Metamorphosis | Spring, 2021

Dearest Clients and Friends,

My home office has a wall of windows that overlooks my front garden, and each morning when I sit down at my desk, it seems as though something new has emerged: a cluster of crocuses, clumps of daffodils, and now the tulips. 

Change appears to surface effortlessly in the garden, and yet so much happens behind the scenes before we even see a sprig of green break through the earth!   

Spring invites metamorphosis - at home and in nature. In this season of moving and spring cleaning, let's awaken to the beauty of possibility and create space to allow life to unfold with ease.

Sarah Thompson
Clean Slate Home Organizing

4 Ways to Have a Low Stress Move and Save Time & Money

I recently met with a financial advisor who was curious about my work. As I explained my step by step approach to supporting clients who are downsizing and moving, he said, “Oh, so clients hire you to help them save money over time AND make their lives easier.” Exactly!  

My steady, organized support allows clients to sell their home more quickly (because their space is organized and free of clutter) and move with less stress. They know exactly what to do each week and can rely on my practical guidance and hands-on support throughout the process.

If you or someone you know will be moving this year, here’s what I would recommend:

1. Give yourself plenty of time

If possible, allow 8-12 weeks to prepare your home for selling and to get ready to move.

2. Get organized and make a doable plan 

Create a week by week plan that clarifies what needs to be done, how long the work will take and who is going to do it.  

3. Clear out the clutter and pack strategically

Shed the items you no longer use and be sure that every item that you pack is needed and loved. De-cluttering also helps potential buyers more easily envision themselves in your current home. 

4. Honor the transition

Beyond food and water, shelter is one of our most primal needs, and so even if you are happy about an upcoming move, it is likely that this transition will bring up a lot of emotions.  Be sure to attend to your own needs and do what you can to calm the frayed nerves of other family members.

If any of this sounds overwhelming, please know that you do not have to do it alone. Feel free to reach out and we can talk about how your move can feel less stressful.

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A special note for those who are downsizing.

Even contemplating getting rid of 1/2 -2/3 of your belongings can be paralyzing. If you are moving into a smaller space, it is especially helpful to begin this process as far in advance as possible so that there is plenty of time to sift through a lifetime of memories, accomplishments and stories. I guide my clients through this enormous transition in a gentle, thoughtful way so that when it comes time to pack up and move to a much smaller space, they feel happy and satisfied with what they have chosen to bring with them.

Kindness from Clients

Sarah is a lifesaver!  She helped me pack up my kitchen for our move to our new home. She is a packing machine with a great eye for efficiency and safety. The packing supplies she brought with her - boxes, bubble, tissue - reduced our waste tenfold. I can't say enough how much peace and joy she brings to the moving process. Thank you Sarah!

Janina | Williston, VT

Springtime Renewal
Organize your space and time in ways that harness the transformational power of spring.

Spring is the perfect season to look with fresh eyes at what you have and decide whether it still fits into your life.  Use this time of renewal and change to assess your routines and belongings and give more space to the things in your life that are important to you.  Clear away whatever clutter has accumulated in the winter months and ask yourself: What needs space to grow?  Perhaps you'd like to bring a new routine to life or nourish a relationship or reorganize your seasonal gear so that you can more easily spend time outside this spring. 

I can help you discover the synergy between your space, systems and priorities so that you can begin to cultivate new patterns and bring more harmony and ease to your life.

 Preparing to Move

Bring peace and joy to the moving process.

I often joke that while some kids were playing a sport or enjoying a hobby, I was learning to pack! I moved so often as a child that the process is baked into my DNA.

And years later, I'm one of those rare people who actually love the moving process!

When I meet with a new client, we start with a slow walk through their home. In addition to estimating how much time and how many boxes will be needed to pack up each room, I ask questions that really get to the heart of the move. If you are preparing to move within the next few months, I invite you to consider:

• Is there a family member who is unhappy about the move? What do they need?
• What would make this move feel easier for you?
• How much stuff are you hoping to purge?

If moving feels like a burden, I encourage you to find the support that is right for you. Because each household is different, my menu of moving services is completely customizable and can be an inexpensive way to get targeted support. From packing up your kitchen to creating family-specific moving timelines to coordinating your entire move, my steady, strategic support can help make this transition as stress-free as possible.  

Nurturing Community

I send inspiring updates seasonally.  If you'd like to support my work, please forward this newsletter to a friend or visit my website. To learn more about my home organizing services, moving services or family coaching sessions, find Clean Slate on Facebook and Instagram @cleanslatevermont or email me at sarah@cleanslatevermont.com.

CLEAN SLATE: Bringing ease to your home, your move, and your family life.