A major milestone, a complicated process, and a splitting headache: moving homes can be all three. Having been through several family moves, I’ve survived the rollercoaster ride of the moving process. And I’ve learned a few things along the way. To save you time and keep you sane, try my four tips for moms when moving to a new home:
- Plan early
- Get the kids involved
- Practice self-care
- Hire a moving company
The goals are to successfully move homes, be a good mom, and keep your sanity. Let’s dive into how to make that happen. And by the way, these moving tips for moms aren’t just for moms; dads (or other family members) can use them, too!
Tip 1: Plan Early
You should begin planning your move 6–8 weeks before moving day. Depending on the size of your house, whether you’re moving locally or doing a long-distance move, and how much stuff you’ve got, the logistics can be complex. By the final week, if you haven’t made and followed a moving checklist, you’ll need more arms not to drop the ball. Here’s an example of what a moving checklist could look like:
- 8 weeks out: Book a moving service or reserve a moving truck
- 6 weeks out: Start gathering packing supplies (bubble wrap, boxes, etc.)
- 4 weeks out: Notify utility companies
- 2 weeks out: Pack non-essential items
- 1 week out: Confirm moving details with the local moving company
- 1 day out Pack a box of essentials for your first night
Map out the moving process: the materials, vehicles, people, and dates that will be involved. Then, start making calls, collecting moving boxes, and working your way through the checklist with enough of a buffer to prepare for the unexpected. That way, you can plan fun packing activities with the kids and practice self care.
Pro tip: A moving company takes a huge load off your shoulders. I’ll give you my go-to recommendation in Tip 4.
Tip 2: Get the Kids Involved
Children need a routine to thrive. Big changes like moving homes can be disruptive and stressful for little ones. Sit down early with your kids and explain why you’re moving and what to expect. Encourage them to ask questions and share their feelings.
Then, get your kids involved. By adding them to the situation instead of corralling them to the side, you add the moving process to their routine and help them understand that a totally normal change is occurring.
I like to have my kids spend an afternoon helping me assemble and decorate boxes. This is also a great activity for teaching kids how to sort and categorize different types of items.
Action Tip: Use your moving checklist to create a “moving countdown” calendar with your kids. Use graphics and pictures depending on their ages. Have them count down the days and check off activities they helped with. This simple activity builds excitement and makes the move feel like an adventure rather than a disruption.
Here are some more ways to involve your kids:
- Put them in charge of music playlists for the moving truck ride
- Let them design themes to decorate their new rooms
- Promise a special new responsibility like a house plant or pet once settled
- Plan an updated house rules or chores chart. They help create
Tip 3: Practice Self Care
A move is stressful for the whole family. Whether you’re moving with your husband or as a single mother, many of the responsibilities will fall on you. Don’t let your own psychology fall by the wayside as you work through the move.
Practice self-care techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or taking short breaks to recharge. I like to take a walk alone in the evenings while listening to peaceful music. This gives me a chance to step away from the situation and let my mind recharge.
Action Tip: Practice a breathing-focused yoga routine. Breath control techniques and gentle stretching exercises will calm your mind and help you avoid lifting injuries in the heat of the move.
Here are some other ways you can keep yourself in top shape during a move:
- Avoid using caffeine, alcohol, and sugary foods to manage stress
- Get sufficient sleep
- Spend time with your pet
- Read a relaxing book
These suggestions can help you manage the stress of a move, but there’s also a way you can massively decrease the stress you need to manage.
Tip 4: Hire a Moving Company
I’ve handled the moving logistics for our family on three occasions. During the first move, I did everything myself (We wanted to save money.). It worked, but it was a huge hassle. On our second move, I tried a professional moving service. If you get with a good company, the difference is night and day.
Professional movers can handle everything from taking your boxes between properties, to packing and unpacking, to handling fragile items such as pianos. You can find a company that offers the services you need so your move is perfectly tailored.
When we moved to New York, I was referred to Zip To Zip Moving Company. They’re based in New Jersey, but they operate throughout the US. It can take a while to find a good moving company. You have to read reviews, get quotes, and check insurance and licensing. So trust me when I say they check all the boxes and are easy to work with.
Hopefully, these tips for moms moving homes save you a bunch of time and stress and make the whole process easier. Happy moving!