Making a decision to move long distances is a big deal for any family. Reasons can vary from a job relocation to family needs such as elderly parents. Once the decision to move is made, the stress kicks in. There is so much to do and so much to move…and seemingly so little time.
These 5 moving tips can make the entire event less stressful for you and your family just like it did for mine.
1) Get Free Boxes
Some moving companies will sell boxes and allow them to be returned if they’re unused, but there is no reason to spend money out of pocket when you can get it for free. Local stores are often willing to give away their empty boxes for free as long as you call in advance. It’s less garbage to fill their recycling bin. The boxes are often perfectly sized so that they don’t get over-packed and too heavy. Moving is expensive, and moms are often responsible for making sure that spending stays within a set budget. There is no need to waste money on boxes.
2) Purge As You Pack
Junk accumulates over time. When moving it is important to decide what is important to keep and what you can afford to get rid of. It is natural for us to hold on to stuff over time because the idea of waste is unsettling. Moving is a great excuse to clear out the clutter and get back to basics.
This is especially true when kids are involved. My kids accumulated an astronomical number of toys, at least half of which don’t even get played with anymore. I got rid of the stuff they didn’t care about anymore. Sell the items in a rummage sale or just donate them to Goodwill or a children’s home. Getting rid of clutter while packing means it’s easier to make sure that like items are all together.
3) Pack Carefully
Moving long distances means things are more likely to bounce around and break. Wrap breakable items in either in sheets of bubble wrap or just in your home towels. It’s a good idea to make sure that there isn’t too much room for fragile items to move around. Use your own comforters or blankets to cover furniture so it’s less likely to nick or break in the move.
4) Hire Movers
Making a long distance move can be exhausting if you try to do it yourself. For a mom with kids, it can be near impossible to make the move go smoothly when there are little ones in constant need of attention. Moving companies are equipped to deal with the majority of the heavy lifting and moving. They show up at the door, load the truck up themselves, drive the truck across the country (or the state), and unload the truck for you. For any parent, having someone else deal with moving day on its own is a huge stress remover.
5) Print Out Directions
If you hire movers print out two sets of the same directions: one for you and one for them. Having a GPS is great, but it removes a lot of stress from moving day to know where the movers are. If something happens and you get separated you know where they are going. It also offers some peace of mind because you don’t have to wonder where your stuff is.
One of the most important things to remember is to just breathe. There is no way to control everything. Take breaks during the packing and moving to spend time with your kids. The stress of moving to a new house, no matter where it is, is not lost on kids of any age. They understand that something is changing even if they don’t understand what it means to move. As a mom, it’s our job to make sure our kids are comfortable with the process. Think of it as an adventure and turn it into a game for them to enjoy with you. Another thing you may want to look into is vacant property security for your new home if you buy it before moving into it. This will ensure your home is protected during this stressful time.
