Spotlight on Meredyth Yund

Meredyth Yund

BY CONNIE BYE

PHOTOS BY DINAH SATTERWHITE

Meredyth Yund relishes the challenge of helping someone else move, a process she equates to working a giant puzzle. Her company, Miss Priss, will sort, clean out and box up a lot—or a little— of your stuff. Yund, who grew up on Bainbridge, also is an actor and contends being creative is a big asset for helping others achieve a smooth move.

How did you get started?

I was doing some personal assistant work. A good friend is friends with (Realtor) Ty Evans, who I also knew in passing for years. Ty called about a client who wanted help with clearing up, cleaning up and moving on. I said, “Yes, I can!” Word spread, and it just kind of snowballed.

Why is it hard for people to get rid of stuff?

Emotional attachment. I tell clients who are downsizing that I can pack everything, from attic to basement—clear down to the paperclips. But I also tell them to keep their “greatest hits.” Some people don’t want to be pushed, so we pack every pillow and book. But sometimes it’s very healthy, very therapeutic and healing to lighten your load.

Are most clients downsizing?

Downsizing almost always is a part of moving. Sometimes they just want a little bit of help organizing or clearing out the garage or the kitchen. Some need help with every little thing, and some just need a little kick in the pants.

My team does a lot of house cleanouts where a family member has passed away and everyone’s overwhelmed or the rest of the family are not local. Or the person didn’t have any family or someone has gone into assisted living. We just go in and get it done.

You also are an actor?

I’ve been acting and singing my whole life. I basically grew up at BPA. I still do some acting, but Seattle’s really not a union town, and I am a union actor. I did a show with inD Theatre last year—one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. I’ve also been developing a film called Rockaway. We were pitching it in Los Angeles and getting a little traction, then the pandemic hit.

Why is it a plus to be creative in this line of work?

You can see big-picture. When I’m looking at a house, I see it as a 3-D puzzle.

Logistically, you’re putting together the scheduling for the staff and vendors. You’re preparing the materials you’re going to use. You’re looking at the client and trying to pull it all together.

What’re the hardest rooms in the house to pack?

Kitchens and garages. Never leave the kitchen for last. Your final few days before a move are basically like camping if you stay in the house. We pull some basics and put them in a basket. You don’t need your Kitchenaid mixer or turkey roasting pan two days before you move.

Why Miss Priss?

My grandma called me that. In the summer when I was 7 or 8, I’d come upstairs fully dressed, a little jewelry, a little makeup. She’d say, “How’s it going today, Miss Priss.”