Designing Moves
We design your new life first, then curate your possessions to fulfil that vision.
We turn the overwhelming into the organised, bringing architectural thinking to your downsizing move. Planning with Designing Moves Taupo will transform your downsizing journey.
Call us BEFORE you start packing!
Embracing Architectural thinking for best moves
Whether you're personally facing this transition, helping aging parents, or a professional supporting clients through their move (real estate agents, financial advisors, professional Trustees or care coordinators), downsizing is a major life event. It deserves thoughtful planning, not last-minute stress.
We combine the architectural expertise of MRA with compassionate, practical move planning. Our 4-Stream System turns overwhelming into organised, and our Premium Service guides you from initial consultation right through to settling into your beautifully planned new home.
We work at YOUR pace, with empathy and a good dose of fun, supporting you through every decision.
The best part? Your first consultation is completely free. Let's chat about how we can make your move work for you.
Designing Moves - Introducing the 4-Stream System
Designing Moves Pantry Raid
December 9, 2025
🎄Let’s simply the run up to Xmas and avoid those Christmas week panic attacks.Before doing your Xmas shop it’s time to venture into the dark corners of your pantry and liberate expired or damaged food.Start with a clear bench a cloth & cleaning spray. You’ll also need a bin or bin bag h...
Why did you create Designing Moves?
After helping our own family members navigate downsizing transitions - including a retirement village move during a period of ill-health - I saw firsthand how overwhelming it can be. The emotions, the decisions, the logistics - it's a lot. What mattered most each time was honouring their wishes and focusing on their needs for this next chapter. I kept thinking: "There's got to be a better way to support people through this." So we created one - a service that truly puts you and your vision at the centre.
What makes Designing Moves different?
We're not a traditional moving company. We bring architectural expertise from Mark Rantin Architecture (established 2001) to downsizing moves. You'll know exactly what fits in your new home BEFORE moving day - no guessing, no stress, no unwanted surprises. We create dimensioned floor plans and apply professional design principles to ensure your new space works beautifully for how you want to live.
Who is Designing Moves for?
Downsizing homeowners moving to retirement villages, apartments, or smaller homes
Adult children and families helping parents navigate transitions
Professional advisors - real estate agents, financial advisors, and care coordinators supporting clients through moves
Anyone in Taupo ready for a more manageable lifestyle
Designing Moves Taupo is for shakers & movers in Taupo
Do you provide estate services?
We provide specialized estate services for executors and trustees managing property after bereavement. This service focuses on creating comprehensive inventories and respectful handling of significant possessions with cultural sensitivity. Contact us for individual service quotes tailored to estate needs.
What's the 4-Stream System?
Our simple, structured sorting system that helps you make confident decisions about your belongings. We work at YOUR pace (no pressure, ever) to curate items that will create the most beautiful, functional home - not just eliminate things arbitrarily.
What's included in the Premium Service?
Phase 1: Discovery - Initial consultation, assessment, and customised proposal
Phase 2: Vision & Planning - Architectural floor plans with dimensioned furniture layouts and selection of Keep & Treasure items
Phase 3: 4-Stream System - Tutorial and implementation of our structured sorting method
Phase 4: Action & Coordination - Review sessions, inventory management, coordinating sales/donations, family liaison, and obtaining quotes
Phase 5: Pre-Move Preparation - Detailed unpacking instructions, special packing identification, booking management
Phase 6: Moving Day Support - On-site coordination and liaison
Phase 7: Post-Move Care - Complimentary follow-up visitEnter your content...
Do you work with my preferred movers?
Yes! We coordinate with your preferred moving company or packers, or we can recommend trusted local Taupo professionals.
What about locations outside Taupo?
Our face-to-face service is currently available in Taupo. Contact us to discuss virtual or arranged services for other locations.
How do I get started?
Book your FREE 1-hour, no-obligation consultation for Taupo locals. Contact Wendy to discuss your specific needs and see if we're the right fit.
When should planning the move start?
This timeframe will often be dictated by outside forces but ideally a period of 3 months is a good start, allowing time to consider your choices and proceed in a systematic but less pressured program.
Book your FREE 1-hour, no-obligation consultation for Taupo locals. Contact Wendy to discuss your specific needs and see if we're the right fit.
Important: Call us BEFORE you start packing!
About the Team
Wendy brings operational logistics experience and personal family experience helping relatives navigate retirement village moves. As your first point of contact, she delivers our service with empathy, friendliness, problem-solving, and a good dose of fun.
Mark Rantin Architecture provides architectural expertise, spatial planning skills, and professional design principles - ensuring your new home isn't just smaller, but better suited to your lifestyle.
How we work:
Vision & Planning: Assess your new space's potential and create a design brief
Strategic Curation: Select items that will create the most beautiful, functional home using our streamed system
Transition Management: Non-selected items are handled respectfully through multiple streams including family distribution, community donations, and value realisation through sales or auctions.
Confidence Period: optional 14-day review (pre-move) to refine decisions and adjust selections before parting with items and finalising mover bookings
We can work with your preferred moving company or packers or suggest one of the recommended local companies.
Ask us about options for locations out of Taupo