10 Tips for Moving With Your Family

If you are like most people, you likely have mixed feelings about moving. It can be a very exciting time, but it can also be quite stressful. There are so many things to do in preparation for a move, especially if you have kids or fur babies, and it can quickly become overwhelming. With all the tasks that lie ahead, knowing where to start can be challenging.

We’ve been there and learned some helpful tips along the way. So, here are our top 10 moving tips to help make your family's relocation a bit easier.

1. Start planning early

This might seem trivial, but it's the trivial things that we tend to miss. The earlier you start planning, the less stress you will have later on. Make a checklist of everything that needs to be done and then start working your way through it one by one. Planning is of utmost importance in any transitional process and writing down what should be done will help your brain to make conscious decisions to finalize these tasks in time. 

When you're creating this checklist it’s helpful to add a timeline so that you group your tasks into categories with a deadline for each category. This way you’ll know what is missing (hopefully nothing) by the time the moving truck arrives. Remember that these tasks and deadlines should be convenient and realistic to make the packing and moving process go smoothly. 

2. Keep your kids involved

Moving to a new home can be a very exciting time for kids, but it can also be confusing and stressful. They may have to leave friends behind, start a new school, and acclimate to a new place. You can help ease their anxiety by keeping them involved in the process as much as possible.

Creating a moving week plan including a list of tasks for your kids to complete gives you an opportunity to teach them about planning and taking responsibility while helping everyone stay on track. Give your kids smaller tasks, like packing their belongings, organizing packing paper, or taping cardboard boxes together. It helps them feel like they are a part of the process and makes the transition easier for everyone. 

3. De-clutter your home

This is probably one of the most important moving tips - moving is a great time to get rid of any unnecessary items that you no longer need. If you don’t use it or need it, don’t bother moving it. Before you even start packing, it is a good idea to sort through cabinet drawers and the back of your closet for old clothes, letters, photographs, mail, or anything else that you don’t use or wear regularly. You may think you need that one scarf you were given 3 years ago but the reality is that if you haven’t worn it in the past year, you probably won’t use it any time soon.  

We’ve found that a good method is to go room by room. For instance, you can start with your kitchen. Look in the cabinets, you'll probably find some cups or Tupperware that you forgot you had, and don’t need. Doing this in every room will help you de-clutter your home properly. While doing so, keep in mind that having less to pack will make the moving process much easier.

Sort belongings to get rid of into categories for trash, donate, and sell.

4. Categorize your items

Categorizing your items as you pack boxes will make it easier to know what goes where. This is important because you don't want to be searching for your toothbrush in a box full of clothes. So go through each room and start putting similar items together. For example, you can put all of your office supplies and stationery together while keeping clothes or kitchen items separate. We like to use colored duct tape to help with this process so that each room or category has a different color. Don’t forget to label each box. 

5. Pack an essentials box

This is a must. Unpacking takes time so having a box with all the essential items that you will need for the first few days in your new home is critical. This could include things like toiletries, pajamas, a change of clothes, phone chargers, and medications. Make sure each family member has their essentials box prepared and ready to go before the move. And most importantly, keep these boxes in an easily-accessible place for when you arrive at your new home. 

6. Take pictures of your electronics

You may be thinking why would I need to take a picture of my TV? Well, just in case something goes wrong during the move and your electronics get damaged you will have proof that they were in working condition before the move. This will come in handy if you need to make an insurance claim.

7. Arrange for utilities

One of the most important things to do before moving is to set up utilities at your new house. You don’t want to arrive with your family and boxes ready to unpack and not be able to turn on the lights or use the sink. The essential utilities include electricity, water, and gas. Call ahead to set a date for them to be turned on at your new place so that everything is ready for you when you arrive.

8. Hire professional movers

Hiring professional movers will make your life a lot easier. They will handle all the heavy lifting and ensure your belongings are transported safely to your new home. Some of these moving services can provide you with packing supplies like moving boxes and bubble wrap to make the process go more smoothly. 

9. Plan new and fun surprises

We all know that moving is a stressful time and each family member can handle it differently. Planning some new surprises can help ease the transition and give the kids something to get excited about in your new house. Buy some toys for the new house or organize a night out at a local restaurant. Better yet, have the kids help plan fun things to do in the new house or city. It boosts morale and shifts the focus from goodbyes to your new home and the adventure that lies ahead. 

10. Get to know your new community

Once you've settled into your new home, take some time to get to know your new community. This includes things like finding out where the nearest grocery store is, where the post office is, and what kind of local attractions or events are in the area. Getting to know your new community will help you feel more at home in your new surroundings. Read about ways to connect to your new community here.

Moving to a new home can be a stressful experience but planning and being prepared can help make the process a bit easier. We know that these moving tips will come in handy during your relocation process and if by any chance, you're making West Seattle your new home, check out our neighborhood guide.