Relocation is a complex and complicated process, even for the most organized individuals. Since you have a whole family to move, you can expect the challenge ahead to be even more significant. However, there is a way to get in front of the situation.
Whether you are moving near, far, or far far away, it would be best that you start planning and organizing right away. It is this first crucial step that will make everything that follows much easier.
If you are struggling with putting everything on paper, here is our guide to organizing a move with kids. It should help you step into this venture ready and prepared in the best way possible.
Start By Creating An Organized Moving Calendar
Even the most complicated projects are simple to tackle once you have a straightforward course of action in front of you, and that is what you need for the upcoming move.
Since you have a whole family and no lack of tasks, you should create a moving calendar. Not all tasks can be done in a week or two prior to the moving day.
With this in mind, see that you create a hierarchy of tasks based on urgency, and allocate enough time for each so that you can do them correctly. Doing so will help you keep track of the things you need to get done and alleviate some of the stress.
Tasks to put in your moving calendar
While certain tasks will vary depending on your situation, there are still obligations all parents will have to incorporate in their schedule:
● Researching moving services/getting help for a DIY move from your friends or family
● Visiting your new community
● Budgeting accordingly
● Speaking with your kids about the move (if they are of age)
● Researching schools and/or kindergartens
● Ordering packing supplies
● Strategizing your packing process
● Making travel arrangements
Find The Right Moving Assistance
You will need to get some help to pull this through in a successful way. You cannot watch over your kids and be packing your china with the care it needs. This is why you need to get some assistance.
Whether you ask your friends or family to take care of your children or help with the
move itself, or both for that matter, it is up to you. Just be honest with yourself before asking for help. Don’t think you can do more than you can handle.
After all, the point of this relocation is not to have you feeling drained, nervous, and overwhelmed. It is a step into a new and better life, so try to ensure you truly experience it as such.
Regarding The Moving Companies
A professional, reliable, and experienced moving crew can make a world of difference when it comes to the moving experience and the organization of the process. It would be best if you got yourself a team that can work with your schedule and guarantees you won’t have a reason to worry.
To make the best pick, you will have to do some research. Go through the companies’ reviews, and compare their rates. Once you have researched at least five moving companies, you should be able to make a sound decision.
The right team by your side will not only do the technical part of the move but will often also share some valuable input. Feel free to ask them anything regarding your move, and do not restrain from seeking advice.
No one can tell you better how to get your nursery ready to go in no time than the people who take care of such tasks daily.
Make Arrangements For Childcare On Moving Day
Make no mistake – a professional moving team will only get you so far. However, that is not to say that the moving day itself will not be as hectic as you can imagine. The movers will be coming and going; you have to think of the move-out and move-in deadlines, truck rentals, cleaning, and everything else.
Once you add your kids to the picture, things can go from hectic to utter chaos. This is why we believe it to be best that you leave them to the care of someone you can trust for the day.
Take into consideration hiring a babysitter or leaving your kids with close family or friends even a day or two before the move. It will provide you with enough time and energy to focus on tying up any loose ends with packing or other moving tasks, getting the most out of the time you have.
Organizing A Move With Kids With Their Help
Just as you find moving to be stressful, so do your kids, if not even more so, both physically and emotionally. They often feel like their opinions do not matter. After all, plenty of important decisions are being made without regard to their feelings and input.
Being compassionate, but the firm is one of the best ways to guide them through these big changes. Make sure that you are communicative and eager to answer their questions.
Explain the reasons for moving and why these changes have to be made. At the same time, however, you have to let them make their own decision wherever possible.
For example, let them know they will pick the diner for the move-in night. Or, maybe they can choose their own room or the color of the walls. Organizing a move with kids can even be a bonding experience if you know how to approach it.
These do not have to be some big decisions, but so long as there are some, it will make them feel more confident and less opposed to your moving plans. After all, nobody likes to feel like their opinion does not matter, regardless of age.
