6 Ways to Make Moving Easier For Your Family
Whether you have children or not, moving can be stressful and overwhelming. To make it easier for your family, follow these 6 tips for a smoother move.
Start a binder or folder on your computer to store all of the moving-related paperwork. This includes quotes from movers and any contracts you need to sign. Just as important to all the paperwork is a home warranty quote to provide you with options for a home warranty. This will give you peace of mind on having to shell out money for repairs.
- Get Organized
If you’re not organized, moving can be a stressful and overwhelming process. Especially with kids!
Start by going room by room and decluttering your belongings. Donate clothes that no longer fit to charity and toss out old toys the kids don’t play with anymore.
Set goals for yourself, such as “Pack 3 rooms by Friday” or “Put aside all the toys in the garage for donation this weekend.” Making and keeping to a schedule can help you stay on track.
Be sure to keep essentials with you during the move, such as medication, ID documents and cash. This will eliminate the stress of losing them or having to find them.
- Start Packing Early
If you know you’re moving, it’s a good idea to start packing things up even before your move date. This will make it much easier to clean and get your home ready for moving day.
The best place to begin is with items that are already in storage. This might include that spare bedroom closet, the attic or garage. Items that aren’t used frequently like knick-knacks, extra dishes or next season’s clothes can be packed up early.
Create a day of boxes for toiletries, cleaning supplies and a change of clothing for each family member. Keep this box close by so that you can access it as needed throughout the moving process.
- Let the Kids Help
Children often feel powerless during a move. It’s a time of daily, unrelenting change that can feel chaotic and out of control for kids. Giving them age-appropriate responsibilities helps them to feel like they have some control over the process.
For example, letting them decorate boxes of their toys or creating inventories of those boxes can help them to feel involved in the moving process. This can make them excited to see what their new rooms will look like once the move is complete. Familiarizing them with their new neighborhood and community is also a great way to help them feel grounded. This can be done through activities such as taking a tour of their new school and local library.
- Keep Their Routines the Same
Kids thrive on routine, and while it’s natural to get distracted by all that needs to be done in a move, your children will pick up on the negative energy if you are stressed and overwhelmed. Keep a positive mindset throughout the process and be sure to maintain consistent meals and bedtimes and extracurricular activities, if possible.
Depending on the age of your children, you may need to explain why you are moving and what will be changing. Younger children might idealize their old home and become emotional, while teenagers might react negatively if the move separates them from friends. Reassure them that their rooms and belongings will be at the new house.
- Make the Move Fun
Moving is a stressful time for anyone, especially kids. It can be scary, sad, and uncomfortable, but it can also be exciting and adventurous.
Try to make the move fun for your children as much as possible. This could include giving them age-appropriate responsibilities (such as coloring their boxes, labeling them, or packing their own toys), letting them help in the kitchen, throwing a “see you later” party, and more.
Even things like turning packing into a game or having a family competition can be fun and make it go faster. Plus, it gives the kids a chance to work together and feel involved in the process.
- Be Patient
Moving is a major life event that can shake up your kids’ world. It can be an overwhelming experience for everyone, but there are some things you can do to make it easier for your family.
One of the most important is being patient. You may feel overwhelmed and tired during the process, so it’s important to take time to rest and eat well.
Another way to be patient is to involve your children, especially if they’re older, in the selection process of their new home. If you live close enough, you can take them to visit the neighborhood and their potential new school.
