Moving is a complex process for anyone, but it can be challenging when raising children on your own. You’ll have one fewer set of hands for packing and lifting, and you’ll be forced to decide on your own, such as whether to hire packing and moving companies or rent a truck. This guide can assist you in making some of those decisions and dealing with some of the unique issues that arise when moving with children.
1. Plan Ahead of Time
Knowing when to start packing and moving is critical when you’re the sole caretaker for your children and do everything yourself. Allow yourself more time as a single parent. At least 2-3 months before your move should be enough time to complete all necessary tasks.
Consider making plans for everything ahead of time in a planner and keeping the planner with you at all times. Anything you need to do before moving, write it down and schedule a time to do it.
2. Get Packing Supplies Delivered
It’s difficult as a single parent to make trips to the packing supplies store to get everything you need. It’s sometimes easier to do your shopping after the kids have gone to bed. Our moving supplies checklist provides an idea of what you’ll need to move and the option to purchase the items on Amazon.
3. Maintain a Positive Attitude
The most crucial component of shifting as a single parent is remaining optimistic for the children. Moving because of a divorce, death, or other circumstance will also be difficult for the children.
“Before moving, maintain a positive and good attitude.” Allowing your children to see you worried about the move may cause them to be sceptical or resistant to moving. If you are excited about the move, your children will also be.”
4. Involve Your Children
Unless you have infants, it is critical to involve your children in the moving process. Not only will it relieve some of your burdens, but if done correctly, it can benefit the children. Allow them to assist you with cleaning, sorting through and separating old belongings and teaching them the value of donating. Don’t forget to let them have some fun with the moving process. You might want to encourage them to be creative during the process, such as decorating moving boxes or planning out their new rooms.
5. Prepare Your Children
Communication is critical. Sit down and talk it out if you’re relocating due to a divorce. Ask about your children’s feelings, and express your own. Both parties can benefit from good communication and open dialogue.
As previously stated, when allowed to have some fun, it will enable them to express themselves by building small fortresses out of moving boxes or even holding a coloring contest for the best-designed box. These simple activities can make moving a little more enjoyable for your children, making it easier for you.
6. Obtain Support from Friends
Moving is a difficult task. When you move, there is almost always more to it than meets the eye. You can’t simply hire a moving company and expect them to handle everything. You must do a lot of planning ahead of time to prepare for movers.
Consider organizing a few “help” parties with your friends and turning them into a fun event. Nobody wants to help their friends move, but if you turn it into a party or get-together atmosphere, it will be enjoyable for everyone.
7. Unwanted Items Can Be Donated
Decluttering your home is an excellent opportunity to teach your children the value of charitable giving. Bring everything your kids no longer want into the garage or wherever you’re storing your items to be donated.
Make it clear to your children that they are supporting other less fortunate children by donating their toys.
8. Look into schools, neighborhoods, parks, and hospitals
If you haven’t decided where to move yet, research these areas before making a decision. Knowing where these places are will come in handy once you’ve settled in if you already have a home.
When researching neighborhoods and schools, the internet is a priceless resource. There are websites with school ratings and student and parent reviews, websites that list top areas based on crime rate, education, and price, and social media outlets where you can seek advice and information from people in your new community. You literally have data at your fingertips.
9. Make Beneficial Connections
As a single parent, making new connections is critical. Consider using the Meetup website/app to find groups of people who share your interests. You can also meet other parents at your child’s school by joining the PTA or other school organizations. Also, inform your coworkers that you are new to the area and inquire about what there is to do in your city.
10. Maintain Low Costs
Keeping your expenses low is critical if you’re a single parent who needs to cut costs. Here are a few of our best money-saving moving tips:
- Free boxes can be found on Craigslist, OfferUp, or Facebook Marketplace.
- Items you don’t need to move should be donated or sold. If you’re moving a long distance, consider whether the thing is worth the cost of transportation.
- Pack everything yourself or with your friends or children.
- Set up all of the boxes in the garage for easy transport.
- Purchase lightweight packing materials such as tape mattress bags online.
- Make a deal with your debtors.
11. Hire a Babysitter for Moving Day
Consider hiring a babysitter for moving day. On moving day, your movers will most likely need you, and constantly tending to your children will only slow down the process and cause stress.
Consider sending them all to the movies or having them do something else away from the movers and your home when hiring a babysitter.
12. Book Only Direct Flights
If you travel a long distance and need to fly to your destination, consider booking direct flights rather than layover flights. This will make travelling with your children as a single parent easier.
13. Take Advantage of the Opportunity to Order New Items in Advance
How convenient would it be if you could schedule new furniture or items to arrive on the day you move in, eliminating the need to move them or go to the store to purchase these items?
Consider setting aside a day to order new items online and have them delivered to your new home as soon as you arrive. This will save you time and allow you to unpack properly instead of constantly running out of things.
14. Look for a Reputable Moving Company
Your choice of moving company can make or break your move. Make sure you hire a moving company with positive reviews across all platforms and industry experience. Consider getting recommendations from friends, realtors, or others who have used a great moving company in the past.
15. Unpacking Step by Step
When juggling being a parent and moving, don’t rush the unpacking process and don’t feel obligated to complete everything in a couple of days. It’s best to go slowly and unpack little by little.
Separating the boxes into the appropriate rooms will make unpacking easier. Use your children’s time at school to unpack items in the kitchen, garage, and living room. When it comes time to redo their room, involve them in the design of their new space.
Take Some Time Off – You Require It
Moving is stressful for anyone, but single parents face additional challenges. Don’t let that prevent you from going for it! With removals Cardiff, the majority of your stress is divided. Remember that the best way to make this process easier on yourself is to plan and have everything ready before you begin packing. Just take some time for yourself during this transition, and don’t worry too much about getting everything perfect right away – after all, it will take some time before everything feels normal again after such a significant change in life!
