Client Story: A Simplified Send-Off — Helping Anne Prepare for a Big Move to Maryland

When Anne first reached out to us, her message was full of both clarity and overwhelm:

"My family is moving to Maryland, and we’re moving into a multi-generational home. I want to downsize before we do. We have a storage unit and a 2/2 apartment. Ideally, I’d like to leave with photos, furniture my dad made for me, two beds, and clothes. But it’s SO hard to sort through boxes and decide what to leave, donate, etc."

After selling their home two and a half years ago, Anne and her husband had been traveling and living lightly. But with a cross-country move approaching and over 55 boxes in two storage units—not to mention their apartment—they needed help to simplify and prepare.

That’s where Sarasota Home Organizer stepped in.

Starting at the Storage Facility

We met Anne, her son Eddie, and her friend at her dual storage units. Together, we opened every box—over 55 of them—and sorted everything. Anne made quick decisions, and we filled our truck with donations.

She had memory totes filled with keepsakes for her children, Emily and Eddie. We repacked those into sturdy black totes with zip ties for easy identification and protection. We labeled every box with large white inventory tags, ensuring a streamlined move.

Her goal? Simple inventory, essential items only.

Apartment Storage + Major Donation Day

Next, we tackled the storage unit at Anne’s apartment complex. Together, we unpacked everything. Anne made some tough but empowering decisions—donating nearly 50% of the contents.

With the help of Eddie and Joe, we loaded two vehicles with donation runs. The remaining items were repacked, taped, and labeled for the move to Maryland. Rain held up one donation drop-off, but we were fully prepped for the next clear day.

Furniture, Final Sorting & Apartment Prep

We dismantled two beautiful tables Anne’s father had made, carefully wrapping the legs and storing hardware in labeled baggies. We made sure to take a photo of how to reassemble them.

With both storage units prepped, labeled, and zip-tied, we consolidated the contents for easy mover access. Upstairs storage was reorganized to hold empty totes and moving supplies.

Anne gave us a tour of the apartment, and we outlined the next areas to tackle: the kitchen, laundry room, pantry, bathroom, and lanai. She opted to purchase another 12-hour package—and asked us to handle a special errand: taking her bike to the shop for repairs.

Kitchen, Pantry, and Laundry Room Down

We carefully packed Anne’s kitchen, setting aside just a week’s worth of essentials and replacing the rest with disposable plates and cups for ease. The pantry was sorted for donation or use-it-up meals. In the laundry room, everything was packed and boxes were carried to storage by Eddie and Joe.

By the end of the day, Anne was exhausted—but incredibly relieved.

Final Packing + First Aid Kits for the Road

We picked up her newly repaired bike from the shop and did a final walk-through of the storage units with Anne. We packed up items from the lanai, some small exercise equipment, and more donations.

Joe and I loaded another round of donations for SPARCC and brought down the final packed boxes to storage.

Last on the list: the bathroom. We created a road-trip first aid kit for her truck and a smaller version for the glove box—a thoughtful touch for a long drive to a new chapter.

A Grateful Goodbye — In Anne’s Words

“Sarasota Home Organizer was super easy to book/schedule. And Carrie was exactly what we needed to get this project done! She went above and beyond, helping us to sort/organize/donate; advising us on what might be worth repairing. As an added bonus, she has a great personality and made the project enjoyable. We have 7 days before our move and everything is packed, organized, donated! Never have I been this prepared. Thank you Carrie!”
— Anne M.

One Final Gift

After our final session, Anne had one hour remaining on her package—and she chose to donate it to our nonprofit, Project Organize, where it will support another family in need of organizing services.

That’s the kind of generosity and thoughtfulness that makes this work so meaningful.