Preparing for a Move — Packing with Ease and Intention

Welcome friends! And to any new subscribers, here is a bit about me.

I help people who are ready to reclaim their space and energy—but need compassionate guidance to get started.

My approach isn’t about judgment or strict minimalism. It’s about clarity, intention, and transformation. Whether you’re downsizing, handling a loved one’s estate, or just feeling overwhelmed, I’m here to support you.

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Downsizing Can Be Chaotic — But It Doesn't Have to Be

When life feels full — work deadlines, kids needing support, dinners to make — “packing up the house” can sound impossible. But you don’t need to do it all at once. With some willingness and a little grace you can achieve - absolutely - anything.

The key is not to force motivation — it’s to build momentum, one small, intentional step at a time.

Here are some tips that have helped me and many of my clients:

Start Small & Start Now

Preparing to move is rarely just about boxes and tape. It’s about noticing what’s been enjoyed or perhaps misplaced in the spaces you’re leaving behind — and giving yourself permission to move forward without stuff that was not working for you or you have loved but are ready to pass along.

Start small. One drawer. One shelf. One cabinet

Your goal does not need to be “pack up the entire living room.” Aim instead, to box five items. The brain loves small wins and once you start, momentum follows. Every sealed box is a decision made — proof that progress is happening, even in a busy week.

It doesn’t have to look productive — sometimes progress is seen when you start moving and glance back.

Tie Packing to Existing Routines

Link short bursts of packing to habits you already have. Make it rhythmic:

  • Right after coffee → one cabinet before the day begins. ✔️

  • After dinner → a 15 minute “family pack-up sprint.” ✔️

When everyone contributes, it becomes teamwork — not a solo burden.

Consistency beats intensity every time. And you don’t have to do it alone. Pull in a friend, partner or kids. You can even give kids mini quests. Let them label boxes, sort toys, or race the timer.

The secret is in building a healthy habit. Little bits done daily create real momentum.

Packing isn’t a sprint; it’s a rhythm of release.

Emotionally Reframe Your Progress with Visible Trackers

Keep a checklist or tracker where you can see it — not to pressure yourself, but to celebrate completion. Marking things off feels good because it’s concrete proof of forward movement — and that satisfaction fuels the next round of effort. Each box taped shut is one decision made, one step closer to your next home.

Because packing isn’t just about boxing stuff. It’s about closure, transition, and self-trust. You’re not packing up a mess — you’re curating the story that comes with you and actively choosing what belongs in your next chapter.

Create Themes or Zones

I like to break things into micro-zones. When you end each day with something “done,” even an empty shelf, cabinet or drawer, you rebuild trust with yourself. You remember that you’re capable of – progress, even in the middle of real life. You can avoid decision fatigue by organizing your efforts into simple, labeled categories.

Try a pattern like:

  • Monday: Books (Move, store or donate to a little free library). ✔️

  • Tuesday: Pantry (Look for outdated items and toss if expired) ✔️

  • Wednesday: Kids’ toys (that have somehow multiplied overnight- Pro Tip: Kids play more when they have less to play with) ✔️

It’s amazing how progress multiplies when you don’t have to decide where to begin each day. You’ll end each day with something done — which is far more motivating than staring at the big picture.

Honor Progress Over Perfection & Celebrate the Wins

As you pack a box – listen to a podcast while you work or dance it out to Taylor’s new album.

Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. You just have to start — gently, intentionally, and with a system that honors your authentic self.

Box sealed, reward your effort with a piece of dark chocolate, a spritz of lavender spray or a downward dog stretch. This is your dopamine win and you get to celebrate the pride in your accomplishment. You’re doing the work! But you certainly don’t have to do it alone.

I help people who are ready to reclaim their space and energy—but need compassionate guidance to get started.

My approach isn’t about judgment or strict minimalism. It’s about clarity, intention, and transformation. Whether you’re downsizing, handling a loved one’s estate, or just feeling overwhelmed, I’m here to support you.

To help you on your journey, I’ve created a free 7-day guide to stepping into the headspace of Enough. It’s not about deprivation—it’s about deciding what truly meets you where you are now and also where you want to grow toward.

Want the free 7-day decluttering guide? Click the button below and reach out for your guide.

YES PLEASE

Here’s your gentle invitation:

Pick one thing to donate, repurpose, or let go of. Then repeat daily until you feel more balanced in your space.

Do a visual scan of your space.

Choose one category of things that stress you out when you look at them.

Ask:

  • Is this still adding value to my life?

  • Could someone else benefit more from this?

Even small steps are meaningful.

Ideas:

🌱 Go through your cold weather clothing and donate gently used coats, gloves and hats. A lot of times a community school will be able to distribute these items to students and parents who could benefit from your donation.

🌱 Edit down your kitchen gadgets you intended to use. Your local buy nothing group could likely rehouse these items

🌱 Reuse takeout containers to save mixed paint, separate beads or organize your hardware.

Final Thoughts: Enough. isn’t about living with nothing. It’s about living with intention.

You are amazing.

You are working toward achieving your goals every day.

Keep going. Keep decluttering. Keep creating a home that works with you—not against you.

Because the stuff in your space should support you -- not suppress you.

If you’re ready to feel lighter, calmer and more at peace in your home, hit reply or book a free discovery call.

I’d love to hear what’s on your heart—and help you take that first step.

With warmth and clarity,

Meghan



Is It Time to Let Go? (You Might Be Surprised)

Clear Space. Clear Mind. Clear Heart.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about boundaries—not just the ones we set with people, but also the ones we can set with things.

We all have our collections: books stacked sky-high, plants multiplying by the window, clothing busting out of our closets. And then there’s the next level: hoarding. Let’s talk about it.

What Is Hoarding, Really?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), hoarding is a clinical condition marked by persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. It affects up to 6% of Americans and is often linked to trauma, grief, anxiety, or periods of extreme scarcity. But hoarding doesn’t always look like the extreme cases shown on TV.

Sometimes it’s take out containers without lids, the stack of expired coupons, or the junk drawer that’s quietly taken over three rooms. Some of this comes from love, our history and even our family who may have saved everything immaginable during the Great Depression. That mindset—“just in case”—can echo for generations.

*According to the DSM-5-TR Hoarding now is able to be diagnosed on its own and is not limited to a sub-set of OCD. I just learned this so I thought I would share it with you.

Collecting vs. Hoarding: What’s the Difference?

Some Top Things I Collect:

  • Books

  • Houseplants

  • Apothecary Jars

  • Gemstones

  • Insense Burners (Really I have SO many)

  • Artisanal Ceramic Mugs

Some Top Things People Tend to Hoard:

  • Broken electronics or cords

  • Junk mail, old newspapers and magazines

  • Clothing that no longer fits

  • Expired food or toiletries

  • Sentimental items from decades past

Collections are typically organized, curated, and valued. Hoarding, on the other hand, tends to be disorganized, excessive, and anxiety-inducing.

Anxiety related to hoarding behavior may not always be experienced by the individual exhibiting the behavior, but can be experienced by others who share the living space.

When Does “Saving” Become “Too Much”?

That’s really subjective. Ask yourself:

  • Do my belongings bring me comfort or create anxiety?

  • Am I holding onto things for who I am now—or out of fear, guilt, or nostalgia?

  • If I moved tomorrow, what would I really bring with me?

Right now, I’m surrounded by books, plants, and crystals. They don’t cause me stress—yet. But I am aware that for me I have reached my limit. If I brought home even five more of each? I would feel a bit off kilter.

✨ I know I have Enough. — and if I’m honest, I probably have more than I need. ✨

What Happens to Our Stuff When We’re Gone?

We all hope to be remembered for our laughter, presence, and love—not the piles we left behind. And yet, many of us will be called to sort through the belongings of a loved one. That process can be emotional, sacred, and at times completely overwhelming.

If You’re Cleaning Out a Loved One’s Home:

🌱 Start with the essentials — Identify documents, medications, valuables, and photos. Set these aside with care.

🌱 Honor their collections — Take time to understand what mattered to them. Photograph special items before letting them go.

🌱 Keep only what resonates — A single teacup may carry more meaning than an entire set. You don’t have to keep it all to keep the memory.

🌱 Invite help — Whether it’s a trusted friend, family member, or professional, support makes all the difference.

🌱 Give with love — Donate usable items to causes your loved one would appreciate. Sharing their legacy can feel healing. I sometimes give something that is emotionally charged to a good friend instead of donating it.

If this is you right now: be gentle. This is deep, emotional work. You’re not just sorting stuff—you’re honoring a life.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone Letting go can be hard.

I help people who are ready to reclaim their space and energy—but need compassionate guidance to get started.

My approach isn’t about judgment or strict minimalism. It’s about clarity, intention, and transformation. Whether you’re downsizing, handling a loved one’s estate, or just feeling overwhelmed, I’m here to support you.

Take a moment and send this one friend who you think would benefit from the content in this post.

Are You Interested in Letting Go? A Challenge for the Coming Weeks

Here’s your gentle invitation:

Do a visual scan of your space.

Choose one category of “collected” things—books, yarn, figurines, wrapping paper.

Ask:

  • Is this still adding value to my life?

  • Would someone else benefit more from this?

Pick one thing to donate, repurpose, or let go of. Then repeat daily until you feel more balanced in your space.

Even small steps are meaningful.

Ideas:

🌱 Donate used corks to My Organic Market, MOM’s or your Buy Nothing groups for crafting.

🌱Offer unopened toiletries to shelters.

🌱Recycle or digitize old documents and photos.

Final Thoughts: Enough. isn’t about living with nothing. It’s about living with intention.

You can do incredible things.

You are doing incredible things every day.

Keep going. Keep decluttering. Keep creating a home that works for you—not against you.

Because your space should support the life you want — not the stuff you’re afraid to release.

Control: The Art of Letting Go (Just a Little)

Control: The Art of Letting Go (Just a Little)

Decluttering isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about mental space. And sometimes, having “Enough.” means recognizing that you don’t need more.

To help with this mindset shift, I’ve created a free 7-day guide to stepping into the headspace of Enough. It’s not about deprivation—it’s about deciding what truly meets you where you want to grow toward.

Read More