A home renovation is exciting! Fresh paint, new layouts, and the chance to make a space feel more like “you.” But anyone who has lived through one knows: the dust, the boxes, and the shifting piles of stuff can quickly turn excitement into overwhelm. After recently going through my own home renovation project, I came away with a few lessons worth sharing.

1. Have a plan.
Renovations are unpredictable. There are delays, extra steps, and those “while we’re at it” moments. Having a plan for your belongings helps you feel more in control when everything else feels uncertain.

2. Organize what you pack.
It’s tempting to toss things into boxes, but take the extra two minutes to label. You will need something unexpectedly - a charger, a sweater, the dog’s leash. A clear label saves you from tearing through three boxes to find it.

3. Declutter twice.
Packing is a perfect chance to let go of what you no longer need. Be honest: if it hasn’t been used in years, do you want to pack, store, and unpack it? And when you unpack, weed again - you’ll notice items you didn’t miss or that don’t fit your refreshed space.

4. Start with less.
Your renovated space will feel bigger and calmer if you begin with only the essentials. Bring things in slowly and intentionally to prevent old clutter from sneaking back in.

5. Create one storage hub.
No matter how carefully you plan, things will shift around. Having a designated “parking spot” for items you’re not actively using means less moving of boxes.

6. Live in it first.
Once everything is back, give yourself a few weeks before making anything permanent - like installing drawer inserts or adding shelving. A new space may work differently than you expect. By living in it first, you’ll learn how it truly functions.

Renovations are messy, but they’re also an opportunity to reset. With some planning, weeding and a temporary storage system, you’ll enjoy not just the new look of your home but the fresh sense of order that comes with it.

If you’re planning a renovation or just feeling like your home could use a reset, I’d be glad to help!