7 Effective Tips For Moving With A Big Family

A big family means more joy, greater chaos, and a lot more to think about when it comes time to relocate. How can you ease the stress of moving day while keeping everyone happy, safe, and organized? There’s no definite answer, honestly. Moving day can bring a lot of surprises no matter how much you plan. Your pet could get scared and run off, your kids might get cranky from all the activity, or you could find yourself unexpectedly out of boxes.

Tips for moving with a big family

However, specific tips can prepare you to deal with the challenges of moving day as a big family.

We’ll offer you some tips to make the transition smoother for everyone involved:

#1 Start Packing Early

Packing can be a time-consuming and arduous task, so it’s essential to start early. When you start doing it, you’ll realize a lot of decluttering and ‘letting-go’ needs to be done. You will also realize that some of your belongings are too sentimental to part with, ultimately making it crucial to utilize storage spaces.

Storage units are a fantastic option to keep your belongings safe while you’re in the process of moving. You can also safely tuck away items you’re not ready to give away yet, but don’t have enough space for now. You can turn to Google to locate nearby storage units. For instance, if you’re in Lawrence, Kansas, type “storage units Lawrence KS,” and you’ll get a reliable option instantly.

More importantly, don’t forget to label the boxes for easier access later.

#2 Prepare a Moving Checklist

Planning is a crucial step for any move-out, but it’s imperative when you have a lot of people and things to keep track of and sort through. A moving checklist will help you track what needs to be done and when. This way, you can ensure everything is packed and ready to go on moving day.

Your list must include tasks like hiring the right moving company, packing your belongings, and changing your address. Also, communicate your moving plans with your family, so everyone is on the same page. You can hold a family meeting for this purpose.

#3 Decide the Best Time

Moving with a big family isn’t a one-day affair. You’ll need some time to get everyone settled into the new place. When you’re planning your move, be sure to take this into account. If you have young children, it might be best to move during the summer when they’re out of school. It will give them time to adjust to the new surroundings and make new friends.

If you have elderly family members, it might be best to move during the week so they can have help getting settled. You and your partner must also check with your employers to see if there are restrictions on when you can take vacation days.

#4 Delegate Tasks

When you’re moving with a big family, it’s important to delegate tasks. It will help ensure that everything gets done and everyone is pitching in. If you have kids, assign them simple tasks like packing their toys or clothes. For adults, you can delegate tasks like packing the kitchen or handling the paperwork. It’ll ease the burden on you and make moving more efficient. However, always check the assigned tasks to ensure they are correctly done.

You don’t want ugly surprises on moving day, so be as prepared as possible.

#5 Make Arrangements for Childcare and Pets

Let’s face it, moving is stressful for everyone involved. And if you have kids or pets, it can be even more challenging. You’ll constantly be worried about them while trying to focus on the move. The best way to deal with this is to make arrangements for childcare or pet care ahead of time. This way, you can focus on the move and know that your kids or pets are in good hands.

You can ask a friend/relative to watch them or consider daycare facilities. Ensure you make arrangements before the moving day, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

#6 Take Breaks

Moving is exhausting, both mentally and physically. You’ll get cramps from lifting heavy boxes and probably headaches from all the planning. So, it’s important to take breaks often. Eventually, you’ll avoid getting overwhelmed and stay focused. Take a few minutes to yourself every few hours, or take a break after you finish each task.

And when you’re relaxing, try not to think or talk about the move. Just focus on clearing your mind and recharging your energy. Some people like to take a hot bath or read a book when taking a break. Others prefer to listen to music or go for a walk. Take your pick.

#7 Set Aside Time to Unpack

None of us include unpacking in our moving plans. We leave this task hanging for days because we’re too tired after the move. But if you want to avoid living out of boxes for weeks, it’s important to set aside time to unpack.

Dedicate a few hours each day to unpacking until everything is done. You can even enlist the help of your family members to make the process go faster. And if there isn’t enough time on your hands, you can always hire professional unpacking services. They’ll have your home unpacked in no time.

Conclusion

Moving to a new location or home brings a fresh start. It’s an exciting time for everyone in the family.

However, it can get nerve-wracking and stressful, especially if you’re moving with a big family. So, to make the most of this time, sit everyone down and discuss the move. Listen to what they expect and what their concerns are. This way, you can address them and make the relocation as smooth as possible for everyone. Also, don’t overburden yourself with tasks. Divide some of the work between other family members, or hire professional help.