The Pre-Move Clear Out Approach: 2-4 Months

Not everyone has a full year to plan, and that's totally ok! Many Songbird clients work with us for two to four months before their move date. Here's how this timeline typically works:

Visit 1 (2-4 months before move): We assess your current space and new space and create an initial floor plan. We then focus on a specific room or section of the house and work with you on the decluttering and curating process to identify items you do and don't plan to take to your new home. 

Visit 2 (1-2 months before move): We return to focus on another area of the house. We work with you to decide what stays and what goes and we can deliver donations, ship items to family members and clear out any items that can't be reused. 

Moving Week: With most of the difficult decisions already made, we can focus on the actual move and unpacking, and settling you into your new space.

Our client Trish experienced this approach and told us: "I'm just going to sit back and marvel. This is actually fun!"

As our client Helen put it: "We've moved a lot of times… no one does it quite like you."

Both Helen and Trish participated in pre-move clear outs, which meant that by moving day, essentially everything left in their existing homes was intended for their new spaces. 

The Quick Move: 2-3 Days

Life doesn't always give us months to prepare. Sometimes a health change, an unexpected housing opportunity, or family circumstances mean you need to move quickly.

Part of the beauty of what we do at Songbird is that we can help families move in as little as two to three days when necessary. This compressed timeline works, though it does require more intensive decision-making in a shorter period and also is dependent upon our existing client commitments. 

What Affects Your Downsizing Timeline?

Every family's situation is unique, but here are factors that typically influence how long the downsizing process will take:

The size & length of time you've lived in your current home: Typically, a large family home filled with decades of memories, milestones, and accumulated belongings requires more time than a more modest space you've lived in just a few years.

Your attachment to belongings: Some families are naturally ready to find new homes for their stuff; others need more time to process each decision. 

Your deadline: A firm move-in date requires more focused work whereas an open-ended timeline allows for more flexibility.

Family involvement: When adult children are involved and available to help, it can speed up decision-making—or sometimes add complexity!

The Hidden Gift of Pre-Move Clear Out

Regardless of your timeline, we encourage every family to consider some form of pre-move preparation. 

When you tackle the downsizing process in stages—months or even weeks before your move—you shed layers of stress over time. This allows you to:

• Make thoughtful decisions instead of rushed ones
• Find meaningful homes for special items
  Involve family members in the process without pressure
• Reduce the physical and emotional exhaustion of moving day
• Actually enjoy settling into your new space instead of feeling overwhelmed

Your Downsizing Timeline Is Personal

There's no "right" amount of time for downsizing. What matters is finding an approach that honors your needs, your timeline, and your emotions throughout this transition.

Whether you're starting to plan a year in advance or facing a move next month, Songbird Transitions is here to help you create a timeline that works for you—and to walk beside you every step of the way.

If you or a loved one plan to downsize or relocate within Central Ohio, contact Songbird for a free initial consultation. 

If you live elsewhere in the country, consider Downsizing Done Right, our step-by-step video-based guide & resource book. We are also available for personalized downsizing consulting, training and coaching services via Songbird Support.

Discover more downsizing resources from Songbird Transitions below. 

Senior Downsizing Experts 

Songbird Transitions Offers On-Site Downsizing Services in Central Ohio 
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Nationwide Consulting & Support