A U-Haul, some friends, and a free weekend sounds like a solid plan. Until it isn't. Let me tell you about Wallace. Wallace and his wife had been living the retired life in Mexico. Modest accommodations by U.S. standards, but comfortable — and they were happy. When they decided it was time to move back up east, Wallace figured he'd handle it himself. One bedroom worth of belongings. How complicated could it be? By the time he'd factored in the U-Haul rental, gas, tolls, hotels along the...

After 162+ relocations, here's what I know: the people who downsize with the least regret aren't the ones who moved the fastest. They're the ones who moved with intention. Here's how to be one of them.

Moving doesn't have to steal your peace. But here's what I see happen over and over after managing more than 162 relocations: people underestimate the timeline. They think they can handle everything in a few weekends. Pack on Saturday, move on Sunday, back to normal by Monday. Then reality hits. Week one, you're drowning in boxes you forgot you had. Week two, the movers are asking questions you don't have answers to. Week three, you're in the new house surrounded by chaos, eating takeout off...