Lesa Myers is the Founder and President of Project Move Up, a company focused on helping people transition spaces in the Virginia and surrounding areas. Lesa is a member of NASMM (National Association of Senior Move Managers).
HomeZada: What inspires you?
Lesa: I am always energized and inspired by helping others achieve their goals, whether they are improving their current home or moving to another.
HZ: What is the first thing you notice when you walk into a home?
Lesa: I quickly analyze the space and begin to imagine ways to optimize it.
HZ: What is the first thing you would tell someone who is looking to move?
Lesa: That’s a loaded question, it all depends on what kind of move they are hoping to achieve. For instance:
- For young professionals with a family or looking to start one, I would advise them to check out the area schools first, that may determine the location of their new home.
- For soon to be empty nester(s), who are “resizing” their space, I would tell them to interview a couple of realtors and ask for references before choosing one
- For those who are downsizing, I ask her/him/them what the goal is and help them to make it happen in as fun and inspiring way possible.
HZ: What do you think is the most challenging project or situation that people seek your help for? Why?
Lesa: Downsizing is the most challenging project that I help people with. It isn’t easy or liberating at first to think about how to downsize; what to do with Aunt Trudy’s crystal that they will not have room for any longer. What happens to the things that they love? It varies. Working with people with a lifetime of precious items that they have lovingly collected over the years, needs to be accomplished with compassion and empathy. If the project is handled properly, and the person(s) are capable of embracing a new era in their lives, it can transform into a fun and exciting venture.
I typically hear this comment from my clients when we are working our way through with their project. “I am feeling so liberated by getting rid of (gifting etc.) of these items that I’ve been holding on to for years. I can’t believe how much better I feel, let’s keep going so I can get on to having even more free time to go and play”.
HZ: What if a client does not want to move but wants to set up their home for different stages of life, how can you help?
Lesa: I work with the client and their caregivers (if applicable) to assess their current and near future needs. I then work with my subcontractors to create a safe and appealing living space for my clients and manage the projects throughout completion.
HZ: What is a result of being downsizing within your existing home?
Lesa: The result of working with clients on downsizing is that I tend not to keep many things. If I don’t need it currently and haven’t used it in a year, I get rid of it. I know from experience that there are people out there that want or need that tchotchke more than me, so I pay it forward. I do tend to stash kitchen items to “launch” my children with in their first home, it is much cheaper to begin their lives with a mismatched set of dinnerware and then buy new as they can afford it. I am looking forward to downsizing from my current home as my last two children go off to college and begin their own lives.
HZ: What is your one quick tip that any homeowner can do to get the process of moving started to make the experience easier?
Lesa: Hire professionals. People only move a few times in their lives, but the professionals do it every day. The things that take you hours take the professionals much less time. Treat yourself to the luxury of being able to enjoy the experience and let someone else deal with sore muscles from lifting and headaches from working with the contractors.
HZ: What’s one thing in your home you couldn’t live without and why?
Lesa: Aside from my family, there is nothing that I couldn’t live without given the circumstances… but my convection toaster oven is definitely my favorite appliance. With it I can bake a loaf of bread, casserole, make toast every morning, it does a great job with everything from bagels to lasagna. I could live without my large oven, I rarely use it… Ok, aside from birthday bashes and Thanksgiving dinner.
HZ: Tell us about your business and yourself.
Lesa: I have over 20 years’ experience as a senior account manager, project manager and managing a software development team. This experience laid the groundwork for launching Project Move Up.
Project Move up assists companies, executives and individuals with professional and personals’ transitioning of spaces; whether you are planning a move, renovating or simply need to streamline space to work or live more safely and efficiently.
