Moving is challenging enough when it’s just you. Add in kids, pets, and other family members, and the process can quickly become overwhelming. However, moving doesn’t have to be stressful. Our comprehensive family moving checklist provides all the tips and tricks you need to make your transition as smooth and seamless as possible.
1. Moving Preparation for Families
Discuss a Moving Date
When moving with kids, it’s crucial to consider their opinions when deciding on the moving date, especially for school-age children like tweens, teenagers, and young adults. These children may have significant emotional stakes in the move.
Set aside time to discuss the best possible time frame with your children. This conversation allows them to express their feelings about the move and helps them feel involved in the decision-making process. Many kids might prefer to move at the end of the school year to make the transition easier, but listen to their points and try to compromise.
Create a Moving Budget
Moving requires substantial time and money. Establish a budget early on that includes costs for the moving crew, moving day expenses, moving supplies, and an emergency fund for unforeseen occurrences. If you’re unsure about costs, request quotes from various Boston moving companies in advance to get a clearer picture of your expenses.
Hire a Moving Company
Parents already have their hands full keeping kids and pets safe and comfortable during the move. Hiring a moving crew reduces stress by allowing parents to focus on managing the family rather than the logistics. Research moving companies to find one that fits your needs and budget, and ensure they are available on your preferred date. Reading online reviews and obtaining multiple quotes can help narrow down your choices.
2. Decluttering and Downsizing
Assess Your Belongings
Begin the packing process by deciding which items to keep, donate, sell, or discard. One effective strategy is to move from room to room, focusing on each area individually. Use color-coded sticky notes and labels to mark items according to their destination. Learn more about what items go in what size moving boxes here.
Involve your children in this process, helping them decide what to keep. Use fun sorting systems like sticky notes or stickers to keep them engaged. Start early to allow time for breaks and tackle sections gradually.
Fun Times: Get a pack of markers and let your kids design their own moving boxes!
Organize a Sale
After deciding what to leave behind, consider organizing a garage sale or selling items online to generate extra funds for moving expenses. You can also donate items to local charities or inquire if your moving company offers a recycling program for larger items. Ensure you follow local guidelines for disposing of items properly.
Fun Times: Use a makeshift cash register and let your kids sell their gently used toys at a garage sale.
3. Home Transition Planning
Gather Important Documents
Create a moving binder to keep all valuable documents safe and organized during the move. This includes passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, work permits, medical records, vehicle documentation, financial statements, marriage certificates, and insurance documents. Keep this binder with you on moving day to ensure it remains secure.
Transfer Records and Utilities
Before moving day, transfer essential utilities such as gas, electricity, water, phone, Wi-Fi, and TV. Contact your current providers to schedule disconnections. Also, update your address and cancel or transfer subscription services. Ensure medical, dental, and school records are transferred to your new providers and schools.
4. Packing for a Family Move
Get the Right Supplies
Depending on the items you’re bringing, you’ll need various packing supplies. Boxes are essential and can sometimes be obtained for free from your mover or hardware stores. Stock up on bubble wrap, newspaper, and tape for wrapping fragile items. Use sliders or disassemble furniture to make moving easier, but remember how to reassemble them at your new home.
Prepare Essentials for Kids and Pets
Pack a box of important items for children and pets for moving day. For kids, include toys, snacks, diapers, electronics, books, or stuffed animals. For pets, include food, toys, bedding, blankets, water, and treats. Bring items that will help your family stay relaxed and entertained during the transition.
5. Moving Day Organization
Make a Plan for Moving Day
Ensure moving day is safe and fun for your children. If possible, have them spend the day with relatives or friends. Alternatively, arrange a play date or hire a babysitter. Keeping kids out of the way ensures their safety and the safety of the moving crew.
Learn More: Moving Day Checklist
Learn More: How To Prepare For The Movers
Do a Final Walkthrough
Conduct a final check of your old property to ensure all windows and doors are secured, utilities are shut off, and nothing is left behind. This walkthrough will help put your mind at ease before heading to your new home.
Communicate with the Moving Crew
Inform the moving crew of any special instructions for handling items. A brief walkthrough of your home can help, but once you’ve greeted them, allow them to start their work. If moving during hot weather, consider providing snacks and drinks.
Dress Appropriately
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, and closed-toe shoes with good grip. Ensure your children are dressed safely as well.
6. New Home Preparation
Get the Lay of the Land
Upon arrival, give your kids a tour of your new home to get them excited. Allow them to explore safely, keeping them out of the movers’ way. If you can’t arrange for a babysitter, set up a familiar space in your children’s new rooms quickly.
Explore the New Area
Take time to explore your new neighborhood with your family. Familiarizing your kids with the new area can ease their transition. Point out landmarks and establish boundaries, such as where they can play safely.
Establish Routines
Re-establish family routines as soon as possible. Consistent dinner and bedtime routines help everyone feel more at home, easing the stress of the move.
Create Familiar Spaces
Unpack promptly and set up familiar spaces for your children and pets to help them feel at home quickly. This can make a significant difference in how comfortable they feel in the new environment.
Fun Times: Visit a local shop in your new area that has branded items.
The key to a successful and stress-free family move lies in careful planning and consideration. Establishing a detailed family moving checklist, involving your children in the process, and maintaining a well-thought-out moving day strategy will contribute to a smoother transition. Following the steps outlined in our family moving checklist can make the process more manageable and stress-free for everyone involved.
Mastodon Moving is a local Massachusetts-based moving company and can assist with any local moving, or long distance moving needs.
