6 Family-Sized Tips To Help With The Drama Of Moving Home

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Oh no, you thought that last move was the end, didn’t you? Well, here we are, packing up the family home and moving on to greener pastures.

Before you despair at the drama and hassle that comes with moving, consider these tips to save your time and sanity!

1. Planning is everything

Which room do you pack down first?

What will I need to use right up until moving day? Who is in charge of what? Physically write a plan so that everyone knows what area they are assigned and when they can start. If you have some little ones, try and scout a babysitter on the day so that you can throw yourself entirely at the task at hand. Clean out the cars and get them full of petrol on the big day, and organise easy food to fuel your day. Planning will avoid forgetting those important tasks.

2. Start packing early

The moving date might still be far away, but it doesn’t mean you can’t be organised. Starting the process early will mean you can pack leisurely, avoiding snap decisions and poor packing, and hell you may even enjoy it (gasp)! Have the kids tell you which toys, gumboots and batman outfits they aren’t going to use in the next few weeks and start folding them.

Winter clothes or beach clothes can be packed away depending on the season you’re moving, and any keepsakes and manchester can go in boxes early. Perhaps allow an hour each night while you watch your stories to get the little tasks done, that way you aren’t burdened with the tedious bits and bobs at the end of a long moving day.

3. Hire help

Don’t be a hero! An extra set of hands is infinitely more helpful, and a pair that is being paid will work harder than any friend you tricked into helping. Consider hiring a handyman before, after or during your move and half the stress instantly. Having someone helping out and waiting on instructions will keep you motivated and accountable. If you don’t have a ute, hire one for the day and do the difficult runs early on – and if you are wise you will allocate that to your handyman!

4. Stagger and rest the move

Break up the day with a coffee run or lunch at a nearby cafe.

If you have planned as we discussed, you will be able to afford a few moments to retreat here and there to recharge the family. If possible, spread the move over 2 days with good night sleep and a hearty dinner in between. The kids are going to lose focus pretty early, and your patience could do with the hiatus!

5. Cull, cull, cull

Do you find yourself sympathising with the woman who has 11 years worth of milk cartons and 59kgs of old newspapers on Hoarders? Well, chances are you need to hear this… Grab the garbage bag, because we are throwing things away that no longer fit your life. If you haven’t picked up this item in 2+ years – get rid of it. If it is broken, damaged or not working like it used to – get rid of it. Moving is one of the best times to handle any rubbish removal. Culling useless and forgotten items will not only make the move easier (and lighter!) but it is actually quite therapeutic. Lighten your load and open your life to new things and shed the old.

6. Safety

Yes, we are going to be that person! Chances are the last time you learnt how to pick up a box safely was your after-school job at Mcdonald’s. It’s still important. And chances are there are more heavy items to move than just boxes. Fridges, washing machines, aka stainless steel deathtraps.

Make sure you and the fam’ are not overexerting yourselves, as it’s hard to appreciate the new digs when you are bound to the bed. Correct footwear and sunscreen are another tip to consider, you may be able to escape packing up the miscellaneous cupboard but the sun won’t let you off quite so easily.