Moving Into a New Home Without the Headache

Moving is widely known to be a huge stressor and a life event that most people don’t exactly look forward to. However, it doesn’t have to be that way.

As a mother, you already know the importance of being prepared for (almost) everything. Moving is no different. With a little planning and preparation, you can transition from one space to another with minimal stress – yes, even with kids.

Whether you’re moving for a job change, a new school district, or you’ve got a growing family, and you need a bigger home with more bedrooms, moving can actually be a fun and exciting experience for everyone. Let this be your guide to moving into a new home without the headache and to make the transition as easy as possible.

Get Your Kids Involved

One of the most difficult parts of moving for some parents can be breaking it to their kids. It’s not uncommon for kids to struggle with moving to a new location. They’re leaving everything they know behind, including the comforts of the only home they’ve known, their friends, school, etc.

You can make the moving process easier on your whole family by being as transparent as possible with your children. Tell them you’re moving, and explain why. It’s okay if they need some time to process it, but don’t shy away from being honest.

Once they’ve had time to absorb the information, get them involved. Try things like:

Letting them design their new rooms with colors and decor
Taking them along on trips to your new town
Giving them a vote on the house you choose to buy
Connecting with other parents in your new community to help them make friends

You can also get your kids involved by giving them a few boxes and allowing them to go through their rooms. It can make the packing experience more fun and easier for everyone. They should have a box for donations, one for the things they’re keeping, and one for things they want/need to throw away. Getting your house as decluttered as possible before the move will make packing much easier, so make sure you’re getting rid of things you don’t need, including old documents that should be shredded before you go!

Create a Checklist

You probably already know the importance of having a to-do list every day, so why not make a bigger list to plan your move? Having a checklist will ensure that everything gets done on time and you’re not missing any important steps.

A detailed list will also make it easier to determine what kind of help you need with the move. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed and close to your “deadline,” you might need to consider hiring movers to help with packing and toting your things. The last thing you want is to have to book them last minute and risk someone not being available.

What else should your moving checklist include? A lot of it will be personal depending on your needs, but some ideas that could be helpful include:

Transferring your utilities
Forwarding mail
Connecting TV and Internet
Taking photos of valuable items (especially if you’re working with a moving company)
Reviewing storage solutions

As you check things off your list, you’ll have more peace of mind, and feel more confident in the moving process. You’ll also be less stressed when you officially move into your new place, knowing that things like the Internet and utilities have already been taken care of.

Have a Vision Beforehand

The idea of decorating a new home can feel a little overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. Take the time before you move to prioritize your purchases. Even if you’re on a budget, you should be able to find sets that will create a cohesive look throughout your new space.

Consider prioritizing the living room first. It’s likely where your family will spend most of their time, and it should be the central location for everyone to reconnect and feel the most comfortable. Then, you can focus on the bedrooms, and finally the kitchen. Make sure your kids feel comfortable and at home in their new rooms by choosing the right paint colors and letting them help with decor.

When it comes to decorating, let your personality shine through. Maybe you like modern looks, or you want something a little more rustic. Having a new place to showcase those preferences should be fun, not overwhelming. Even if you’re still a few months away from moving, now is a perfect time to plan out what you want your space to look like, and which items you should get ahead of time.

Moving into a new home doesn’t have to be the headache people often assume it to be. Keep these tips in mind to streamline the process, get everyone involved, and make the most of the experience so you can enjoy the next chapter of your life as a family.

About the Author

Charlie Fletcher is a freelance writer from the lovely “city of trees”- Boise, Idaho. Her love of writing pairs with her passion for social activism and the search for the truth. You can find more of her writing on her Contently.