We have moved twice in the last year and both times were shockingly smooth. Our first move was 3 hours north and our second was only 2 miles. Regardless of how far you move, the event is stressful and time consuming, with kids- its’s even more complicated.
I have 5 tips that I swear by, these tips have allowed for each move to be painless and less stressful.
TIP 1: Organize, Donate and Sort
We had three boxes lined up at all times: Box 1- Donate, Box 2- Trash, Box 3- Keep. Start going through your items the day you learn that you will be moving. Each day pick a spot in your home to sort through.
TIP 2: Clean As You Pack
Spot clean items as you pack up an area. This will make the cleaning process after your items are moved out a bit easier. A quick wipe down of a bookshelf or counter will save you time later on.
TIP 3: Pack A Suitcase For Each Person
This has made things so much easier during the organization time. When you arrive at your new home you’re not digging through boxes to find underwear, diapers, shampoo, bathing suits or clothes. Anything that each of us needed for at least 1 week was packed in a suitcase. This allowed for me to get to my boxes when I had the time to do so. It helped to not have to dump out a box to find those favorite shorts or a pull up needed for nap time.
TIP 4: Budget for MOVERS!
We used Two Men & A Truck for both of our moves and they were LIFE SAVERS. It was incredible to see the time, attention and care given to my things. They treated them as if it was their own.
We had each item handled with care, wrapped with detail and carried so gently. I never saw them toss or drop a thing. When we moved for the first time it was hours long, those men worked so hard and never once made a complaint. The second move was just down the road, but we were treated just the same. The guys were also so sweet with my girls, ensuring them that their toys would be safe and carried carefully. They smiled and waved at them time and time again as they watched them from the window. It was the sweetest thing.
We HIGHLY recommend Two Men & A Truck!
Tip 5: Utilize The Storage Options You Have
We have laundry baskets and toy bins that after sorting ended up empty. We ensured to use these for items that did not fit into a conventional box.
Moving with kids is never easy but these tips allowed us to survive the ordeal and I would highly recommend these tips to anyone moving with little ones.
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These are great tips for moving! We may be making a move soon and I dread the thought of it. We have so many things to move!
Moving is stressful enough and adding kids into the mix makes it harder. These are useful tips to help any parent that is moving home. We moved a little while back but did it all ourselves. It was hard work.
Moving with kids would be so incredibly stressful! Sorting and donating is such a good tip and a great way to get rid of the crap you really don’t need. I never thought of packing suitcases. Genius!
Love this article. So many helpful tips especially packing a suitcase for each person. I know that you packed a box with things needed immediately at the new house: ie coffeemaker, essential kitchen items/utensils, paper goods, and towels were boxed up and labeled accordingly so you could find everything needed for those first few days…marked “Essentials”and packed last. Great job!
It must have been very very hectic to move with kids, i can’t imagine myself doing it, just oo much for me. Great tips.
As a military spouse, I feel this post in my bones. We just did our 8th move in 10 years!! It’s so important to be super organized or the whole operation can go to hell so quickly!
Moving with kids is not easy. I am saving this post. We will be moving soon at the end of this year maybe. Thank you so much for sharing.
We have also moved a few times with kids. Twice while I was pregnant meaning I couldn’t physically do as much. We did all of this, except hiring movers. My husband and his dad and brother did most of our moving the last few times. If/when we move from Texas back to Florida, I think we will be hiring movers!
Moving can be very stressful especially with kids around. I don’t have kids of my own yet but quite often I hear my friends maoning about this.
Great tips, I haven’t move yet but would definitely, follow these tips. Though, it would be a while to move with kids haha.
Wow, what an adventure. Thanks for all the helpful tips.
We moved when our boys were 4 and 6. Actually they were more excited then we were. They helped clean their rooms and pack boxes. Due to the fact we were building a house, they felt like they were a part of the process.
We have moved twice with my daughter. Moving with kids can definitely be tough, but with enough planning, it’s not that bad
Great post for anyone moving with little ones! Such a massive task!