Moving with Kids: Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Transition

Moving with Kids: Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Transition

Moving with kids doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following these tips and tricks, you can help ease the transition for your children and make the moving process a positive experience for the entire family. Remember to be patient, understanding, and supportive as your children adjust to their new home. With a little bit of planning and a lot of love, you can make moving with kids a smooth and successful endeavor.

Read More

Spring Forward: Nurturing a Stress-Free Move with Organization and Relocation

Spring Forward: Nurturing a Stress-Free Move with Organization and Relocation

At Org and Relo, we pride ourselves on being more than just a relocation service; we are your partners in creating a stress-free moving experience. By following these steps in pre-moving preparation, you can look forward to a seamless transition to your new home. As the moving season approaches, let us take the lead in turning your moving dreams into reality.

Read More

4 Pro Tips to Unpacking Your New Home

We've been giving you all the tips for moving out of your place but what about once you're in your new house? Unpacking can take days, weeks, or even years but with these tips you'll be done in no time!

Go Room-by-Room
We recommend unpacking a whole room at one time rather than just unboxing essentials and leaving the rest. Yes, this may be a bigger task upfront but you're also less likely to leave items laying around in boxes for months.

Start with the Most Important Room
Begin with the bedrooms so you have a non-chaotic place to sleep and relax as soon as possible. Then move on to the kitchen, followed by the main living space. After that move on to the supplemental spaces and storage areas, the garage, laundry room, etc.

Everything Has a Place
For each item you unbox you should have an idea of where it's going to go in your new space. It can be helpful to do some space planning before storing. We recommend using post-it notes to plan out in advance where you think things will go. You may have to adjust as you put things away but this gives you a good basis to go off.

Break Down Boxes as You Go
Your inclination might be to just set aside boxes as you finish them and break them down later for recycling. However, it helps with visual clutter and sense of accomplishment to break them down immediately after you finish a box and stash the flat boxes out of the way. Once you have a good pile, move that pile to the garage or somewhere even more out of the way.

Now you have what you need to unpack efficiently. However, if you want it doneeven faster, you can alwayshire usto come unpack and organize your new house and turn it into a home within days. We'll even help with getting rid of all the boxes and packing paper, as well as any further donates that may have come out of unpacking.

Create Less Stress Before Selling Your House

ralph-ravi-kayden-2d4lAQAlbDA-unsplash.jpg

Have you thought about what needs to be done before you put your house on the market? And no, the answer is not call or hire a realtor. That comes after what we're about to tell you.

Think and act on these things before staging and listing your home:

Pre-Move Prep
Purge. Purge. Purge. And then purge some more. Go through every room in the house, pull everything out of closets/cabinets/drawers/whatever storage, and decide what stays with you, what gets donated, and what gets trashed. Ask yourself: do I love it? do I appreciate it? do I use it? These questions will help you with deciding what to do with something moving forward. Believe it or not, this step will save you time, effort, and money during the move. The less you have to move, the better.

Furniture
Are you taking it all with you? If so, will it actually fit in the new place? If you don't want to take it, what's your plan? Sometimes a house buyer will take the furniture, sometimes not. If they don't, have a backup plan. (Psst! We can help with recommendations on movers or consignment shops for a brilliant backup plan!)

Expensive Items and Family Heirlooms
Likely you won't want to move these things yourself so be sure you have a plan in place for how this stuff is getting where you're going. More importantly, know the costs so you can budget accordingly. Or maybe that extra large art deco vanity mirror doesn't go with the new house and you want to try and sell it. Know where you're going to do this.

Remember that when you move you're packing your whole life and taking it with you and maybe it's best to trim it all down before you take it somewhere new.

These things take a lot of time if you're doing them yourself; with Org & Relo you can have the help you need and it'll be done in less time. Plus, we can connect you with some great realtors once you're ready. Contact us today to see how we can help you.

3 Tips for Moving Day

7fb2b463-3949-eca7-7935-37a87d0b6098.png

You've packed, you've booked movers, you have someone to help oversee them (hi!), and now the big day is right around the corner. Here are a few things to help make the day go as smoothly as possible:

1. Your Go Bag Set Aside
You've likely already prepared a bag with essentials you'll need for a few days leading up to and after the move - if not, now's the time! Before the movers arrive set your go bags somewhere out of the way so it's not accidentally swept up by quick movers. FYI, your car is a great place!

2. A Plan for Your Pets
Moving is as stressful to your pets as it is to you and moving day chaos will be terrifying for them. Plus, you don't want them underfoot or bolting out the door. Put their favorite blankets, food, toys, and treats in a separate box, then bring that box (along with their bed/crate and litter box) into a separate room as far from the commotion as possible. On the day bring them in there and check on them periodically, this will help them feel safe and keep them out of the way.

3. Order Food & Stockpile Water
Do you want snacks around? Do you want to feed not just yourself & family but anyone helping you with the move? Remember your kitchen is packed and moving day isn't a great time to cook. If you figure out your plan for food before the day you won't be scrambling in the moment and no one will get hangry. Keep plenty of water on hand, especially if you're moving on a hot day.

Now you're set and ready for Move Day and can sleep easy the night before knowing everything is set.

4 Tips to Prepare You for Your Move

pexels-andrea-piacquadio-761999.jpg
  1. Start in Storage - Begin the process of packing in the storage areas of your home. These are the areas that usually require the most purging and organization.

  2. One Room at a Time - Move throughout the rooms in your house deciding what you'd like to keep and what to get rid of. Take note of any items that may require extra insurance coverage.

  3. Notify Important Parties - Make sure to contact your bank, employer's HR department, credit card, insurance & utility companies 2-3 weeks prior to your move.

  4. Relax! Enjoy your neighborhood one last time and spend an evening at a local restaurant. With careful planning and organization, moving can be both exciting and refreshing.


Bonus Tip: Take a photo of how your electronics are hooked up. You will thank yourself when you are setting them back up.

Discipline & Consistency - Thoughts by Sam

wesley-tingey-zjO7xkCogZM-unsplash.jpg

Nobody wants to tell you that discipline and consistency are the most important parts of success in anything.

Nobody wants to tell you this because being disciplined and consistent is boring. It's not sexy to master the mundane. To keep doing the same small things day in and day out.

But those people...the ones that make it look like they achieved their success effortlessly...yeah it's because they were disciplined enough and consistent at doing the same things every day until they were successful.

Quit thinking it's easier for someone else. It's not. They're just too busy grinding to show you their struggles.

Get Ready to Move or Do Some Spring Cleaning

The official first day of spring is behind us and we're starting to see the unpredictable weather that comes with spring here in Colorado. However, with the promise of warm days even closer, the world is waking up and getting ready to GO. Whether that means you're doing pre-move prep for relocation or you feel like your home could use a refresh here are three tips to get you started, keep you on track, and free of overwhelm:

Read More

10 Tips to Reduce Clutter - Thoughts by Sam

10 Tips to Reduce Clutter - Thoughts by Sam

Creating a space of calm for you and/or your family allows us to be much more present and spend time doing what we love. Here are my top 10 tips for reducing clutter and bringing that peace of mind:

Make your bed daily. Completing one task makes completing more likely.

Keep flat surfaces clear. Our brain likes a tidy space.

Look for duplicates. Do you really use all those pots & pans, makeup accessories, or leggings (okay, this one, I get!)

Read More

It's Our Sweet 16!

My Post (2).jpg

We did it and made it through 2020! COVID-19 lockdowns brought us unforeseen struggles that we never could have imagined in our wildest dreams. There is always something special about turning a new house into a home in a matter of days. 2020 made that process extra special since we all spent more time in our homes than ever before.  We've loved every minute of it whether it's setting up home offices, school areas, reorganizing a basement, playroom, kitchen, or a full relocation. 


Who knew in 2005 that by 2021 we would have over 20 organizers and travel the country organizing & relocating? It is truly a sweet 16 thanks to the endless support from our clients, friends, and families.

Happy Organizing,
Sheryl and the Org & Relo Team

When your pantry says BOO!

When your pantry says BOO!

It’s that time of year that many people get excited and energized to go to a haunted house.  They love the suspense of what is lurking around the corner.  I know so many who thrive off this adrenalin rush.  Are you one of them?  Or are you like me and hate being caught off guard?

If you are one of these who love it, can you say the same thing about your home?  Do you know what is lurking in the corner of that pantry?  The pantry is one of the most neglected areas in a home.  Most people I know would not be able to give me a detailed inventory of their pantry.  Or even a semi-detailed inventory of their pantry. 

Pop Quiz:  Make a list of 10 items (and quantities) of what you think is in your pantry.  (no cheating…don’t look).  After your list is complete, compare your list to the actual contents. 

How did you do?  100% - you rock!  50% - average.  25% or less – you better keep reading.

I love organizing a pantry!  Why?  Because in just a few simple steps, a huge impact can be made.  And my experience has given me the gift of implementing simple systems in a short amount of time. 

Here are the few simple steps I was referring to above.

1. Take everything out of pantry. This is where the pantry may say BOO! to you but stay brave.  It is worth it. 

2. Toss/recycle/compost all expired, almost empty items.  Donate all items that are not expired but no one in your household will ever eat or you have duplicates that will not be consumed before they expire.

3.  Wipe down all the shelves and sweep the floor if needed.

4.  Return items to pantry, that belong in the pantry.  Do not put anything back that does not belong in there!

5.  Step back and admire your efforts.   And feel free to show it off to the rest of the family. 

Halloween may be scary but your pantry shouldn’t be!

Written by: JENNIFER GOWLER, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

 

Read More

We're Hiring!

The team at Organization & Relocation is growing and we’re looking for another Professional Organizer to join us! Is that person you?

THE DETAILS

Like a good challenge?  Looking for supplemental income?  Enjoy building relationships?  Want to help others enhance their life-style? This might just be the position for you!

We are a local business offering professional organizational services and relocation coordination. This is a position with distinct facets, so we need team members with a unique set of qualifications.  We are looking for individuals in the Boulder and Denver area that can work on project teams immediately as well as candidates that we can put on the fast-track to managing projects.  

Attention to personal presentation, professionalism on the jobsite and the ability to create order, simplicity and functionality in any space are imperative.  If you color code your clothing, sort your supplies into labeled bins and don’t understand why anyone would need a “junk” drawer, you may be exactly what we’re looking for!

Ideal candidates must have flexible availability (between 9a – 6pm), be self-motivated and have excellent communication skills.  The position is a gig/part-time position.  Hours fluctuate from week to week (ranging from 0-30) depending on the projects scheduled for that week.  High drive and ambition will result in more hours!  

This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, and crouching ALL day. The employee must frequently lift and move items up to 50 pounds.  This position requires manual dexterity, auditory and visual skills, and the ability to follow written and oral instruction and procedures.

HOW TO APPLY

If you think this would be a good fit for your time and energy, please tell us why.  Send a cover letter and resume to recruiting@organizationandrelocation.com.

We love our work and have fun doing it! We may not be able to respond to all applicants, but we thank you for your interest and wish you much success in your search.

COVID-Conscious Organizing Tips

COVID-Conscious Organizing Tips

Our business, organization and relocation, is an intimate one. We work emotionally close with our clients to create trust, organization and ease of flow in their homes. Never has this been more valued than right now during a pandemic. Welcome to staying home, staying safe and let's make your space updated to the new "normal!"

Read More

Why Upcycling Matters

Why Upcycling Matters

Upcycling: Why it Matters and Where to Start

We’ve all heard the phrase reduce, reuse and recycle. It’s time to introduce a new term into that phrase, and it’s one you’ve probably heard before. Say hello to upcycling— the process of transforming waste or unwanted items into something new! Believe it or not, upcycling is relevant now more than ever. With schools, offices, and businesses closed due to the global epidemic, there is a higher need to protect, entertain, and connect. Check out these helpful tips below to start upcycling your items and transform them into new treasures, whether it’s for necessity or to keep you sane during this stressful time!

Make medical face masks

Since the new coronavirus is an airborne illness, medical masks have been a necessity for healthcare professionals and other frontline workers. They have also become a hot commodity to the public who have been wearing them to help slow down the spread of the disease as they shop for food and supplies or even when going for a stroll around the neighborhood. Unfortunately, there is now a shortage in medical masks for frontline workers who need them to help defend themselves from the pathogen as they treat patients. Medical professionals are now left with limited protective equipment to use and are resorting to homemade cloth masks.

So how does upcycling play into this? Many hospitals are asking for homemade medical mask donations. While these may not be as effective as the N95 masks used by nurses and doctors to treat patients, they can be used as an alternative by hospitals that are running low on supplies. You can even use these masks at home if someone has the flu or on your grocery runs. Using items you have laying around your house like old denim, bed sheets, and heavyweight shirts, you can easily make a medical face mask in as little as five minutes! Not only will you be making use of items that may be collecting dust in your home, you’ll feel good knowing that you’re giving back to your local community.

Use a closet cleanout service

Many businesses are temporarily closing and the demand for supplies is increasing. You may find that money may be tight in your household at the moment. While it may not seem like the most traditional option, you can sell your unwanted clothing to a closet cleanout service to earn some extra cash. Think of this extra time at home as an opportunity to clean out your closets and finally let go of the pieces in your wardrobe that you no longer wear or may have outgrown. By utilizing a closet cleanout service you can earn a cash payment for your old clothing or even choose to donate $5 to a charity of your choice in lieu of payment. Whether you want to earn cash or just give back, cleaning out your closet gives someone else the opportunity to give new life to your clothing and style your pieces in ways that you would’ve never thought to.

Upgrade your leftovers

With social distancing and self-quarantining in full effect, fewer trips are being made to the grocery store. While you may have tossed out your leftovers in the past, now is the time to take advantage of your extra food and turn it into something else. For example, if you make tacos for dinner one night, turn them into quesadillas the next night. There are a ton of different ways to turn your leftover food into new meals. Not only will this ensure you’re making the most out of your groceries, it’ll also help keep your grocery trips to a minimum.

Turn household items into crafts

Now that we’re spending more time at home, you may not know how to spend your time. There are only so many books you can read and shows to watch before boredom starts to set in. If you have kids at home, it may also be difficult to keep them entertained throughout the day as well. A fun activity that everyone in your household can participate in is crafting. The best part is you don’t have to leave your house to get supplies! You can easily transform your household items into crafts in so many different ways. Whether you’re an adult or trying to entertain your children, the possibilities are endless!

Angie Spann, Project Coordinator

Read More

Reset Thy Home

Reset Thy Home

Getting organized is not just about putting everything in its place, it’s about prioritizing, creating functional beauty, and making a space a sanctuary. We are now experiencing a new lifestyle, so it’s more important than ever that you and your family have organizational systems in place. Why?

Home organization is something you can control which brings peace of mind, increased productivity while working from home, family enjoyment and fewer arguments about where things go. No matter the space, the process is always to sort and categorize alike items, purge, organize and "containerize." Start small, pick a cabinet, a drawer or your closet. I’ll tell you a secret, organizing is fun and the rewards are endless. When possible, make it a family event and everyone will learn. How do you get there?

  • The Burning Questions: Spark Reality! Ask yourself these three things when purging: Do I use it? Do I love it? Do I appreciate it? Make room for things that you really want. Be Honest.

  • The Art of Purging: Do you have piles of pens you never use? Do you have 14 spatulas but hardly ever cook? (Yes, I saw this once!) Have your children outgrown clothes and toys that someone else would now benefit from? Do you have clothes you may not fit into now? Be Ruthless.

  • The Lifestyle Change: If you have less stuff, you then have less stuff to organize. Purging frees up your mind to do the things you really want to do! Do yourself a favor and restrict purchases until you have gone through the sorting, categorizing, purging, organizing and containerizing process. You’ll just add more clutter and stress! Be thoughtful. Be Selective.

  • The Organizing Process & Beauty of Color Coding: Whether it’s the closet or pantry, the same premise applies: set up your systems of organization by category, alike items go together. In your closet, put all short sleeve shirts together organized by color. Use the same style hangers for everything. Organize clothes by genre and color from white to black along the color wheel to make each closet a work of art. In your pantry, healthy items should be at eye level surrounded by your most used items, and of course, keep the candy out of reach of children! Use clear bins or baskets to maintain the organization and categorization. Be Detailed.

  • The Clutter-Free Home: Keep your counters clear (which I struggle with!) and keep your home clean. When you have organizational systems in place, it’s a breeze to clean up.

I believe that organizing is a lifetime process, not a one-time event. You don’t have to devote an entire weekend to a massive project, just 10 minutes here or 20 minutes there. Try to impose order and beauty where there was none before. Do this for yourself now and the rewards will be endless.

Most importantly, in today’s world, you can’t afford to not be organized. It's a priority, not a luxury.

Stuff is not passive. Stuff wants your time, attention, allegiance. But you know it as well as I do, life is more important than the things we accumulate. --Dave Bruno

Read More

One Small Idea, 15 BIG Years!

One Small Idea, 15 BIG Years!

Every year I have grown through success, learned from mistakes, and best of all, transformed people's lives. My friends and family were my first clients and these relationships continue to thrive. We wouldn't be where we are without all of your support! 

Looking back on 2019, was your year successful and productive, both professionally and personally? Organization & Relocation had another record year and we love teaching & helping people to get organized! 

We relocated businesses & residences in Boulder, Denver Aspen, Vail, & California.  We brought organization to offices, kitchens, closets, garages, and more, near and far.  Now that you have had a couple weeks to settle into the new decade, it is time to take action for your best year yet!  We have entered our 15th year and are so excited to be a driving force in the organizing & relocation industry.

Happy Organizing, 
Sheryl Hadley
Founder & President

Read More