Moving with family is chaotic. Let’s face it… Amid the boxes, last-minute details, and keeping the kids’ spirits high… Moving day can turn into an absolute nightmare. The worst part? The majority of families simply don’t have a plan in place before moving day arrives. But what if it didn’t have to be this way?
Photo by MART PRODUCTION
What if moving with your family could be a stress-free adventure instead of a disaster waiting to happen? Well, stick with me here because today we are going to share exactly how to create a moving plan that works for you and your family.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this quick and simple guide:
- Why moving with family is stressful
- The moving timeline that works for families
- Involving kids in the process
- Moving options on a budget
Why moving is stressful with family
Move over, job interview…
Moving is stressful for anyone. But add kids into the mix, and you have a real nightmare scenario on your hands.
According to a recent survey, 82% of Americans who moved in 2024 said the experience was stressful. Now that’s a significant number. Families with kids feel the pain even more acutely because they have multiple needs and schedules to juggle.
Why is moving so stressful, though?
Families move for a variety of reasons. Better jobs. Cheaper housing. Closer to family. In fact, the latest research shows that 28% of Americans named moving closer to family as their primary reason for moving in 2024. Whether it’s for work, family, or a fresh start, the pain points are the same. Coordinating schedules, school, home buying/selling, packing, and emotional transitions can be a lot to take on all at once.
Planning and researching all of the moving options available to best fit your family’s budget and timeline makes all the difference.
The family moving timeline that works
The secret to a stress-free family move?
Start planning early, my friend.
Don’t get me wrong, it is possible to move your family with limited notice. But, without a detailed timeline, moving day always involves a certain level of chaos and panic. A moving timeline helps ensure each task gets done on time without cramming everything into the last minute.
Here’s a detailed timeline that will work for most families:
8 weeks before moving day
- Research moving companies and gather quotes
- Set a moving budget
- Begin decluttering by room
- Notify school(s) of an upcoming move
6 weeks before moving day
- Book a moving company/truck rental
- Start packing non-essential belongings
- Update address with banks and subscriptions
- Schedule utilities to be shut off / turned on
4 weeks before moving day
- Pack one room at a time, clearly labeling boxes
- Arrange for pet transportation if necessary
- Confirm all moving company or rental arrangements
1 week before moving day
- Pack an essentials bag for each person in the family
- Finish packing non-essentials
- Clean out the home
- Complete final walkthrough
Again, this timeline is not set in stone, but having a framework in place from the start helps prevent that mad dash that causes so much stress.
How to involve the kids
Here’s a secret many parents overlook when moving with their family…
Kids cope with change so much better when they feel involved. Moving is hard on children, especially because everything in their little world is changing at once.
Give them some agency in the process.
The solution?
Give them age-appropriate jobs that help the family move. Kids pack up their toys in a special box that they can decorate with stickers and markers. A simple packing task gives them a sense of control over their belongings during a chaotic time.
Tweens and teens can help with bigger jobs, such as room organization, box labeling, or even planning fun outings for the family in the new neighborhood. When kids feel excited about where they are going, they are more likely to adjust and embrace the change.
Parents also mustn’t forget the emotional component.
Acknowledge that this is hard on everyone. Let kids vent about leaving behind friends and favorite places. Validate those feelings, instead of brushing them aside. Some families even created goodbye rituals for the children. Take the whole family to favorite haunts for one last time. Snap a goodbye photo with your favorite toys or stuffed animals in place. These little rituals can make a big difference to kids.
The best moving options on a budget
Moving is EXPENSIVE.
The average American spent over $2000 on their move in 2024. Family moves especially feel astronomical for those of us on a budget.
Don’t worry just yet, though.
There are several ways to trim moving costs without cutting corners.
Let’s start with the standard options for long-distance and local moves.
Full-service movers
Best for families with packed schedules or cross-country relocations. The moving company takes care of all packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Costs more but saves an enormous amount of time and energy.
Hybrid approach
Pack everything yourself, but hire movers to load and transport all items. This is a middle-ground option that trims costs significantly, while still providing professional assistance.
DIY moving
Rent a truck, load it all yourself, and drive cross-country if you must. This is the cheapest option overall but requires the most physical effort and time. DIY moves work best for local moves with family or friends pitching in.
Portable containers
This option has your moving container dropped off on the family’s timeline. The family loads it at their leisure. The company then transports it to the new location. Great for flexible family moving schedules.
As you can see, each of these choices has both pros and cons. The important thing is finding the moving option that works best with your family’s specific needs, budget, and timeline.
Making moving day run smoothly
Moving day has arrived.
Now what?
Preparation is key.
Before the moving company arrives or the rental truck gets loaded up, there are several things to make sure get done first.
First, have an essentials bag packed for each member of the family. Include in each bag:
- Change of clothes
- Toiletries
- Phone chargers
- Snacks and water
- Important documents
- Medications
- Favorite toy / stuffed animal for children
Second, separate valuables. Important papers, jewelry, and anything irreplaceable should stay with the family on moving day instead of on the truck.
Third, designate someone to watch over the kids. Whether that is a grandparent, babysitter, older sibling, or spouse… Having one person tasked with keeping the kids occupied and safe takes a ton of stress off the rest of the moving day activity.
On the day itself:
Do a final walkthrough of each room. Check closets, storage, and under beds. Take meter readings for the utility company shut-off/turn-on. These small steps ensure you don’t forget anything.
The bottom line
Moving with a family doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
With a bit of early planning, the right moving options, and finding ways to keep children included and engaged… Moving day can be a smooth process for everyone.
Let’s quickly recap the main points here:
- Start planning at least 8 weeks in advance
- Find ways to involve kids in age-appropriate ways
- Match your moving option to your budget and family timeline
- Prepare for moving day with essentials bags
- Don’t try to do everything on moving day. Instead, prioritize settling in gradually
The stress of moving is real. Especially for families. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right moving plan in place, families can focus less on the chaos and more on all of the exciting new possibilities that lie ahead.