Tips for Moving with Your Family, Stress-Free

It’s no secret that moving is one of the most stressful events in life, and it isn’t any easier when you have kids. Moving demands a lot of good organization, but many people make wrong steps along the way and end up complicating things and make themselves even more stressed out.

To make sure you and your family avoid this, here’s what you should do:

Get rid of the clutter

Before any actual packing, ensure that you only pack things that you’ll really need in your new home. That means spending some time going through your stuff, and deciding which things you won’t be needing anymore. This will make your packing easier afterward.

Also, don’t forget to clean up after yourself and in the new house. Vacuum thoroughly, dust everything and don’t forget to clean those hard to reach corners. Lastly, you should give your rugs a good scrub and pack them for moving.

Let your kids pack a special suitcase

While you’re packing the big stuff, you could ask your small children to pack their special suitcase in the meantime – it’s not like they can do any serious help with the packing. To avoid any tantrums, have them fill a small bag with their favorite items, even if it’s things you would leave behind. It will keep them occupied, and you won’t be worried that you’ll forget to pack a favorite doll or a robot.

Make a list

You need to be organized during the move, so make a list of things you need to do and divide tasks into weeks. This way, you can allow yourself at least 5-7 days to finish what you were planning. This will allow you to keep track of your progress, and not forget anything important.

Take care of important documents

One of the horrors of moving is realizing after the move that you can’t find your passport, the moving contract or your work files. This is why you need to do two things: have a special box for all the important documents and make sure you always know where it is. Another thing is to keep a moving file on your computer – it should contain copies of any important information regarding the moving process, including insurance information, the contract, and important phone numbers.

Pack a moving day survival kit

Before the big day, prepare a moving day survival kit – fill it with essentials that your family will need throughout the day, such as phone chargers, water, snacks, and toiletries. You need to keep yourself fed and hydrated on a busy day. Being organized ensures you have everything you need in the evening and can go straight to bed.

Tag the boxes

Whoever is helping you with the move needs to know what is in the box they’re carrying and what room to leave it in.

That’s why you should tag the boxes, stating what’s in it (stick to broad categories like “pajamas”) and which room to put it in. This will prevent you later from rummaging through boxes, trying to find a specific important item for you or a member of your family.

Ask for help

Help is always needed, whether it’s your family and friends or professional help, so don’t hesitate to ask for it.

Most people have already gone through at least one move, so they’ll understand how hard it is. Ask people close to you to give up a couple of hours and help any way they can.

Another source of help is a moving company – yes, you will have to pay for it, but it has its advantages. A lot of people in Australia ask for advice from friends and relatives and they often rely on removal quotes to get insight into expenses from different sources, so they can be prepared in advance and distribute their budget carefully.

Avoid common packing mistakes

To prevent any damaged or broken items, have a couple of things in mind:

– heavy items should be packed in book boxes or plastic boxes that can withstand the weight, which standard boxes usually can’t.

– buy boxes specifically made for fragile dishes and stemware and wrap them in tissue paper.

– linens, pillows and other soft items should be placed in plastic bags to protect them from accidental spills.

– heavier items should be placed at the bottom of a box, while the lighter ones should go on top.

Good organization means a lot less headache for the whole family. Just make a clear plan that everybody in the family will know and follow, and everything will go smoother that you expect.

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Jessie is a passionate blogger and home designer. She loves writing about tips and tricks that make every home a better place, inside and outside. Besides this, she loves sports, outdoor activities and spending time with her close ones. If you would like to know more about Jessie, you can follow her on her Facebook or Twitter account.

 

Cover image source: “Moving-day” by Nicolas Huk is licensed under CC by 4.0