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Move Smarter, Live Lighter: Your Guide to a Seamless Relocation

6/20/2025

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Summer has arrived, and here in Northeast Florida that usually means lots of new homes and fresh starts! Whether you're relocating across town or across the state, moving can quickly go from exciting to overwhelming. Boxes pile up, closet contents seem to multiply overnight, and before you know it—you’re wondering why you own 10 pairs of scissors.
Pre-Move Planning & Communication Phase:
  •  Start Early: The earlier you start, the less stressful it will be. Start decluttering and planning at least 6-8 weeks out, if possible.
  • Budget: Are you hiring movers, doing it yourselves, or a hybrid? This will impact planning.
  • Priorities: What's most important (e.g., getting it done quickly, saving money, minimizing stress)?
  • Special Items: Do you have valuable, fragile, or unusual items (e.g., piano, art, plants, pets) that require special handling?
  • Create a Master Checklist (Collaboratively): This is your most important tool. Break down the move into manageable tasks and assign responsibilities.
  • Timeline: Assign target dates for each task.
  • Categories: Room by room packing, utilities, address changes, cleaning, etc.
  • Before the Move: Arrange for utilities to be shut off at the old place and turned on at the new place.
  • Cleaning: Arrange for cleaning of the old place (if required by lease) and the new place (before unpacking).
  • Set Up a Communication System: Decide how you'll communicate updates, questions, and decisions (e.g., shared document, text thread, email, text)
  • Declutter ruthlessly: This is crucial. Why pay to move things you don’t love or use? One of the best ways to simplify and decrease the weight your move (which also brings down the cost) is to declutter before you pack. Take the time to really be decisive on what you want to move with you.  Sort through your belongings and donate items to a good cause. Mark items with different stickers or different colored painters tape: Keep, Donate, Sell, or Toss. Less stuff means less to pack and move. Also, keep in mind the amount of time and resources it takes to sell items (sometimes it isn’t worth it, or consider consignment or a service to sell on your behalf to save time.)
    • Pro Tip: Donating items you no longer need can be a powerful motivator for letting go. We’ve compiled a list of incredible local and national charities to match a wide range of causes—so you can feel good about where things are going. Check out the full list here: Donation Resources
  • Gather Supplies:
    • Boxes: Various sizes (small for heavy items, large for light items). Get more than you think you'll need. If it’s a local move consider renting moving crates which can reduce overall costs.  
    • Packing Materials: Packing paper, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, old newspapers, towels, blankets.
    • Tape: Strong packing tape, dispensers. 
    • Markers: Thick, permanent markers for labeling.
    • Labels/Stickers: Color-coded labels can be very helpful.
    • Tools: Box cutter, scissors, basic toolkit for disassembling furniture.
    • Cleaning Supplies: For both old and new homes.
Packing Phase:
  •  Create a Packing Schedule: Don't try to do it all at once. Break it down by room or category.
  • Pack Smart & Safely:
  • Label, Label, Label: Every box should be clearly labeled on at least two sides with:
    • Room: Where it belongs in the new house (e.g., "Kitchen," "Master Bedroom").
    • Contents: A general idea of what's inside (e.g., "Pots & Pans," "Books," "Linens").
    • Fragile: Mark clearly if fragile.
    • Open First: For essential items.
  • Pack Essentials Box (First Night Box): This is critical. Pack a box with items needed immediately upon arrival: toiletries, medications, change of clothes, snacks, pet supplies, phone chargers, important documents, basic tools, paper plates/cups, coffee maker, etc.
  • Weight Distribution: Pack heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes.
  • Protect Fragile Items: Wrap everything individually. Use plenty of cushioning. Think outside the box. Don’t forget to make sure the plates aren’t stacked on top of each other, they should be packed vertically.
  • Keep Like Items Together: Don't mix items from different rooms in one box.
  • Wardrobe Boxes: Great for hanging clothes. A great alternative for wardrobe boxes is large moving bags for items in drawers, and using trash bags for hanging items so they can stay on the hangers (for local moves.)
  • Pictures of Setup: Take photos of how electronics are wired before unplugging them.
  • Inventory (Optional but Recommended): For valuable items, consider a simple inventory list or photos. Create an album on your phone to collect any pictures of items that belong to you or for your photo inventory. 
  • Important Documents Bag: Keep all critical documents (passports, birth certificates, insurance papers, school records) in a separate, secure bag that they keep with them.
Move Day & Post-Move:
  •  Confirm Arrangements: Double-check with movers, rental truck companies, and any helpers.
  • Supervise & Direct: On move day, be available to direct movers/helpers where boxes go in the new home based on your labeling system. It’s also helpful to put signs up on each room so they don’t mistake where the boxes need to go.  Match what you labeled the boxes with what you call each room.  
  • Utilities & Address Changes:
  • Mail Forwarding: Set up mail forwarding with the post office.
  • Notify Important Contacts: Banks, credit cards, subscriptions, doctors, schools, etc.
  • Unpack Strategically: Start with the essentials box, then move to the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Don't try to unpack everything at once.
General Tips:
  •  Keep Hydrated and Fed: Have water, snacks, and meals readily available, especially on packing and move days.
  • Don't Overcommit: Be realistic about what you can do. It's okay to hire professionals for certain tasks if needed.
  • Have a "Go Bag": For yourself, with snacks, water, phone charger, and anything you might need while helping.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Moving can feel overwhelming. Celebrate every box packed and every small victory!

At Serene Spaces Professional Organizing, we specialize in making your move thorough and low stress with our full suite of Moving Services designed to make life easier before, during, and after your move.
  1. Edit and Prep
Preparing for a move can be overwhelming. We're here to help you declutter and lighten your load before the big day. We'll work with you to sort through your belongings with a clear plan, reducing stress and empowering you to make confident decisions about what to keep and what to let go. Everything will be clearly labeled to streamline the entire moving process.
  1. Unpack & Organize from Day One
Imagine walking into your new home and having your kitchen ready to cook in, your closet organized just the way you like it, and your kids’ rooms totally set up. With our Unpack & Organize services, we’ll help you settle into your new space without the boxes dragging on for months. Start fresh—and stay organized.
  1. Concierge Move Management
Stressed about your move and not sure where to start? Our Concierge Move Management service handles every detail. We manage timelines and logistics, schedule movers, coordinate the move on the day of, and get you unpacked and organized so you can focus on what truly matters.
Whether you're downsizing, upgrading, or just ready for a new chapter, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming—with the right plan (and the right organizers!), it can actually be a breath of fresh air.

Ready to make your move a serene one?
Contact us to book a consultation today!

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Spring Cleaning… Where Do You Even Start?

5/5/2025

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Every year, as the days get longer and the air turns crisp with that first hint of spring, I feel the urge to fling open the windows and let the fresh breeze in. Without fail, that beautiful sunlight starts revealing the layers of dust that have quietly settled in over the winter. Cue: Spring Cleaning!

But here’s the thing—sometimes once you start dusting or sweeping, you inevitably stumble across all the little projects that have been put on the back burner. That board game in the closet that may or may not be missing pieces. The pile of clothes you keep meaning to donate. Seasonal décor that’s still lurking in corners. Pretty soon, motivation to clean gets steamrolled by the overwhelm of all the organizing that needs to be addressed.

That’s exactly why we suggest breaking up spring cleaning into two phases: first, decluttering, then the actual cleaning.

We always suggest a room-by-room approach for the decluttering phase. Start small—build momentum. Maybe it’s your kitchen: toss expired spices, donate those “what even is this?” gadgets, and finally give your junk drawer some love (you know the one or two or three). Or head to your closet and do a quick scan. Haven’t worn it in the past year? Flip the hanger around or set it aside. Little visual cues like that make a big difference. And remember—decluttering isn’t just about stuff. It's often emotional. We hold on to things for “someday” or for sentimental reasons, and that’s completely normal. Try asking yourself: “Would I buy this again today?” or “Does this still reflect who I am now?” That mindset shift creates real space for a fresh start. Also give yourself grace when you notice that you purchased something and haven’t used it or haven’t worn it. Sometimes that happens and it’s ok. Also remember that just because you paid money for something doesn’t mean you need to keep it, if it isn’t serving you it is costing you space and energy.  
Once the clutter is gone, your home should already feel lighter. Take a moment to celebrate—you’ve done the hardest part! Then ride that wave of accomplishment into the cleaning phase. I love using a checklist to stay focused and track progress (because who doesn’t love checking boxes?). You can grab my printable spring cleaning checklist here:
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Spring Cleaning Checklist.
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Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home—and your mindset. If you’re feeling inspired but not quite sure where to begin, let’s chat. Sometimes a few hours with a professional is all it takes to jumpstart the process and bring your space (and energy!) back to life. The Serene Team would love to help you sort, declutter, and create organizing systems that make maintenance feel manageable (and much easier to clean!). Reach out for a consultation and let’s make this your most refreshing spring yet!
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Embracing Hygge: Let’s Adopt the Dane’s Secret to a Cozy Life

2/17/2025

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​Now that the winter holidays are in the rearview mirror, January can feel a bit bleak at times.  Some areas of our country are in a deep freeze and even in Northeast Florida we’ve been experiencing a chill not seen in years!  Many of us are spending more time indoors.  So as you look around your homes, are you embracing the concept of hygge?  
Pronounced “hoo-ga,” this term doesn’t have a direct translation into English, but it refers to a cozy, comfortable, and contented state of being. Hygge is a way of life that invites us to slow down, savor the small moments, and appreciate the simple pleasures.  While the weather in Denmark may be a bit different than ours on the First Coast, I think the Danes may be onto something!
At its core, hygge is about creating warmth and happiness in your everyday surroundings. Hygge isn’t just for winter—it’s about making the most of every season. In the colder months, it might involve enjoying hot drinks, baking, and staying cozy inside. In the warmer months, hygge can mean having a picnic outdoors, enjoying a slow summer evening with friends, or simply basking in the sunlight. By aligning your activities with the natural rhythms of the seasons, you can foster a sense of connection with both the environment and your inner peace.
So can we “Hygge-fy” our spaces?  Let's start in a family room or great room where our homes see the most action.  As you look around, what is some visual chaos you notice?  Is it the stack of mail or papers to go through?  A pile of toys that the kids overlook?  Magazines that have long since been read and ready to be recycled? Those are quick areas to focus on to reclaim peace in your home and cost you almost nothing to overhaul.
In a time when burnout and stress are at an all-time high, embracing hygge can be a powerful tool for cultivating well-being. It encourages mindfulness, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the everyday moments that often go unnoticed. Hygge isn’t about stuff, but a feeling. Tackle small projects to create more peace and order and over time, you’ll see those small changes add up.
Ready for some instant hygge?  We’d be happy to help you this winter.  Our team of trained organizers can design an organizational system customized to you and your family’s needs that will not only look beautiful, but is sustainable for ongoing peace in your home.  

Wishing you comfort in this cooler season,

Cassie and the Serene Team
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  • Home
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    • Testimonials/Reviews
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  • Join our team
  • Contact Us
    • Services