Seven tips to make moving (almost) a joy

Moving is a hassle. But along with the endless editing of possessions and packing of boxes, it’s also an opportunity.

We asked interior designers at Calico for advice they’ve accumulated in helping thousands of people who have moved into new homes over the years – and below are their suggestions on how to inject more joy into the process. Want to get their advice directly?  Calico in-home consultants will come to your home, absolutely free!

1. Put your stamp on the place.

Everyone has a desire for a space that’s all their own, so plan to create something that says “We live here now!” Do an accent wall in an eye-catching wallpaper. Upgrade your seating with a sectional or a new sofa and customize it in a special fabric – or an easy-care performance fabric that resists stains. Then add pillows in striking colors so that it becomes a focal point of your new home. Think of it this way: when you invite your friends over for the first time, what do you want them to ooh and aah about?

Pencil Shavings Studio customized the Classic Home sectional in Crypton Synergy performance fabrics in Haze with a contrast welt in Crypton Forever Velvet in Navy Blazer.

Magnolia Home Wallpaper in the whimsical European folk-inspired wallpaper Fairy Tales.

2. You’re moving somewhere new.

Do you need all the old stuff? Even if you’re moving to a place that’s more spacious, there’s no need to bring everything with you. First, be realistic: If you haven’t used something regularly up to now, will you miss it? Second, be practical: anything you discard or donate is one less thing you have to lug or box. Third, embrace the new: things that used to fit comfortably in your old place may feel like a stranger in your brand new world. If you can afford a new piece of furniture or two, now is the time – and if you can’t, how about reupholstering or slipcovering an existing piece? If you have furniture with good bones, both are good options.

Vintage chair reupholstered in a modern classic solid-colored fabric.

3. The house will never be so empty.

There are things that are simply easier to do before you move in – like putting up wallpaper or installing window treatments. If you’re contemplating a makeover, invite a Calico in-home designer over to your new place before you move in and have him or her help you plan the furniture arrangement and what to do with your windows. The consultation costs nothing, and our designers have tools that can help you – like C360, a digital program that allows you to visualize a variety of furniture frames in thousands of designer fabrics.

4. Have you thought about the windows?

A lot of people measure carefully to see where their furniture fits, but forget about window treatments until they collapse on the bed and discover the neighbors’ windows are uncomfortably close. Consider window treatments ahead of time – do you need room darkening shades for the kids or Hunter Douglas shades that operate via remote control for that enormous great room window? Bedrooms and bathrooms are privacy zones; window treatments are the solution. Calico has a wide variety of options – Roman shades, Quick Ship draperies or custom draperies made-to-order and a complete assortment of drapery rods and hardware – as well as professional experts who can measure and install for you. Speaking of which…

Hunter Douglas Designer Screen Shades in Indian Basket Willow Stick.

Drapes are an opportunity to highlight a room’s architecture, and a chance to celebrate or block out natural light when needed.

5. Don’t do it all by yourself.

There’s more to moving than you think. Things that require meticulous detail are particularly easy to get wrong when you’ve got the pressure of so many other decisions. You’re going to be annoyed by the carelessly painted trim work or draperies that hang an inch too short forever. Have a professional do the painting and an installer do tricky things like hanging window treatments. (There’s nothing like standing on a shaky ladder under 30 pounds of fabric.)

6. Make your bed before you need it.

Moving is exciting, but when you’re exhausted, the time it takes to find your sheets and duvet and actually make the bed will seem like more than you can bear. (Want to really treat yourself? Calico sells luxury custom bedding and headboards that make a bed look amazing even when you’re not dying to dive into it.) Remember, too, to prioritize what rooms to work on first – you’re going to need your bedroom and bathroom right away. The kitchen? You can always eat out for a couple of days. The guest bedroom? Unless a family member or a friend is spending the weekend helping you move, it can probably wait.

Custom bedding turns an ordinary bedroom into extraordinary and is always the perfect fit!

7. Don’t forget about Calico.

It’s always helpful when a single store can handle multiple needs – and Calico can. With an unmatched selection of fabrics for draperies, cornices, valances, swags, shades and more, Calico creates more than 50,000 window treatments a year – and specializes in challenging windows. We are the go-to source for custom upholstered furniture, slipcovers, reupholstery, wallpaper and bedding. We also have an incredible selection of outdoor fabrics for the cabana or to create new cushions for that chaise lounge. And the biggest plus of all – our design services are free.

Sunbrella performance fabrics create beautiful spaces indoors and out.