Moving can be an exciting experience – a new home, a new neighborhood, and a fresh start. However, if you’re moving with kids in tow, it adds an extra layer of complexity. Whether you’re relocating across town or to the other side of the country, having young ones makes packing up your life that much harder!
With so many details to consider, like finding the right school district and neighborhoods for your kids to explore while still packing up everything you own before moving day — where do you even begin? Take a deep breath and keep reading to know how to make this process easier.
Get storage options
With the advent of moving out, it seems that toys and clothes seem to multiply overnight, making it difficult to pack everything up in a timely manner. In this case, storage facilities can be an excellent choice for storing your children’s belongings, especially if you’re settling into a new place for the time being. Look for facilities with climate-controlled units to protect delicate items and ones that offer flexible leasing terms to suit your needs. With the help of a reliable storage provider, you can declutter your home and have peace of mind knowing that your kids’ possessions are safe and secure.
Preparing your kids
To prepare your kids for the move, it’s crucial to have an honest conversation with them. Consider setting aside some time for a family meeting to discuss the move and ask them how they feel about it. Show them that their opinions matter and consider any concerns or fears they may have.
It’s also an excellent opportunity to involve them in the planning process and get them excited about the changes to come. Including your kids in the decision-making process will help them feel more involved, and set a positive tone for the move.
Get organized
Have you been feeling overwhelmed with all the tasks you need to complete before leaving for your next trip? Fear not, because creating a checklist can be your saving grace!
Having a detailed list of everything you need to do before departing can ensure that you don’t forget any important items or to-dos. You can start your checklist by jotting down every task that needs to be completed. Once you have everything written down, you can organize the tasks into different categories — for example, “packing,” “finances,” and “home tasks.” This way, you can tackle each category systematically and avoid feeling flustered.
Make a plan
Taking the time to research and plan ahead can make the transition much smoother. It’s important to create an itinerary of activities to keep you occupied and engaged with your new surroundings. Start by researching nearby parks, museums, restaurants, and events. Think about what kind of activities you enjoy and what you’d like to explore in your new hometown. It can be a fun opportunity to try new things and make new memories! Creating a plan ahead of time can also ease any anxiety or uncertainty you may feel about the move. Grab a pen and paper, do some research, and start planning your new adventure.
Focus on what’s important
When packing up, you must determine what you need and what you don’t. Keep in mind that this could be a chance to declutter and simplify your life before you move into your new home. As you go through your belongings, consider what has sentimental value and what can be replaced.
Beyond material things, keep communication open with your family throughout the process. They may have insights and ideas that can make the move smoother and more efficient. By working together, you can ensure that your transition to a new home is rewarding and fulfilling.
Create a home away from home
Moving to a new place is never easy, especially for children who need familiar surroundings to feel safe and secure. So our top recommendation would be to unpack your essentials first and create a home away from home. One of the best ways to do this is to make sure your children have some of their favorite items with them. Whether it’s a photo of the family pet, a favorite book, or a special blanket, having a few familiar things around can help them adjust to their new surroundings more quickly. Once you’ve unpacked, take some time to explore your new neighborhood and discover all the exciting things it has to offer. Pretty soon, you and your family will be feeling right at home!
Establish routines
At the start, everything feels uncertain — from the commute to work to your child’s school schedule. But one thing that can make a big difference is establishing routines within your family. Maybe it’s a weekly movie night, a family game tournament every Sunday, or a weekly trip to a local restaurant. Whatever it is, having a consistent activity to look forward to each week can bring comfort and stability to an otherwise unsettling time. Plus, it gives your family a chance to bond and create new happy memories together. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by a recent move or change, try setting up a regular family activity – it might make all the difference.
Helpful resources for moving with kids
Moving with kids is no easy feat, but thankfully there are plenty of resources that can help. Here are some of the most helpful ones:
- Local relocation guides and websites: Take advantage of online resources like city websites or local blogs offering insider tips on schools, neighborhoods, and activities.
- National Association of Realtors: The NAR has several resources that can help make your move easier, including a checklist for moving with children or tips from relocation experts.
- US Department of Education: The USDE offers valuable guidance and advice on topics like finding the right school for your child, special education programs, and understanding parental rights when it comes to school placement.
- American Moving and Storage Association: AMSA is a great resource for finding registered movers who are qualified to handle moves with children.
Moving with kids isn’t always easy, but there are plenty of ways to make the process smoother and less stressful. From finding reliable storage solutions to involving your children in the planning process, there are many steps you can take to ensure a successful transition. With a little bit of research and planning, you can create an enjoyable and memorable experience for your family — one that will be worth the effort in the end.
