Moving is already a high-stress, life-changing feat, but with kids involved, it can be especially hectic. Moms in charge of planning their families’ relocation have a lot to juggle, so it’s important to plan ahead. Including these ten key moving tasks on your to-do list is essential for helping turn moving chaos into a manageable process.
1. Make a Moving Schedule
A moving schedule will help you get and stay organized by clearly outlining the timeline associated with your move. Most experts recommend starting to schedule moving-related activities at least two months in advance. This handy week-by-week checklist from Good Housekeeping is a good place to start.
2. Get the Kids Ready
Moving can be just as stressful for the kids as it is for you, even if they’re too little to help with the packing. Be sure to talk to your kids about the move, keep their schedules as close to normal as possible, and ensure they have something to keep them occupied on moving day.
3. Downsize & Declutter
This tip makes a lot of sense because no one wants to waste time and energy packing and moving stuff they don’t even need. Long distance moving companies also charge by the weight of the shipment, so moving less means saving more money on your move. Plus, downsizing your stuff will make life simpler and easier when you go to unpack. For some help getting your decluttering initiative started, check out this article from Organized Home.
4. Check Out the Schools
If your children are in school, take time to check out the school they’ll be attending. Make sure they have a chance to see where it is, meet the office staff, and get a feel for the building layout. Ask about any extracurricular activities too, so you don’t miss opportunities for your student to get plugged-in.
5. Arrange Your Moving Day Assistance
Whether you are going to be using a professional mover or doing it yourself, you’ll need help on moving day.
If you’re using a mover:
- Check the company out with the Better Business Bureau before signing anything.
- Confirm that the company is licensed and insured
- Confirm exactly what services they provide for the price you’ve been quoted. Get the moving quote in writing!
If you’re doing it yourself:
- Solicit help from family and friends with the various aspects of the move.
- Gather your supplies ahead of time.
- Reserve a rental truck well in advance
6. Research Your New Area
There is a wealth of information online about restaurants, activities, and services in your new area. Even if you’re just moving across town, use a site like TripAdvisor to get a feel for what you’ll find near your new home, so you’ll feel like a local in no time.
7. Take Care of Utilities
This one is essential to avoiding move-in disruptions. Make sure your power, water, gas, cable, internet, etc. is all set up and ready to go before the move. This is also an excellent time to set up those end dates for the utilities at your old place.
8. Organize Your Cleaning Sessions
You’ll want to do a move-out clean at the old place, and you’ll also want to do a move-in clean before you put any of your belongings in the new place. To make it easier, check out this cleaning checklist from Care.com.
9. Update Your Address Everywhere
Time for another checklist, because whether you realize it or not there are probably plenty of places you’ll need to make an update to your address. Start by forwarding your mail through the post office, then go through and notify subscription services, mail-order accounts, your financial institutions and any other vendors you do business with.
10. Arrange Some Family Time
It is easy to feel disconnected, especially with everyone’s busy schedule. Finding time for family togetherness can be difficult with the stress of moving and the extra demands on your schedule. Setting aside some time to just enjoy your family and have some fun will improve the moving experience for everyone.
