At Oak + Arrow, we believe remodeling your home should feel exciting—not exhausting. But when the scope of a project requires you to temporarily move out, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before the demo even begins.
What do you pack? Where does it all go? How do you keep your home and belongings protected without living in a state of chaos?
Here’s the good news: with the right plan (and the right team), moving out doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, it can be one of the smartest moves you make during your remodel—giving your construction team room to work efficiently and giving you space to breathe. Below, we’re sharing exactly how we help our clients move out with ease, protect their belongings, and feel confident every step of the way.
- Declutter Before You Pack
Planning ahead means fewer disruptions and a smoother transition while your home gets its well-deserved glow-up.
To make this even easier, we recommend donating gently used items to local charities that offer home pick-up services. It helps your belongings find a new home where they’re truly needed.
Here are a few Twin Cities-based organizations we suggest:
- Bridging – Accepts furniture and home goods to help families in need.
- Arc’s Value Village – Supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore – Accepts furniture, appliances, and building materials.
- Vietnam Veterans of America – Offers scheduled pickups for clothing, small furniture, and household items.
- Call in the Pros: Hire Movers You Trust
Packing an entire home is a big task—and one you don’t need to take on alone. We always recommend hiring professional movers to handle the packing, organizing, and hauling. They’ll wrap and protect your furniture, label your boxes clearly, and take the guesswork out of where things go.
Letting professionals take care of the physical move not only protects your belongings—it also protects your time, energy, and peace of mind. Our team has movers we recommend that have been consistently great for our clients.
- Choose Storage That Doesn’t Cut Corners
When it comes to storing your belongings during a remodel, convenience and protection are key. We love using a 40-foot trailer as a clean, secure, and spacious storage solution.
Unlike traditional self-storage units or pods that aren’t big enough, they that can quickly become cluttered and cramped, a trailer gives you:
- Plenty of room to breathe: No boxes stacked to the ceiling or fragile items shoved into corners.
- Wrapped, protected items: Every piece is handled with care, wrapped in protective materials to keep out dust, dirt, and moisture.
- Organized layout: Going to U-Haul and purchasing a bulk of boxes and packing supplies will help you stay organized.
It’s a streamlined, safe solution that’s parked right on your property—so when the remodel is complete, everything is just steps away from coming back home.
- Create a Temporary Living Kit
While your home is under construction, you’ll want the essentials close at hand. Before the movers arrive, pack a few boxes just for you—items you’ll keep with you in your temporary space. Think of it as your “mini home” kit.
We recommend including:
- Everyday clothes and toiletries
- Important documents and chargers
- Kid and pet must-haves
- A few comfort items (yes, that favorite throw blanket or coffee mug counts)
- And maybe a bottle of wine… or two
Giving back while you declutter is a small act with a big impact—and makes moving back into your remodeled home feel even more intentional.
Let This Move Be a Step Forward
Yes, moving out for a remodel can feel like a lot. But it’s also an investment in protecting your home and your peace throughout the process.
When you trust the right team, have a clear plan, and treat this temporary move as a stepping stone—not a setback—you’ll feel more grounded and less stressed. And when you walk back into your finished space? It’ll be even more worth it.
At Oak + Arrow, we take a holistic approach to remodeling. That includes not just designing a beautiful space, but guiding you through every step with clarity and care. From the first design meeting to move-back-in day, we’ve got you. Planning a remodel? Let’s make it simple. Schedule a consultation and let us help you move through the process with confidence.
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