottles of shampoos for example, then place a small square of cling wrap on top. Screw the lid back on to secure the plastic and create a second protective layer to avoid leaks.

6. Reserve a parking space

When Hiring movers be aware of unforeseen additional fees and prepare your space before they arrive.

Moving companies can charge extra rates for tasks such as disassembling & reassembly of any furniture, storage fees, if there is no lift access, or if the truck cannot be parked near house or building entrance and movers have to carry boxes more than 23 metres. Employing Mooving Matters and taking up their full service packing and moving service will keep it all covered and dispel any doubt on hidden fees.

It is always handy if you can park your car in front of your home at least a day before the move to ensure the space is available when movers arrive, and to also measure doorways to check if furniture can fit through with ease.

7. Create a labelling system & order your boxes

A golden rule of all movers and packers is creating a logical and clear labelling system and leaving any essentials like a flashlight or first aid out and accessible for emergencies.

Categorise your household items and boxes they are packed into, into groups based on the room they’re located in, material they’re made of and frequency of use. This can be of great assistance for the movers that pack for you.

Start with the items you use rarely, and don’t mix items from different rooms or items that generally don’t mix as liquids or food with clothes.

8. Use linen instead of bubble wrap

Packing supplies can add up and become costly so before stocking up on supplies, look to your home first. Your home is full of free packing materials, such as old clothing, bed linen, pillows, laundry bins and baskets, and suitcases.

For example you could wrap crockery in old T-shirts or put pillows and blankets in garbage bags and seal them. When you load the truck, use them as padding between furniture or fragile items.

Otherwise Mooving Matters “Ultimate Move” – Full service packing and moving service will organise not only all the essential packing materials but the packing and unpacking of all boxes for you!

9. Fresh and clean Start.

Prepare your new home by cleaning it from top to bottom before moving day so that you can put things away immediately once the boxes start to arrive. If you are planning on painting or installing new flooring, do it while the house is empty instead of trying to do it around your belongings later.

10. Let a home organiser do it all for you – hire trusted movers and packers today! 

Call Mooving Matters, the movers that pack for you to book in your full service packing and moving experience and all your move management needs. 

To arrange a complementary on-site inspection of your property by the Mooving Matters packing services Sydney or to simply discuss your ‘Ultimate full service packing + moving’  experience call 0418 337 533 or visit us at moovingmatters.com.au. 

Whether you have always believed in magic or utterly denied it, you may wish to master a magic trick or two when moving house. Surely, a powerful magic spell would be of much use when you need to relocate an entire household locally or perhaps even interstate. Practicing relocation magic, however, may be a bit of a challenge. But even if you can’t get magical assistance for your forthcoming relocation, professional moving assistance of movers that pack for you, might serve you just as well. Especially if you hire a full service packing and moving company to do the job, you may really feel like a spectator of a magic show – all your belongings will disappear from your old home and reappear at your new residence without any effort on your part. Now this is move management at it’s best! If you are curious to understand how this happens, you need to know what a home organiser and full service movers and packers do and why some people even consider a self-move when they have the option to hire a professional organiser and forget all about hectic packing, heavy lifting, and moving stress.

What is a full-service packing and moving company?

What does full-service packing and moving include?

How does a full-service packing and moving company work?

Ask selected move management companies for on-site estimates and use the opportunity to get all the relevant information you need. Review your options with the moving company representatives who come to your place, inform them of any possible obstacles, state your specific preferences, discuss any extra conditions, and go into meticulous details to get an accurate estimate of the final full service moving cost. Compare the received offers, and pick the movers that best suit your needs and your available budget. Have in mind that going for the lowest offer may turn out to be a severe mistake (you may end up dealing with the move yourself).

So, why use full-service movers and packers?

If you opt for full-service packing and moving service:

Your belongings will be packed by a professional organiser who will complete the task in a quick and efficient manner. Not only will you have your items packed as safely as possible, but you won’t have to spend hours on end on the laborious packing process, Mooving Matters decluttering services can work wonders!