Moving

July 13 2026

The Truth About Moving: It’s Not Really About the Boxes

Most people think moving is about boxes.

The boxes become the visible symbol of the move — the stacks in the dining room, the rolls of packing tape on the counter, and the Sharpie markers that somehow disappear the moment you need them.

But after helping hundreds of clients throughout Greater Boston and the North Shore, we’ve learned that boxes are rarely the hardest part.

The hardest part is everything that comes before them.

It’s deciding what stays and what goes. It’s figuring out whether the dining room table that hosted decades of family dinners will fit in the next home. It’s opening closets, attics, and basements that haven’t been touched in years and realizing you’ve accumulated far more than you remembered.

Moving, it turns out, isn’t really about moving.

It’s about decision-making.

And that’s exactly why so many people feel overwhelmed long before moving day arrives.

Why Moving Feels So Overwhelming

Most people assume the hardest part of a move is moving day. In reality, moving day is often the easiest part.

By the time the movers arrive, the biggest decisions should already have been made. The challenge is everything leading up to that moment: deciding what belongs in your next home, coordinating countless details, preparing your current home for sale, and managing the emotional side of a major life transition.

One thing we’ve noticed over the years is that people rarely underestimate the physical work involved in moving. What they underestimate is the decision-making.

Every drawer, cabinet, shelf, and storage bin asks a question.

Should I keep this?

Do I still need it?

Will it fit?

Could someone else use it?

Multiply those questions by an entire household, and it’s easy to see why moving can feel so exhausting before the first box is packed.

What Does a Move Manager Actually Do?

This is where move management comes in.

A move manager helps coordinate and simplify the many moving parts of a relocation. While movers focus on transporting belongings from one home to another, move management focuses on helping people navigate the entire process.

At ShipShape Organize, move management services may include:

Downsizing and decluttering
Creating a moving plan and timeline
Preparing a home for sale
Coordinating movers and other service providers
Packing assistance
Overseeing moving day
Unpacking and settling into the new home
Organizing spaces for everyday living

Think of it this way: movers move boxes. Move managers help people move.

It’s a subtle distinction, but an important one.

Many clients come to us thinking they need help packing. What they discover is that what they really need is support making decisions, staying organized, and keeping the process moving forward.

The Downsizing Dilemma

If there’s one part of the moving process that consistently challenges people, it’s downsizing.

And it’s not because people are attached to everything they own.

It’s because every item comes with a decision attached to it.

Over the years we’ve worked with clients downsizing from large family homes, helping empty nesters transition to smaller spaces, and assisting older adults with significant life changes. In nearly every situation, the biggest hurdle isn’t getting rid of things — it’s deciding what makes sense for the next chapter.

We often hear comments like:

“I didn’t realize how much stuff we had until we started getting ready to move.”

Or:

“I know I don’t need all of this, I just don’t know where to start.”

Those feelings are completely normal.

Downsizing isn’t about getting rid of everything. It’s about being intentional. It’s about identifying the belongings that support the life you’re moving into while creating a plan for everything else.

Together, we help clients determine what should be:

Kept
Donated
Sold or consigned
Passed along to family members
Recycled
Responsibly discarded

Having a clear plan not only reduces stress, but often saves time, money, and effort later in the moving process.

Preparing a Home for Sale and Preparing for a Move

Many homeowners think these are two separate projects.

In reality, they’re often the same project.

One of the first steps in preparing a home for sale is reducing clutter and creating a sense of space. The same work also makes moving easier because you’re reducing the number of items that need to be packed, transported, and unpacked.

When a home feels organized, spacious, and well cared for, potential buyers can more easily imagine themselves living there. At the same time, homeowners gain a clearer picture of what they truly want to bring into their next home.

We’ve seen countless situations where starting the decluttering process early made both the sale and the move significantly less stressful.

It’s one of the few times when one effort provides benefits on both ends of the transition.

The Emotional Side of Moving

Moving advice often focuses on logistics.

What doesn’t get discussed nearly enough is that moving can be emotional — even when it’s a positive change.

Homes hold memories.

They hold holiday dinners, birthday celebrations, family traditions, and everyday moments that become meaningful over time.

The kitchen where everyone gathered.

The living room where children opened presents.

The wall with pencil marks tracking years of growth.

Leaving a home can bring excitement, relief, sadness, anticipation, and nostalgia all at the same time.

That’s completely normal.

One of the things we appreciate most about move management is the opportunity to help clients through not just the practical aspects of moving, but the emotional ones as well. Sometimes people simply need a calm, experienced guide who understands that this process is about far more than belongings.

Packing, Unpacking and Getting Settled

Packing tends to fall into one of two categories.

People either don’t mind it, or they would happily avoid it altogether.

Regardless of where you fall on that spectrum, packing almost always takes longer than expected.

A kitchen that looks relatively straightforward can contain hundreds of items. Closets reveal forgotten purchases. Storage areas seem to multiply when no one is looking.

Professional packing assistance helps bring structure to the process. Items are organized, categorized, and packed with a plan in mind.

And then comes the part many people overlook: unpacking.

In our experience, the goal isn’t simply to get belongings into a new house.

The goal is to get settled.

There’s a big difference between living among boxes for weeks and walking into a home where the beds are made, the kitchen functions, and daily life can resume more quickly.

That’s often the moment when the stress of moving finally begins to fade.

Who Benefits from Move Management?

One common misconception is that move management is only for seniors.

While ShipShape Organize proudly assists many older adults and families navigating senior move management, the reality is that move management can benefit almost anyone facing a significant transition.

Our clients include:

Empty nesters
Busy professionals
Growing families
Retirees
Homeowners preparing a property for sale
Adult children helping parents relocate

The common thread isn’t age.

It’s that moving is a complex process, and having experienced support can make it feel far more manageable.

Moving Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by a move, you’re not alone.

After helping clients throughout Greater Boston and the North Shore, we’ve learned that most people aren’t stressed because they don’t know how to pack a box.

They’re stressed because moving requires hundreds of decisions, countless details, and a significant investment of time and energy.

The good news is that you don’t have to navigate all of it by yourself.

Whether you’re downsizing, preparing a home for market, coordinating a senior move, or relocating to a new space, having a clear plan and the right support can make all the difference.

At ShipShape Organize, that’s exactly what we strive to provide: practical guidance, hands-on assistance, and a smoother path from where you are today to wherever you’re headed next.

If you’re planning a move and wondering where to begin, we’d be happy to help. Call Deb at 978.314.6410.

Frequently Asked Questions About Move Management

What is move management?

Move management is a service that helps individuals and families coordinate every aspect of a move, including downsizing, planning, packing, unpacking, and settling into a new home.

How is a move manager different from a moving company?

Movers transport belongings. Move managers help organize the entire relocation process, including decision-making, planning, decluttering and coordination.

Do I need move management if I’m not a senior?

Absolutely. Busy professionals, families, empty nesters and anyone facing a major move can benefit from move management services.

Does ShipShape Organize provide move management in Greater Boston and the North Shore?

Yes. ShipShape Organize provides move management, organizing, downsizing and relocation support throughout Greater Boston and the North Shore. Contact us here.

October 28 2021

10 tips to prepare your home for sale

Moving, Moving Tips

Preparing your home for sale is not an easy task. Everyone tells you to get rid of “clutter” and some of the “stuff” they are asking you to remove is what makes it your home. You are being told by realtors, stagers, and organizers that less is more, and you should depersonalize what you have worked hard at making your personal place. That is a tough message to hear. It is your place, and you are surrounded by things you love and treasure.

The wonderful family framed photos, the magnets of your travels gracing your refrigerator, your good china in your curio cabinet – all bring you happy memories. And, what’s worse is when you are asked to remove some of the furniture clutter, from side tables to corner cupboards. It’s hard to not take it personally. It often feels like you are being asked to turn your home into a “house”. And, to be honest, that is exactly what we are asking you to do.

To prepare your home for sale you want someone else to envision themselves living in it. They don’t necessarily want to look at your life, they want to imagine their own.

Words from realtors

clients who have leveraged the efficiency and knowledge of ShipShape have found that the cost of decluttering, clearing out and properly preparing their home for the market is more than recouped when their home sells quickly and for maximum value.
Deb Evans, J Barrett Realty

I was recently working with a client (who was a little bit stubborn) and when I suggested some of her tchotchkes be packed in preparation for the move, she said “well, don’t they look nice there?” And, the answer is yes, they do look nice there. However, the less personalized the space is the better.

Two of the most important ingredients in a successful house marketing campaign are competitive pricing and making a great first impression on prospective buyers. It’s not always easy to be objective when staging your home or evaluating its marketability.
Lynda Surdam, Coldwell Banker

10 Tips to prepare your home for sale.

Pack up most of your framed photographs
Take off all magnets and information from the refrigerator
Create a free space under the kitchen counter by packing up less used kitchen items so on photography and showing days, you can stash your above counter items underneath
Pack your appliances that take up so much room but are only used once or twice a year
Pack your small decorative items that are on your side tables & surface areas. Leave a few bigger decorative items as long as they are neutral
De-clutter your bookshelves and make them interesting by laying a few books on their sides, some standing and then one or two decorative items interspersed
Store out of season clothing so your closets look less full
Review your linen closet and take the opportunity to donate some of your towels/sheets if possible and then fold everything neatly
Put some children’s toys in plastic bins and store some in the attic or basement
Review items in your coat closet and see if you can donate anything and if not, pack up the items you don’t need for the next few months

Our ShipShape team finds it very gratifying helping clients navigate this process. The emotional process one goes through during a move (let alone the physical) is tough. And, sometimes tougher than others. Clients who have lived in their homes for 47 years and have full attics and basements, as well as bookshelves and corner cupboards stuffed with mementos, are holding onto lots of family treasures and items they have gathered over the years – and the special memories that they bring. Downsizing is an entirely different challenge of letting go.

If you aren’t faced with needing to downsize, just keep telling yourself not to take it personally and that your treasures are being packed away temporarily until you have the opportunity to make your new house, apartment, or condo your new home.

May 21 2021

Moving & Organizing with ShipShape

Moving

We were interviewed by Moira Riccio, a North Shore realtor, and want to share this quick video so you can get to know more about our services.

Prep to Show.

Less is more when getting your house ready to show. There is nothing wrong with packing up items you don’t need to use within the next month or so. Put neatly stacked boxes in your basement or attic (depending on heat/dampness). Also, create drop zones so the morning of a showing you can clear your counter tops and put the toaster & paperwork in a closed cabinet. Do the same for the bathroom counter items. Keep a shoe box that you throw your hairbrush, toothpaste etc. in to get it out of the way for showings.

Packing.

ShipShape packs so we know exactly what came out of each desk drawer and can mark it accordingly. We also have a few tricks along the way such as marking the lamp shades with the appropriate lamps so you don’t have to wonder what goes with what on the unpacking end.

Unpacking.

This is one of our favorite parts of move management! We get to put everything back in an appropriate spot and make sense of it all. By the time we leave the boxes will be gone and everything will be in its place.

Organizing.

Just too busy to deal with your house and the “stuff”? We are the magic behind the scenes making sense of everything. We organize donations, junk haul and even if you don’t want to get rid of anything we set up organization solutions for you so everything has a home.

For more moving tips, see our checklist.

May 13 2021

Move like a Pro.

Moving, Moving Tips

Our team handles hundreds of moves, and I’m finding all the tricks we’ve learned over the years are coming in handy when it comes to my personal move in another two weeks so thought I would share some of them here.

Moving Quotes.

Be sure to have the moving company do an on-site walk through to see the scope of the job and discuss certain details. Does your art need to be crated? Does your piano require a third party mover? What type of coverage do you want? Are there any issues getting in and out of your driveway that they need to be aware of? Does an elevator or parking permit need to be reserved if you are in the city? There are all sorts of things that they will evaluate when visiting your home, apartment or condo and they can only do this by seeing it in person.

Leave yourself enough time.

There are things you can do months ahead of time. Do a floor plan and figure out what you are taking to your new place and what will fit. If you need to get rid of any furniture, be realistic about re-sale value and give yourself enough time to sell. If an item doesn’t sell, be sure to have a plan B with a donation center pick-up or junk haul.

Packing Supplies.

You can purchase packing supplies or many moving companies will offer to drop off supplies ahead of time if you want to get a jump start on some of your packing. Just be aware that moving companies do not cover anything “PBO” so go ahead and pack your books, clothes and paperwork but leave it to the professionals to pack your fragile items so they will be packed correctly and covered for damage.

Last Minute Things.

There are certain things you can do to make the transition easier.

Hand-carry your essentials: medication, linens to make the bed, critical documents, jewelry and other items that you will need to have access to over the first 3 days or so.
Pack a box that is labelled “first box to unpack”. This can be whatever you want from a roll of toilet paper to a bottle opener!
Know where your remote controls and all electronics are and mark the wires before disassembling.
Label all lamp shades with the corresponding base. Use painters tape to mark so you know what shade goes with what lamp on the other end of the move.
Consider keeping a vacuum accessible so you can quickly vacuum the rugs before the movers bring in the furniture.
For local moves, have a cooler that you pack your refrigerator/frozen goods in.
Consider bringing a collapsible chair or have the movers put one on the truck for you at the very end so you have somewhere to sit when they are unloading rugs and heavy furniture.
Remember getting some cash for tips.
Plan your meals for move day.
Ask the movers if they will take away packing materials or return to pick them up at a later date.

For more moving tips, see our checklist

You can also see the National Association of Specialty and Senior Move Managers guide here.

April 22 2019

Decluttering Increases Home Value

Declutter, Moving

Is your house filled with “stuff”?

There are lots of words for it, some good and some not….belongings, possessions, paraphernalia, tchotchkes, and as one of my clients said “C” “R” “A” “P” – I was not expecting to hear that out of a very polite woman’s mouth! However, she is on to something and decluttering increases your home value.

Imagine what your entryway closet looks like today. Is it filled with your coats, hats, mittens, some cleaning supplies, lightbulbs (because you can’t find anywhere else to put them), dog items and a few other odds and ends that just get dumped there? Now, imagine your entryway closet with the coats you actually love and wear, a nice basket with your winter gloves, a matching basket for hats, and a shoe shelf underneath using what used to be wasted space. Everything hung neatly, and maybe I will go so far as jackets are zipped and hanging in the same direction. The two closets leave very different impressions.

Declutter is one of those words you may dread hearing.

Yet, realtors often advise their clients to do just that. Overwhelmed? Don’t know where to start? Too big of a task? Yes maybe, but by changing your mindset you will see there is an upside of decluttering. And, if you can sell your house for more, then that really changes things!

“Clutter Eats Cash”

Clutter, personal belongings, photos, and tchotchkes that decorate your home and make it feel special to you get in the way when a prospective buyer is looking. They may view it as that lovely word my polite woman client uttered.

Potential buyers feel entitled, and will often open every kitchen cabinet, closet, laundry area, and any built-in. Stuffed closets scream lack of storage. You want these areas to be decluttered so they look spacious and organized and your house has a calm, orderly feel to it.

Clutter is distracting and makes a negative impression.

Why pay to move items you may no longer want or need.

The time to review your belongings is now, and you will save money on the move, as well as the stress of finding a home for everything you may not need in your new place.

Don’t think of decluttering because someone told you to, but do it as a gift to yourself!

After even tackling a small area, you will feel lighter and less stressed. Clutter causes stress and the less we have of it the better. Oftentimes, I receive emails from people after I have worked with them for a morning, and they tell me that they kept going because they were so motivated, and it provided such a sense of instant gratification. Yes, it feels like a daunting task preparing your home for sale, but it actually can be quite cathartic. The decision making process becomes so much easier as you go along. I promise!

You want potential buyers to envision themselves living in your home, not as an intruder in yours. Showcasing your home in it’s best light will have great rewards in the end, from a lucrative and personal perspective.

December 3 2018

Why Hire a Senior Move Manager?

Downsizing, Moving, Seniors

Many of our clients wonder why hire a senior move manager and specifically, what services are offered. ShipShape Organize is proud to be a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) and the National Association of Productivity Organizers (NAPO). When it comes to downsizing and moving to a smaller location or a retirement community, it can be a daunting task. Many clients can’t do it themselves and they don’t want to impose on their family. That’s where we come in. The NASMM website sums it up perfectly:

“NASMM members specialize in helping older adults and their families with the daunting process of downsizing and moving to a new residence.
NASMM members are experienced professionals, bound by a pledge of integrity, committed to safety and ethics, and dedicated to continuing professional development.
NASMM members will move you expertly, compassionately, and affordably.”

“Senior Move Management is the profession that assists older adults and their families with the emotional and physical aspects of relocation and/or “aging in place.” Senior Move Managers® require a profound commitment to connecting with older adults and a desire to perform meaningful work.”

ShipShape handles:

Developing an overall move or “age in place” plan
Organizing, sorting and downsizing
Arranging for the disposal of unwanted items through consignment or donation
Interviewing, scheduling and overseeing movers
Arranging shipments and storage
Supervise and oversight of professional packing
Unpacking and setting up the new home
Related services, such as helping prepare the home to be sold

Check out our complete list of services here.

We are here to help make our clients transition a smooth one and have handled hundreds of senior moves. Give us a call at 978-314-6410 (North Shore office) or 978-771-0527 (Boston office) for a free phone consultation.

October 25 2018

10 Steps to a successful Senior Move

Downsizing, Moving, Seniors

Working with seniors has taught me a few things….When training our staff, or talking to family members, we remind them of the small steps that make such a big difference and lead to a more successful move.

1. Let the senior help. This is so important. Since I don’t love the word senior and it seems so impersonal, let’s call this person Joe. Who doesn’t want to help, and especially contribute when it is your own move you are dealing with. When you walk through the door with a box of packing paper, trash bags, and boxes and Joe says, “here, let me help” or “what can I take”, your job is to listen and let Joe help. Hand him a lightweight bag and let him participate. Even the other day, my Dad was getting out of a chair, and I offered to help him up but the response was “no, I need to do this on my own.” He was right. There are times when we need to “back-off” even though we might be able to accomplish the task more quickly and efficiently.

1. Plan the day. At the beginning of the day, take time to check-in and discuss the goals. What is top priority for today. Are there any tasks that Joe has been having lots of difficulty with?

1. Listen to the stories. As you review item after item, you will hear lots of stories. You’ll hear about who gave it to them, why it is important, what special function it may have played in their life. Respect Joe and his stories. If you are in a rush or don’t have time, he will think you don’t care. He wants and needs to tell the story, and it is your job to listen and value his story. Show empathy and understanding, even if it slows you or the process down.

1. Assign tasks. If you are lifting heavy items or weeding through papers, don’t let Joe be idle. Suggest something for Joe to do in a comfortable spot. Can you bring a chair to a bookshelf and have him pull out the books he is willing to donate? There are decisions that only Joe can make so put him to work.

1. Give them control. Let Joe know that your role is to be his advocate and he is still in control. If you are too controlling, it can backfire and he may feel as though his autonomy has been taken away. Even though you are trying to be a problem solver and doing it out of love; just consider the way you are going about it and keep communication open. Let Joe know he is the final decision maker. No one likes to be taken over by someone who is too controlling. It is imperative that Joe is involved in the decisions of what to keep, donate, sell etc.

1. Write things down. Moving is a confusing time for anyone. Put dates of when donation companies are coming and what needs to be done to be sure they pick the items up. Does the garage door need to be opened at 7 a.m. that morning? Even write down his “homework” that he needs to do before he next sees you.

1. Check in often. Do you feel what we are doing is productive and helpful? Do you need a break?

1. Make suggestions. Are there things Joe might not have thought of yet i.e. would you like me to set up a donation pick-up; call movers to get them to come quote the job; fill out change of address forms etc. Contact your insurance company? Have Empathy: change is extremely hard for anyone but especially seniors. Thay are used to routines and if they move it might mean new doctors, drug stores, groceries, activities, etc.

1. Take concerns seriously. When I was recently working with a client she wanted to pre-pay her January quarterly tax. Although it was only October, I could tell it was weighing heavily on her. So, why now just write the check and mail it?

Homework. Give Joe some homework tasks for him to accomplish. Make it a realistic goal. Can he make 5 phone calls, or review all the paperwork on top of his desk before you meet again?

We all like to feel useful and by our very nature, all like to be contributors. So gently guide the process with mounds of patience, respect, admiration and empathy.

June 2 2017

Questions to ask your Moving Company

Moving

Choosing a Moving Company

If you are in the middle of planning a move, it is essential to obtain multiple quotes (typically 3) and get your list of questions ready for interviewing moving companies.

To select a reputable company, see if you can get some referrals from friends. Ask around….and check with the Better Business Bureau.

Ask a moving consultant to come to your home to actually see the items you have so a thoughtful quote is provided. Be sure to have a list ready of items that are not going with you so they aren’t included in the quote.

Be sure they don’t subcontract jobs.

Discuss insurance with moving company. You can purchase additional insurance above the .60 per pound which they offer. If you have a $2,000 piece of art that is damaged and only weighs 4 pounds, the $2.40 you would receive would be a hard one to swallow.

Call your Homeowner’s Insurance Agent to see if your goods are covered in transit

Some offer weekday vs. weekend rates or end of month vs. mid-month. If you have flexibility, move mid-week and typically mid-month.

Ask them if they quote by box or by hour.

You can save money by purchasing boxes on your own.

Will they need to hire a 3^rd party for large items such as your piano.

Do they hire temps or are all their employees full-time?

Are they insured and bonded?

Travel charges. When does the clock start and stop?

How do they want you to deal with the file cabinets and bureaus? Some movers allow you to leave papers in the bottom drawers of a filing cabinet.

More Detailed and Helpful tips can be found here.

April 22 2017

10 Tips for a successful move

Downsizing, Moving

It has been said that the stress associated with moving falls just after death and divorce. I now can personally speak to that. Here’s how a professional organizer handled her own move. This is a story about a 50 year old woman (o.k. a little over 50 but not yet 55 – phew!) who orchestrated a move 15 days after Christmas.

I had told my 3 daughters, one of whom is a freshman in college and two others who work out-of-state, that I was not hosting Christmas this year. The disappointment was palpable. And, a mother is supposed to hold no guilt, but it kicked in (the guilt was completely self-imposed). So, I can do it all right? Run a company, pack up a house, deal with what seemed like an endless to-do list, feed my girls their favorite meals while they were home for the holidays and host my family and my husband’s for Christmas – no problem! With careful planning, it was possible.

I am not only a professional organizer but a move manager as well. So, who better to handle this than myself.

I can now happily say, I not only moved to a temporary house in Gloucester for two months, while putting my entire house in storage, but now have moved everything out of storage, moved into a permanent place in Beverly and have no boxes lingering around anymore. I did exactly what I tell my clients to do and would like to share these 10 tips to help save your sanity during your move. Good luck!

It is NEVER too early to start.

While it would be nice if we all had clutter-free attics and basements, the reality is we don’t. These are the best places to start because they typically house the items that are not needed everyday. They are the places you have stored things you might need one day and probably have now discovered that you don’t need them, nor may you ever need them.

September 17 2015

Senior Downsizing

Downsizing, Moving, Moving Tips, Seniors

Working with Seniors who are downsizing is a treat. I get to hear stories about their families, personal mementos, special gatherings and trips, and even sometimes great love stories. All these stories are typically sparked by a letter, or a single piece of paper, or a note on a calendar, or a photo. The stories that are so special are not triggered by the blender or the tupperware or that 5th saucepan that they have stored deep in a lower cabinet and never use. In my mind, there is a decisive difference that can clearly be made between what to keep and what to pass on or donate. Many organizers use encouraging phrases such as, “do you love it”, “does it bring you great joy”, “when was the last time you used it”. These are all great questions, and I would add that if it is a letter that tells a story that is much more difficult to discard than a pink dress you wore to your child’s wedding and will never wear again.