YOU CAN be Organized

Moving This Summer? Here's What to Do in May

5/4/2026

May feels a little like the Sunday of summer. Everything is possible, the pace is still manageable, and you have just enough breathing room to actually make a plan — before the chaos of June, the heat of July, and the "HOW IS IT AUGUST" panic set in.

If you've been thinking about moving this summer — browsing listings, having the conversations, maybe already whispering the words "we should probably start decluttering" — this post is for you.
You're not behind. You're actually right on time. But May is the month to stop thinking and start doing, because the families who feel calm on moving day? They started here.

First, a Reality Check (The Kind One)

Summer moves — especially in Barrie, Orillia, Collingwood, and the surrounding area — get booked fast. Movers, storage units, junk removal companies, and yes, professional organizers all fill up quickly once the school year ends and the real estate market heats up.
That doesn't mean you need to have everything figured out by Friday. It means that starting now, even in small ways, gives you options. And options feel a whole lot better than scrambling.

What to Actually Do in May (In Order of Importance)

1. Get Honest About Your Timeline
Do you have a firm moving date? A rough window? A "we'd love to be settled by September" kind of hope? Write it down. Even a fuzzy timeline helps you work backwards and figure out what needs to happen when.
If you're not listed yet, that's okay — but know that the prep you do now directly affects how your home shows and how quickly you can move when the right offer comes.

2. Walk Your Home Like a Stranger
This is one of my favourite exercises. Walk through your front door as if you've never been there before. What do you see? What feels heavy, cluttered, or tired? What would make a buyer (or frankly, your future self) nervous?
You're not trying to redo your whole house. You're just looking for the 20% of things that are creating 80% of the visual noise. That's usually where we start.

3. Identify Your "Definitely Not Coming With Us" Zones
Every home has them. The storage room where things go to be forgotten. The basement corner. The garage. The junk drawer that somehow became a junk dresser.
In May, you're not tackling these — you're just naming them. Give them a label, a rough size estimate, and an honest assessment of what lives there. That information is gold when it comes time to plan your declutter and move prep.

4. Start One Box
I know. You're not ready to really pack. But starting one box — just one — does something important: it makes the move feel real in a manageable way instead of an overwhelming one.
Put it somewhere visible. Toss in things that are clearly coming with you but don't need to be accessible between now and move day. It builds momentum without pressure.

5. Book Your Support Early
Whether that's movers, junk removal, a cleaning company, or a professional organizer — reach out in May. Not to commit to everything, but to get on radars, get quotes, and understand your options.
The families who call me in May get to be thoughtful about how we work together. The ones who call in July are often in triage mode. Both are totally fine — but the May version is a lot more fun for everyone.

What You Don't Have to Do in May

Just in case you needed permission: you do not need to have it all figured out. You don't need to have had "the purge." You don't need to pack up the kitchen or label every box or know exactly what's going into storage.
May is for orientation, not execution. Get your bearings, make a few moves, and trust that the rest will unfold — especially if you have a good team behind you.

How I Can Help

My moving packages are designed specifically for families and individuals in the Simcoe-Muskoka region who want to move with less stress and more intention — whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or just ready for a fresh start somewhere new.

Fresh Start |
Perfect if you want hands-on help sorting, decluttering, and preparing your current home for sale or departure.

Seamless Transition |
A more comprehensive package that supports you through both the outgoing and incoming side of your move.

Welcome Home |
For when you've arrived and just need someone to help you unpack and set up your new space so it actually feels like home — fast.

Not sure which one fits? That's what a discovery call is for. No pressure, no commitment — just a conversation about where you are and what would actually help.
👉 Book a free discovery call

Book a Call

You've got this. And if you don't want to do it alone — that's what I'm here for.
Eryn 💜
Get Organized with Erin | Organize. Move. Thrive.
gowitherin.com

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Declutter Before You Pack: The Moving Secret That Saves Time, Money & Sanity

4/10/2026

Category: Moving Tips | Estimated read time: 6 minutes

If you’re getting ready for a move this spring or summer, I want to tell you something that could save you hundreds of dollars and a whole lot of stress:
Don’t pack your clutter.
It sounds obvious when you say it out loud. But when moving day is bearing down on you and boxes need to be filled, most of us default to “I’ll deal with this at the new house.” And then we unpack the same junk into a fresh space and wonder why it still feels overwhelming.
Let’s break that cycle. Here’s why decluttering before you move is one of the best things you can do for yourself — and exactly how to make it happen.

Why Decluttering Before a Move Actually Matters

Moving costs money. Movers charge by the hour, and many companies charge by weight or volume. Every box of stuff you don’t need is costing you real money to transport. Beyond the financial side, moving is a massive psychological reset. You’re starting fresh in a new space — and you deserve to fill it only with things that actually belong in your next chapter.
Decluttering before a move also means:

Less to pack (and therefore less time packing)
Fewer boxes to label, stack, and move
A faster, easier unpack on the other end
A new home that feels intentional, not like your old chaos in a different location

The Golden Rule: One Room at a Time

Don’t try to declutter your whole home in one frantic weekend. You will burn out, make rushed decisions you regret, and end up packing everything anyway just to get it done.
Instead, work room by room, starting as early as possible before your move date. Ideally, begin 6–8 weeks out if you can. The further ahead you start, the more intentional your decisions will be.

The Three Questions to Ask About Every Item

When you’re sorting through a space before a move, apply these three questions to each item:

Do I love it or use it regularly? → Pack it.
Would I buy it again if I were setting up a brand-new home? → If yes, keep it. If no, let it go.
Does this belong in my next chapter? → This one is about intention. Moving is a rare chance to be deliberate about what comes with you.

Anything that doesn’t pass the test goes into one of three categories: donate, sell, or toss.

The Spaces Most People Forget to Declutter Before a Move

We usually tackle the obvious rooms. But these spaces get neglected all the time:

The garage — don’t move mystery boxes! Open every one before it goes on a truck.
The junk drawer — or the five junk drawers. Do a quick sort before you just dump them into a box.
The linen closet — how many mismatched fitted sheets do you actually need?
The kitchen cabinets — duplicate tools, small appliances you haven’t touched in years, expired pantry items.
The attic, basement, or storage room — out of sight means it often gets moved without a second thought. Give it a second thought.

A Realistic Declutter Timeline for a Move

6-8 Weeks Out

Start with storage areas: attic, basement, garage, storage closets
Tackle sentimental items early so you’re not making emotional decisions under deadline pressure
List items for sale on Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji

4-5 Weeks Out

Move through main living areas: living room, dining room, home office
Tackle the kitchen (cabinets, pantry, junk drawers)
Schedule a donation pickup or drop-off

2-3 Weeks Out

Bedrooms and closets
Kids’ rooms (with their help, where possible!)
Bathrooms — toss expired medications and products

Final Week

Pack what’s left — at this point it should all be intentional
One last pass through every room before the movers arrive

What to Do With the Stuff You’re Letting Go

You have options:

Donate: Salvation Army, local shelters, Habitat for Humanity ReStore (for furniture and building materials), community Facebook groups
Sell: Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, or a garage sale
Toss: For items that are truly at end-of-life — check your municipality for large item pickup dates or hazardous waste events
Gift: Some items are perfect for family members, friends, or neighbours who could use them

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Decluttering before a move is emotional. You’re making big decisions while also managing a thousand other moving logistics. It can feel completely overwhelming — which is exactly why having support makes such a difference.
Our moving packages are designed to take this weight off your shoulders. From pre-move decluttering and packing support to full unpack and setup at your new home, we meet you wherever you need us.

Fresh Start Package — perfect if you want professional guidance while staying hands-on
Seamless Transition Package — our most popular, full-service option
Welcome Home Package — complete white-glove service for a stress-free move

👉 Ready to move with intention? Visit gowitherin.com to learn more or book your free discovery call.

Book a Call

You’ve worked hard for everything in your home. Your next chapter deserves a fresh, intentional start.