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If you’ve decided that it’s time to make a move with your family, there’s a good chance you’re feeling a bit anxious and overwhelmed. This is to be expected. There are so many details to consider and keep track of, not to mention handling the emotions and expectations of your family members. Moving can be stressful for everyone. Kids, in particular, may struggle with the transition. The following tips for moving your family should make the whole adventure more manageable.
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Start Early
One of the best ways to manage to move the family is to start planning as early as possible. Moving day can truly sneak up on you, and you don’t want to find yourself pulling everything together in a last-minute panic. So be sure to start planning well in advance if possible. This will help you to feel more in control.
Make a To-Do List
Make a list of moving tasks with a time table and try to stick to it. You can tweak things and make adjustments as necessary, but a general framework will help to keep you on track. Things like choosing a realtor, listing your house, scheduling open house visits, and transferring school records should be included. Again, your list will help to avoid last-minute panic or calling a real estate agent in tears asking them to, “Sell my house fast Los Angeles.” Your to-do lists act as a road map for the whole moving process.
Stick to Your Routine
It can help your entire family to feel more at ease if you try to keep things as normal and routine as possible. Maintain your regular schedule. Keep appointments. Stay on track with your current goals. Kids often cling to routine. They will feel more assured if things can remain as normal as possible while you’re preparing for this upcoming life transition.
Involve Your Kids
Another way to help your children during this unfamiliar time is to allow them to be involved in decision making. Ask for their input on things to the extent that is possible. You probably don’t want to give them the final say on which house to buy, but you could invite them to choose the decor for their room or at least ask them which of the top contenders is their favorite. Involve them in such decision making as which toys are most important to keep. Have them pack a travel bag with their favorite items for the day of the big move. These types of activities give kids a sense of stability and autonomy.
Use Your Time Strategically
Packing and organizing can be a tremendous chore. It’s even more difficult when you have kids underfoot. You’ll be less stressed if you attempt to use your time strategically while preparing for your move. Try to set aside time for packing when the kids are at school or on a play date. Another idea is to use your lunch hour at work for communication with realtors, movers, or schools. Perhaps waking up before everyone else will give you quiet time to plan and check your lists.
Small Details Make a Big Difference
Sometimes it’s the little things that make a difference. For instance, color coding your boxes can be an easy way to help find things when you unpack or to let movers know where to place them in your new home. Packing an overnight bag for each member of the family will ensure that everyone has the things they need for their first few days in the new place. You may also want to set aside everyday items you need such as the coffee maker and mugs in a box of their own. Anything you can do to make the larger moving process easier is a win.
Plan for Moving Week
Sit down with the entire family to plan out all the details of your final week before the move. Include things such as playdates to say goodbye. You may even want to write down your menu for those last few days. Most importantly, determine how you all will travel to your new home so that everyone is prepared and on the same page.
Some advanced planning and preparation can make any move with the family easier. This can be a stressful time, but it’s also an exciting adventure.
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