My husband and I have decided to tackle the mountain of selling our home and moving during a pandemic. On top of that, we’re living life on the edge by doing it with two little girls under 20 months of age and a senior citizen cat. In all seriousness, we are so excited to settle into our next family home, although the practice of preparing for the move has been overwhelming.
Here are 20 survival tips we’ve learned along the way to help fully embrace the moving process with little ones!
1. Let it go – don’t worry about the messes.
Moving is messy. Kids are messy. The process of organizing is messy. Even if you normally operate in a land of chaos, prepare for an even messier state of chaos. Embrace it and try not to stress out about it too much – it’s only temporary!
2. Keep goals clear and simple. Don’t be over-ambitious.
Though it may be exciting to think about wiping through the kitchen and pantry in one day, it may not be realistic. Keep goals achievable. Tackle a couple of boxes at a time.
3. Ask for help.
This one is huge. Ask for help, from whomever you trust in your circle. Not only will this help you and your partner, but it will also be wonderful for your little ones to see other loved ones!
4. Take advantage of naptime and after bed.
In an attempt to minimize missing out on quality time with my girls, I have tried to keep the majority of packing during naptime and after bed.
5. Make the baby carrier your best friend.
For my teensy tiny girl who is only three-months-old, the baby carrier has been a huge help. She rests, while I keep busy, and we’re both happy!
6. Stay on task.
This suggestion pairs well with keeping goals clear and simple. Set your focus and finish the task at hand to avoid having too many projects going at once, which can be extremely overwhelming.
7. Use services where possible.
Though you may normally love cutting the grass and not mind cleaning your home, your time leading up to the move is limited, especially if you’re doing the majority of work during your kids’ sleeping hours.
8. Clear out the clutter.
This one will further assist if you’re working on selling your current home. Work on clearing out things you haven’t used in ages or have forgotten about altogether. It is better to tackle the clutter now versus moving it to the new home and letting it sit for another ten years.
9. Sell stuff.
While you’re tackling the clutter, consider selling what may be of value. You can in turn put this money toward goodies for the new house!
10. Start early.
Time flies, especially leading up to the big move. Start as early as possible.
11. Pare down the number of toys.
Prior to preparing to move, our living and family rooms were full of toys. While I love the kids having fun things to play with, the amount was getting overwhelming to me {and so was the constant cleaning up}. In paring down the number of toys, your kids will get more quality time with the ones that are in the present rotation. You can rotate toys in and out whenever you wish, and the new ones will be even more exciting!
12. Don’t forget the self-care.
My husband made a solid point one day about taking a couple of hours to get some one-on-one time with our older daughter. When I replied, “We have to pack!” he responded that a couple of hours isn’t going to make or break the packing progress. He’s right. Take time for self-care, however that looks.
13. Remember to be excited!
You’re moving on to a new chapter of your life. One that you may not get the chance to start again for many years. Embrace it and get excited!
14. Feel all the feels.
This time may also be bittersweet for you as you and your family prepare to leave your current home. Go through the emotions, feel them, and soak in your final days prior to the big move.
15. Create a labeling system.
A labeling system will not only make it easier for your movers but also for you when it comes time to start unpacking. Create a labeling system that is simple and straightforward.
16. Set up services beforehand.
Consider the services you currently use and reach out to the carriers a couple of weeks in advance of the move. These can include internet, cable, garbage removal, and lawn services.
17. Choose a moving date and get there with achievable goals.
Set clear and simple goals, Start with your move date and work back into the present date, with achievable goals set in between. This will help make the process not as daunting.
18. Take advantage of the weekends.
While packing during naps and bedtime will help with progress, you can really get a lot of stuff done by focusing your time on the weekend. Seek out an overnight stay for the kids with family or friends, if that is an option. Turn on the tunes, pour a favorite beverage, and have a packing party with your spouse.
19. Keep easy snacks on hand.
For those times when packing and organizing is needed with the little ones awake and playing, keep easy snacks ready to go. Remember to feed yourself, too!
20. Don’t stress about the little things.
As with all phases in life, things are bound to go sideways when there is a lot in motion. Try not to stress during those hiccups and focus on how in the weeks and months down the road, those things won’t even matter. At that time, you and your family will be settled and snuggled in your new home!
