The average person in the U.S. moves about 12 times throughout their life. Unfortunately, no matter how many times you move, the process is never easy. From hiring local movers to scheduling babysitters to disassembling furniture, there are a lot of factors that go into moving that you need to stay on top of.
Here are a few simple ways you can make your moving day go a little bit easier while keeping drama to a minimum.
Finish renovations and repairs before moving in
It’s not uncommon to buy a house that needs a little elbow grease. But it’s a good idea to fix up your new home before you move in. Kids are already hesitant when it comes to moving to new places, and seeing a house that’s not in the best shape can make things even more overwhelming. That said, when you close on a house, be sure to calculate any renovation and repair projects into your moving timeframe. For instance, if you need to waterproof your exterior drain tile, then make sure to schedule an appointment with exterior drain tile technicians ahead of time. Make sure as well to set an appointment with pest control services before moving in for a pest-free environment for you and your kids.
Unless you’re completely gutting your kitchen, some projects don’t take as long as you’d think. For instance, replacing a roof has an ROI of 62% and only takes between three to five days to complete. Other home projects are also just more convenient to complete before officially moving in like redoing the floors or interior painting.
Rent a moving truck or bigger car
If you don’t plan on hiring moving services, consider renting a moving truck or a larger vehicle. A Sedan, for instance, may be able to fit four passengers and some moving boxes, but you want a larger cargo van that can transport your bigger furniture such as your couch, kitchen table, and chairs. Rental companies typically recommend truck sizes between 16-22 ft and 22-26 ft. Remember that you not only want to have enough room for your belongings but you also want to have room to get in and out of the truck.
Stay as positive as possible
As we mentioned earlier, kids can get easily overwhelmed during the moving process. While it’s important to recognize and validate their feelings, be sure not to make moving day too negative, either. Your kids look to you to see how they should respond to certain situations, which means if you have a positive attitude during your move, they’ll be more likely to be positive, too. You don’t need to overdo it, but it’s a good idea to highlight what’s great about the new house or town if you’re moving further away.
Keep your kids on their routine
To keep your kids from having a complete meltdown during the moving process, make sure to stick to your regular schedule so nothing gets thrown off. This is especially important for younger kids and babies. Keep up with bedtime rituals, even when you’re busy, and maintain family mealtimes together.
Moving can be tricky and it definitely isn’t stress-free. But by following the tips above, you can make the moving process at least a little bit easier for you and your family.
