Knowing how to move your family from one home to another can be challenging and exciting.
The overwhelming amount of things that will need to be done before you move can feel stressful. But, with the right amount of planning and organization, things can go smoothly.
With a move comes a lot of physical and mental work, though this can be reduced by hiring professional movers and leaving the hard stuff up to them.
You’ll need to put thought into your move, just as it will require labor when the time comes to pack your belongings and leave your old home behind.
The best way to prepare for a move is to plan early. The earlier you consider what needs to happen before and during your move, the smoother things will go. This is especially true when you are moving a large-sized family — you’ll have to take your children and pet’s needs into consideration.
If you feel lost about where to start with your move and what you can do to make it easier for you and your family, continue reading the guide below. There will be tips on how to move your family and a checklist to help keep you on track.
Preparing for the move: steps to take
Breaking things down into a list, or steps, often makes large projects more manageable. When you decide you want to move, you will encounter distractions along the way. Being prepared and planning ahead will help you focus.
Organize
First, you may want to get a folder for all of your essential documents, moving receipts, and moving checklist. Depending on where you are moving, you may even want to include personal documents, such as your social security card, birth certificate, and passport. Your financial documents relating to your new home should remain in this folder also.
Set a budget
Moving to a new home can cost quite a bit of money, especially if you don’t consider all the moving costs. Taking a look at your finances will give you an idea of the amount you can spend on your move. When you come up with that number, stick to it.
Find a moving company
With all the moving companies out there, it may be challenging to find the right one. It can be easier to decide if you research a company by reading their reviews and asking others about their past experiences. You will want to choose a professional, reliable, and trustworthy moving company.
Declutter and donate
As you begin to take inventory of your belongings, you can also separate what you will want to take with you to your new home, throw away, or donate. There is no reason to pack broken items or things that you no longer use.
Pack
Don’t wait until the last minute to pack. Those who wait are usually less organized and will have a more challenging time unpacking. One of the best packing tips is to start early, pack what you don’t use first, and pack room by room.
Checklist for weeks leading up to move
Following a moving timeline will keep you stress-free before and during your move. Instead of trying to remember what comes next, or if you are on track, all you have to do is take a glance at your checklist.
8-10 Weeks before your move
- Choose your moving day
- Hire your moving company
- Notify your children’s schools
- Locate new schools
- Measure your furniture
6-8 weeks before moving day
- Obtain copies of your family’s medical records
- Get references for a new physician if needed
- Request vet records
- Plan a moving away party for your children
- Locate fun things to do near your new home
3-6 weeks prior to your move
- Find or buy moving boxes
- Buy moving supplies
- Packing tape
- Packing paper
- Bubble wrap
- Colored markers
- Pack items you won’t use for the next six weeks
- Separate valuables
2-3 weeks before your move
- Change your address
- Utility services
- Governmental services (post office, voter registration, IRS, etc.)
- Subscriptions and special services
- Health facilities
1-2 weeks before moving day
- Plan meals for the first few nights in your new home
- Home improvements
- Clean the house
- Service your vehicles
- Make arrangements for your pet
- Pack a first night box for everyone
Moving Day
- Take your children and/or pets to whoever will be watching them
- Welcome your movers
- Guide your movers
- Do a final walk-through of each room in your old house
- Tip and thank the movers
- Unpack your starter kit in your new home
Extra considerations when moving with kids and pets
Moving is already challenging, but moving with kids or pets can seem almost impossible. Children may not understand why they are moving or want to move. They have likely built friendships that they are worried about losing and found comfort in their bedrooms.
You will want to consider the timing of your move when kids are involved because there is nothing worse than moving in the middle of the school year. If you can hold off a few months, it can make things easier on the whole family.
Since children are inquisitive and need reassurance to feel safe and comfortable, you will want to research your moving area. You will be better prepared to answer questions about your new home, their new school, and your new neighborhood if you research first.
It may be more difficult to show your pets that you are moving and that they will be safe since you can’t necessarily explain what is happening. But, with preparation, you can make the transition go more smoothly.
If your pet is not used to being in a crate, it would be wise to leave a crate out for them to get used to. Don’t lock them inside of it; just leave it open so they have a chance to walk in and out of the crate. This way, if they need to be crated during the move, they will not see it as a threat.
You can also start taking your dog or cat for rides in the car to fun places like the park or pet store, so they associate driving with fun and adventure.
How to handle the talk with your kids
After you have done your research surrounding the area you will be moving to and put thought into your children’s fears or concerns, you can sit down and talk with them about the move.
Remember, just because you are excited doesn’t mean they will be at first. But, if you are able to answer their questions and tell them about the fun activities nearby, it may ease their worries.
You will want to be understanding and gentle when talking to your children. Give them time to adjust to the news, even if it takes them some time. The more understanding you are, the more likely they will continue to talk to you about their feelings.
Assure them that together you can collect the phone numbers and addresses of special friends. Knowing they will not lose their friends should make them feel better.
Road Scholars Moving Company can make your move easy
By choosing Road Scholars Moving, you can rest assured that your move will go smoothly. We are a reliable company with positive reviews and ratings from our customers.
We are here to support you in any way that we can.
We know that moving your family into a new home can be worrisome and thrilling. Not knowing what may happen during the move or to your belongings can be scary. This is why our professional movers have been trained to keep your things safe.
Contact us today if you have any questions about our moving or storage needs!