A Resolution To Keep – Downsizing in the New Year

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New Year’s resolutions don’t always have to be about losing weight or fixing bad habits.  Sometimes they can be a determination to start taking control of the things that surround us in our homes that block us from moving forward. What’s a better time than in January to start putting those thoughts into actions and making a plan to organize and clear out your home?

Organizing and downsizing in January can be especially fruitful if you’re planning on selling your home some time later in the year. The spring and summer months are peak times for real estate sales and moving... Read the rest

The Gift of Preparing for The Future

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Whether you’re 45 or 85, planning for the future can be the biggest gift you give to your family members, even while you’re still here to enjoy the present.  According to a study by Caring.com, 40% of people surveyed did not have any estate planning in place because they “just haven’t gotten around to it.” 

Beyond the obvious financial aspect of planning, one often overlooked piece of business is just what to do with your belongings once you have decided to transition to a smaller home, or are no longer here to enjoy them. 

If you are considering downsizing, here are a few ideas that can be practiced now, as a “gift” to your family members and yourself, by lifting the burden from them – and you – down the road... Read the rest

The Move Makers Take A Look Back at 2019. It was a Great Year!

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Year number six is in the books for The Move Makers, and what a year it was!  We continue to grow and have assisted with many move outs and move ins in 2019, all while taking the stress out of the process for our wonderful clients and their families.

In 2018, The Move Makers achieved A+ Accreditation by the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM), the leading professional organization for Senior Move Managers in the world.  This year, our founder Carolyn Rowe was elected to the NASMM Board of Directors, and looks forward to her role on the leadership team... Read the rest

Preparing Your Pet for a Move

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If you’ve ever moved a household, you know how stressful a move can be for you, but often it can be even more stressful for your pet, whose whole world is your home.  Here are some simple steps to consider to help settle in your furry friends more comfortably.

  1.  A visit to the vet:  According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, take your pet to the veterinarian for a complete check up and to update any shots before a move. If you’re moving out of state or are traveling on a plane to your new destination, updated documents are required by airlines and some states.
.. Read the rest

Organizing 101: Inside Tips from the Move Makers Crew

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Our crew at The Move Makers have managed hundreds of moves for our clients, and we’ve learned quite a few things along the way. One important thing we’ve learned is never to make any assumptions about the ease or difficulty of a project beforehand, because there are always surprises. Another thing we’ve learned is that when an unexpected situation arises, we can rely on the experience and training of our staff, and the expertise of our trusted partners, to overcome any obstacle.

With that in mind, we’d like to bring you a just a few of our well-seasoned tips from our team, many of whom are Professional Organizers, so that your own home project can get off to a great start, and hopefully a successful finish!.. Read the rest

What’s Your Clutter Hotspot Habit?

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As we leave the warmth of summer for the cooler months, now is a good time to examine the hotspots of clutter in your home. This month we look at the motivations for why things collect where they do.  Maybe you’ll recognize yourself!  

Out of sight, out of mind:   this is where we squirrel away things that we don’t want to deal with, and since we don’t actually see them on a regular basis, we think the problem is solved.  However, we often take away the function of that place which was intended for another purpose.  If you have a guest bedroom filled with items that you don’t want to deal with, chances are you’re less likely to invite people over to stay. .. Read the rest

The Hidden Cost of Moving – Part 2

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This is part 2 of our article about the hidden cost of moving.  This month, we discuss costs that may creep up in the latter part of your move. Check out last month’s post for more information on moving costs you may not have considered here (link to Part 1).

  1. Too much weight on long distance moves – according to the American Moving and Storage Association, the cost of long-distance and intrastate (over 50 miles) moves are calculated based on weight and distance.  Boxes of books are some of the heaviest non-furniture items that are moved from a house. Consider paring down your collection and other heavy items if you want to save money on your long distance move.
.. Read the rest

The Hidden Costs of Moving – Part 1

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This month is part 1 of our 2-part article on the less obvious costs of moving:

You’ve sold your home and you’ve found the perfect place to relocate.  All that’s left to do is pack up your belongings, arrange for some movers, and be on your way.  But don’t be in a hurry to pack your calculator, because moving households can add up in ways you may have not expected.  

  1. Storage – you’re all ready to move to the next location.  But is your new place ready? If not, be prepared to either rent back your own home from the folks you just sold to, or place your goods in storage. 
.. Read the rest

A Consignment Shop Crash Course

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Whether downsizing your own space or moving into another, sometimes the furniture or accessories you have simply won’t fit or won’t work in the new space.  There is a secondary market for finer furniture, home decor, artwork, rugs and even fine jewelry, and buyers are seeking well-made pieces that aren’t as expensive as buying new.  

But don’t confuse consignment with thrift shopping.  Many consignment shops are very savvy to today’s trends, and are particularly diligent  in what they will accept for resale.  

If you’re considering consigning your furniture or household decor  to a consignment shop, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Condition – Consignment shoppers are discriminating buyers, and consignment shop staff know this. 
.. Read the rest

A Better Way to Bag

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They’re one of the more ubiquitous items in our kitchens, often stuffed into a drawer or basket or shoved hastily under the sink.  They’re plastic grocery bags and in Lake Oswego and other parts of Oregon, they’re facing a hasty demise.

As of July 1, 2019, Lake Oswego has ordered a ban on all plastic carry out bags in retail establishments over 10,000 square feet (think grocery and big box stores), with other establishments following suit  by January 2020, according to Jenny Slepian, Lake Oswego’s Sustainability and Management Analyst.  

Why the bag ban now?  According to the town of Lake Oswego’s official city website, the goal is to change consumers’ behavior. .. Read the rest