MOVE MANAGEMENT

by Deborah Mesher, Architectural Designer and Diana Vela, Move Manager

Deborah: What is a Move Manager?

Diana: We are like the conductor of the orchestra when it comes to moving houses and prepare them for renovations or sales. We handle all the nitty-gritty details like assessing the scope and complexity of the move itself, the timing, the budget, getting quotes from and coordinating movers, scheduling packing and unpacking and organizing the temporary residence, all scaled to a client’s needs and budget. Think of us as your personal moving guru, taking the stress out of relocation. Move managers are sometimes professional movers too, but not always. Moving On Organizing is the only move management company in Toronto that has its own moving truck and crew.

Deborah: What concerns do you hear most about moving?
Moves are always cited as one of the most stressful events in people lives, along with renovations. Doing both at once can be exponentially more complicated. Not having the right support in place can add a lot of stress during a move, and costs can balloon. Be specific with your movers about furniture placement and where to leave boxes. The good ones will help you get your rugs laid just so. The bad ones will heap your belongings anywhere that's easy for them. A move manager can help you figure out what’s important and communicate that with movers.

Deborah: How should a homeowner prepare for an upcoming renovation within their home?

Diana: Depends on what renovations are involved. It's different to prepare for a kitchen/bathroom renovation than it is for new floors or a basement underpinning that is separate from other spaces, but I'll say PLAN it out!  If you or your belongings are staying in the house (not recommended if it's a big reno!) think about how you can continue living without adding extra stress to your daily habits. Think through accessibility in and out of the house, areas for the contractors to set up and work, material storage, dust and noise control.

Remember that you can always hire us help! If you can’t afford professionals or would prefer to do it yourself, make sure all loose items that can fit are boxed up and sealed with tape, labeled clearly with a room destination and contents. Make sure a decent parking area for the moving truck is secured and/or elevators booked. If you have pets - have a plan that keeps them out of harm’s way.

Deborah: What questions should a homeowner always ask a potential mover?

Diana: Do you charge an hourly or flat fee? Do I have to pay for travel time, fuel or insurance? Any other fees? Do you provide re-useable or single use moving boxes? How do you protect my furniture and belongings during the move? Are there wardrobe boxes on the truck, how many, and do you charge to use them? Will you have mattress bags? Will you disassemble (and reassemble) beds and other large furniture?  

Deborah: What is a ballpark cost range for a renovation move?

Diana: We build packages that cater to our client's needs, but our turnkey, full service moving solutions can range from $10-20K+ for most Toronto houses---which amounts to about 1-2% of a small to medium renovation construction budget.

Deborah: What do you wish homeowners knew about moving?

Diana: Manage your schedule and expectations carefully. Rarely do we move into a post-renovation situation where trades have completed all of their work. We've often moved clients into homes without counters or non-functioning bathrooms. Having construction trades on site during move day makes things challenging for everyone. Send the trades away for a few days, and have the house professionally deep-cleaned before your move day makes settling in easier. We can get you unpacked quickly so you can get on with enjoying your new space that you waited so patiently for!

Learn more about Diana and Moving On Organizing here.

HOME ORGANIZATION

by Deborah Mesher, Architectural Designer and Heather Shute of Moving On Organizing

Deborah: What are the most common space challenges in small urban houses?

Heather: There are two things we see over and over: inadequate closet space, and/or inadequate shelving and cupboards. Often, clients have added shelving to their homes, but failed to match that shelving to what they are trying to store, and it's a missed opportunity in terms of maximizing the usefulness of a space. Our lives are busy and messy and we have things. We need easy to use, thoughtful storage that aligns to what we're trying to store. Skis need a very different space than tools or seasonal decor, and there are ideal solutions for all three categories.

Deborah: Why is home organization important?

Heather: So many people breeze past the storage spaces during design. Don't fall into this trap! The quality of the storage space is directly proportional to how closely you will achieve that photo worthy beautiful home. If your design team doesn't carefully consider the reality of your lifestyle and your particular belongings, your beautiful new interior will fail you. Cabinet layouts and storage areas deserve equally thoughtful attention if you want to achieve that lofty goal of 'a place for everything'. A sparse entry quickly becomes cluttered if you haven't planned out where you will keep your shoes, coats and backpacks.

Deborah: How should a homeowner prepare for an upcoming renovation to their house?

Heather: PURGE! Even if you think you're on top of things, even if you're up-sizing your home, take this opportunity to remove a layer of unnecessary belongings. I'm sure you can find some things you no longer need. And consider all the areas trades will need access to. Only renovating your kitchen? Trades need an entry point to bring in tools, will need regular access to your electrical panel, and a bathroom to use. Make sure they have a clear, safe path of access.

Deborah: What are the service options you provide for organizing before a home renovation?

Heather: We have a really unique service offering in our field -- with an interior design background, we can offer consulting on design plans from an organizational perspective. We also offer the hands-on coaching and muscle power to help our clients perpare, ascertain what's needed for your temporary setup, and pack and prep your home for a renovation. We have a dozen years of experience on the logistical side of how to make your temporary move as easy and smooth as possible.

Deborah: And after?

Heather: After the reno is our favourite part: setting up the beautiful new space, and ensuring you have all the right organizational tools in place, so you can feel like you really won the renovation lottery. We'll take your space from 90% awesome to 99%! And if you missed anything in the planning (it'll happen), we will find a solution that doesn't leave you cursing that one forgotten thing. Unless you forgot to build-in a dog house in a sneaky nook, so you're still stuck with the crate in the middle of your bedroom. We did that, and the dog loved her new room!

Deborah: What do you wish people knew about home organization?

Heather: Help is available! And it's worthwhile! Our industry isn't well known, but anyone who has invested in our services tends to be thrilled with the results. We're problem solvers and doers. We help get those annoying lingering to-do list items done. And you know what else? Purging is a lot more successful and fun with someone on your team at your side.

Deborah: What are you most excited about that’s emerging in your field?

Heather: I hate 'The Home Edit', it's totally unrealistic. Who has only 12 items in their fridge, or room for a candy drawer in their Toronto semi-detached kitchen?! This is not real life. I love that people are thinking about organization. It takes a particular client, designer, architect, and/or professional organizer, usually working together as a team, to fully address this question. 

Learn more about Moving On Organizing here.