Author Archives: The Move Makers

Declutter for a Cause: Where to Donate, Recycle, or Resell in Portland, Oregon

Blog No Comments

You’ve sold your house and are downsizing, with the help of The Move Makers. There are lots of decisions about what to keep, and what to give to family or friends. But once those decisions are made, what about the items that no longer fit your new space, yet still have value?

Consider donating, recycling, or consigning them through one of Portland’s many non-profits and sustainable organizations. Whether it’s household goods for Community Warehouse, furniture for Habitat for Humanity ReStore, books for the Children’s Book Bank, or electronics for Free Geek, your gently used items can find a second life while supporting a good cause... Read the rest

Sorting Through a Lifetime: How to Preserve Family Memories and Heirlooms

Downsizing and Organizing No Comments

When my mother was born in 1939, her family were stateless White Russians living in Shanghai, China. In 1947, they fled the advancing forces of Mao Tse-Tung and ended up in Panama. That early upheaval shaped her life in many ways—including, I believe, her tendency to hoard.

It wasn’t too much of a problem when I was younger, but by the end of her life, we were debating whether she really needed fifteen colanders in various shapes and sizes. When she died late last year, her apartment was still filled with unpacked boxes from a move five years earlier.

So, we set to work... Read the rest

Starting Fresh: Organizing and Decluttering for a New Year

Blog No Comments

The holiday parties are over. The Christmas decorations have been taken down and stored away. You’ve toasted to a new year and made some resolutions. If you’re anything like me, these include the perennial ones to eat healthier and deal with clutter.

Each year, I start with energy and good intentions. These are easily derailed, but 2024 was a little different because of the death of my mother. My wife and I traveled to England to help my sister and brother deal with my mother’s estate. My wife, an energy powerhouse and not quite as encumbered by grief as the rest of us, set the standard as she went through my mum’s things... Read the rest

The Move Makers 2024: A Season of Gratitude

Blog No Comments

As the year winds down, we at The Move Makers reflect on the blessings, challenges, and growth we’ve experienced in 2024. Here are some heartfelt reflections from our team:

Annie

Annie: This year, I’m reminded daily of how fortunate I am. My husband of 45 years, our two beautiful daughters, and our wonderful son-in-law fill my heart with joy. The best part of my day is breakfast with my family, where we connect deeply and talk about everything. I’m grateful for the privilege of being a mom and hold immense admiration for mothers striving against the odds. Looking ahead to 2025, my focus is on embracing a healthier life for both me and my husband.

.. Read the rest

Autumn Adventures: Moving House during the Fall Season

Move Planning and Management No Comments

As I sit here in late July, watching the excitement of the Paris Olympics, it’s hard to believe that fall will be upon us in just a few short weeks. In the world of moving, we’re currently in the middle of the “busy season,” with many people taking advantage of the warm weather and long daylight hours.

But have you ever considered the benefits of moving in the fall? If you’re not tied to school schedules and have a certain amount of flexibility, autumn can be an ideal time to make a move. Here’s why:

1. Less Competition

Fall isn’t the peak moving season, so you may find it easier to schedule movers and secure discounts from moving companies... Read the rest

We Are A Vendor For “The Longest Day” Event!

Announcement No Comments

Let’s celebrate the Summer Solstice at “The Longest Day” Event

A benefit for the Alzheimers Association

Please join us and my fantastic vendors/donors and become a part of our team, “Walking on Sunshine!”, as we celebrate this special day ushering in the summer season by supporting a cause near and dear to many of us. Alzheimer’s disease robs families and communities of treasured members. It touches, or will touch, all of us. Let’s come together and help put an end to this cruel disease! Your help and friendship mean the world to us!

Details:

When:
June 20th, 2024
5:30 – 8:00 PM

Where:
Ruzzo’s Retreat
15252 OR-224
Clackamas, OR 97015

What to expect:

  • Live music with: Pontiac Nights
  • Ruzzo Beverages
  • Food carts
  • Vendors
  • Silent Auction
  • Family-friendly event

Sponsored by:

lifeinhometeam white
ppg logo white

The Alzheimer’s Association is a nationally recognized 501(C)(3)... Read the rest

Sustainable Moving Unveiled: How to Work with The Move Makers to create Eco-Friendly Practices

Move Planning and Management No Comments

When Jim and Francine MacDonald made the decision to sell their cherished family home of 30 years and move to a senior-living community, they had a clear vision in mind. Francine, a former  marine biologist and passionate supporter of environmental causes, was determined not to add anything more than necessary to the waste stream. With sustainability and “reduce, reuse, recycle” firmly in their minds, the MacDonalds sought out move-making companies that shared their values.

Enter The Move Makers – where sustainability is not just a practice…it’s woven into our fabric. As we plan your move, we work on organizing and reducing your household to fit your new space... Read the rest

“Just the Right Size” Downsizing Presentation

Downsizing and Organizing No Comments

Need some inspiration for your moving project? Are you downsizing or selling your home? Join The Move Makers and other professionals for our free presentation, where we will share information on everything organizing, downsizing and moving. We will offer 10 valuable tips on how to work through the process. How do you avoid the emotional pitfalls? You will go away with a strategy that you can use. Industry professional speakers will be Valerie Hurst from The Springs, Lara James with Keller Williams and Deborah Ulrich with The Move Makers.

The Springs at Carman Oaks Community

FREE “Just the Right Size” Downsizing Presentation

Date: Thursday, January 25 , 2024 Time: 11:00AM (lunch to follow)

Location: The Springs at Carman Oaks in the Theater Room
3800 Carman Dr.,.. Read the rest

Ready For The Next Chapter?

Announcement Blog No Comments

EVERYONE’S NEXT CHAPTER IS DIFFERENT.

ARE YOU CONSIDERING relocating or downsizing? Is your family growing or reducing in size? Are you planning for your financial estate, power of attorney or medical future? Are you looking for senior assistance, or do you need to understand how your insurance coverage will be affected with a new lifestyle change?

You are invited to hear from professionals who will share updated information to help you move forward into your next life chapter. In this casual gathering you will have the opportunity to talk to qualified professionals in a variety of industries. This forum will help you create a solid strategy to advance toward your future goals... Read the rest

Tips for Downsizing Decor and More

Blog Downsizing and Organizing How to Organize No Comments

Even though I live in a small home, I enjoy changing out my decor with the seasons. Over the years I have curated a collection of interesting items that I can arrange and rearrange with endless possibilities, which keeps me interested and my spaces fresh. I am fortunate to have a small walk up attic and this is my designated area for storing all decor by season.

When I was putting away holiday decorations earlier this month, I noticed that about half the boxes had not been touched. In fact, I remembered that this was the second year in a row it had happened, signaling to me that it was time to take action... Read the rest