Luca’s House: Organizing for Life Transitions
This sweet house is in Southern California. And pretty soon Luca will live there.
My grandson is expected in early May.
Three years ago, in the early days of Spirit & Space, I spent a week working in this house. My son and his then girlfriend had just started living together. They wanted help in the transition, decluttering and setting up organizational systems as they combined households.
I was back last weekend for the baby shower and we spent time decluttering and preparing for Luca’s arrival. We worked together to clean out the closet in the baby’s room, set up storage in the backyard studio, declutter key spots, and restore order.
Life transitions—whether it’s moving to a new home, welcoming a baby, downsizing, or starting a new job—can be exciting yet overwhelming. One of the best ways to ease the stress is by getting your home organized before the transition takes place. Here are some essential organizing tasks to help you prepare for, and ease, the change.
1. Declutter and Simplify
Before any major life change, make time to declutter. Go through each room and eliminate unnecessary belongings so that you’re not carrying clutter into the next phase of life. This is especially important when downsizing or preparing for a move.
2. Prepare for Space Changes
If your transition involves a shift in living arrangements, such as making space for a baby or moving in with a partner, plan ahead by assessing storage and layout needs. Consider using multi-functional furniture, storage products, and shelving to maximize space.
3. Create a Packing or Transition Plan
For relocations, make a packing strategy. Label boxes clearly and keep an inventory list to track your belongings. If your transition involves a schedule change, like starting a new job, set up a daily routine in advance to ease into your new lifestyle. Create a list of all that needs to be done before the transition to help you stay on track. Starting early to avoid the last minute rush will reduce your stress.
4. Refresh and Clean Your Space
A deep clean before a transition helps create a fresh start. Dispose of expired pantry items, clean out the fridge and closets, and refresh commonly used spaces like the kitchen and bathroom.
5. Plan for Emotional Well-Being
Transitions, even the positive ones, can be emotionally taxing. Creating a calming space and having a plan in place can help ease anxiety. Being intentional about stress management habits — such as exercise, healthy eating, meditation, prayer, deep breathing, yoga, and therapy — can significantly enhance your ability to manage stress and be your best self.
6. Establish a System for the Future
Set up systems to maintain organization beyond the transition. Whether it’s a new filing method, a weekly decluttering schedule, or a digital calendar for time management, having a plan will help you stay on track after the transition.
By taking these organizing steps, you’ll not only reduce stress but also create a smoother transition, allowing you to focus on embracing the next chapter in your life with clarity and confidence.