Best Moving and Packing Tips and Hacks for Busy Moms

Moving to a new home can be exciting. It can also be overwhelming, especially for busy moms juggling multiple responsibilities. Whether it’s a local move or a long-distance relocation, simplifying the moving and packing process is essential to maintaining your sanity during this transitional period. This comprehensive guide will provide the best things you can do to prepare for the big move-in day and get to your new place with less stress.

Preparation is Key

Moving Process Checklist

Before the chaos of the moving process begins, create a moving checklist. This will serve as your roadmap throughout the move, helping you stay on track and reduce stress.

Here’s a list of items you could include on your moving checklist:

1. Set a Moving Date: Determine your moving date and make a schedule.
2. Create a Budget: Calculate your moving expenses, including moving company costs, packing materials, and other related fees.
3. Choose a Moving Company/Moving Truck: Research and select a reputable moving company or decide on a DIY move.
4. Notify Relevant Parties: Inform your current and future utility providers, postal services, banks, and other relevant organizations about your upcoming move.
5. Declutter and Sort: Go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard.
6. Gather Packing Supplies: Purchase or collect boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and other necessary packing materials.
7. Arrange for Storage (if necessary): Book a storage unit well in advance if you need temporary storage.
8. Transfer or Cancel Services: Arrange to transfer services like internet, cable, and home security to your new address or cancel them if unnecessary.
9. Notify Friends and Family: Inform close contacts about your move and share your new contact information.
10. Update Address: Update your address with the postal service, banks, government agencies, and any subscriptions you have.
11. Gather Important Documents: Collect essential documents such as passports, birth certificates, and medical records and keep them in a secure folder or box.
12. Dispose of Hazardous Materials: Safely dispose of or arrange to transport hazardous materials. This also includes candles, food, and any liquids (most moving companies won’t move those).
13. Take Care of Plants: If you have plants, prepare them for transportation.
14. Prepare Old Home: Disconnect, clean, and prepare appliances for the move. Clean the house and prepare it for the next occupants. It’s not my favorite part of the move, but it’s always appreciated and expected.
15. Set Up Utilities at the New Location: Arrange for utilities (gas, electricity, water, internet) to be connected at your new home before arrival.

A detailed moving checklist can help you stay organized and reduce stress throughout the moving process. Customize this list to your specific needs and timeline to ensure a successful move.  

Listen to the podcast as we chat more about this!

Time to Pack

​Set Time Aside to Pack 

It’s a good idea to plan on plenty of time to pack. The last thing you want is to be scrambling on moving day. Allocate specific time slots for packing to ensure you make the most of your precious time. Plan to start packing early.

You can start with items you don’t use daily, like seasonal items and fine china. Even 15 minutes a day can keep the packing overwhelming away, and remember to ask for help from family members.

Check out these decluttering tips and tricks to help!

Declutter As You Pack

Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter your life. As you pack up and go through your belongings, room by room, decide what adds value to your life and what doesn’t. Donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer need.

There’s no need to move items that are no longer serving you. You will find you declutter both as you pack and unpack. That’s normal, and at times, you will feel like a hoarder and want to chuck it all — that’s normal, too! 

Check out these decluttering tips and tricks to help!

Pack an Essentials Box

Don’t forget to pack a special box with items you’ll need for your new home for the first couple of days. Things to consider include toiletries, a couple of changes of clothes, and essential documents. This is especially crucial for busy moms who may not have much time to search for essentials amidst the chaos of moving days.

It’s the first thing you’ll move into your new house, making the move less stressful because you’ll have what you need for the first few days at your fingertips. Don’t forget to pack a few rolls of toilet paper, cleaning supplies, paper towels, and hand soap so you can clean and use the bathroom quickly.

Pack Systematically

​Use a systematic approach. Consider packing room by room, starting with less frequently used areas. Label boxes clearly to simplify the unpacking process. You think you will remember what’s in the 10th kitchen box, but you won’t, so specifically write what’s inside. This is especially helpful for items you want to unpack immediately, like everyday dishes, toilet paper, bedding, etc. You don’t need to unpack everything at once; label each box clearly so you can prioritize what you unpack first.

Grab The Right Supplies

Invest in good-quality moving supplies like cardboard boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and plastic bags. You don’t necessarily have to buy those items, ask friends, or post on a swap site. People who have recently moved are more than willing to pass on things.

While you might be tempted to use more giant boxes that can hold more, they can also get quite heavy, especially if you are loading them with books, toys, or games. Use small boxes that will be easier to move and easier on your back. Garbage bags over hanging clothes keep clothes together and can be quickly taken from one closet and turned in the next.

Don’t Forget the Fragile Items

When packing fragile items, use plenty of padding and mark the boxes. Consider professional packers or moving services for valuable or delicate belongings, as they can handle fragile items carefully. It’s the best way to ensure your precious possessions are intact at your new home.

This also includes packing jewelry and plants separately and transporting them yourself to ensure they arrive safely. Beach towels work great for wrapping fragile items like china and glassware. We also placed items in laundry baskets and moved them across town.

​Tips for Moving with Kids

Moving can be a challenging experience for children, as it often involves leaving behind familiar surroundings and friends. Here are five tips to help kids cope with the moving process and make the transition smoother:

1. Communication is Key:
   • Talk to your children about the move well in advance. Explain why you are moving and involve them in the decision-making process. Address their questions and concerns honestly and empathetically.
2. Explore the New Area Together:
   • Before the move, if feasible, take a trip to your new location with your children. Explore the neighborhood and visit local parks, schools, and other places of interest. Familiarizing them with their new surroundings can ease anxiety.
3. Maintain Routines:
   • Try maintaining as many of your children’s daily routines as possible, such as mealtimes, bedtime routines, and extracurricular activities. Consistency can provide a sense of stability during a time of change.
4. Involve Them in Packing and Unpacking:
   • Allow your children to participate in packing their belongings and decorating their new rooms. This gives them a sense of ownership and control over their new space. Encourage them to personalize their new room with familiar items and decorations from their old room.
5. Stay Connected with Old Friends:
   • If feasible, help your children stay connected with friends from your previous location through phone calls, video chats, or occasional visits. Building and maintaining these relationships can provide emotional support during the transition.

Additionally, be patient and understanding with your children as they adapt to their new environment. It may take time for them to adjust and experience various emotions. Providing a supportive and loving environment, along with these tips, can make the moving process easier for kids.  

Just Remember…

Moving can be a stressful experience, but here are a few more tips you can incorporate into your life to help you cope with that stress and make the process smoother. 

1. Plan and Organize Ahead of Time:
   • Create a detailed moving plan and checklist before your moving date. Break down tasks into manageable steps and set deadlines for each. A clear strategy can reduce anxiety and help you stay on top of everything.
2. Delegate and Seek Help:
   • Don’t try to do everything on your own. Enlist the help of friends and family for packing, moving, or childcare. Consider hiring professional movers to handle the heavy lifting and transportation if possible. Sharing the workload can significantly reduce stress.
3. Declutter Before You Pack:
   • Before you start packing, go through your belongings and declutter. Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need or use. The less you have to pack and move, the easier and less stressful the process.
4. Take Breaks and Self-Care:
   • It’s essential to take breaks and practice self-care during the moving process. Set aside time for relaxation, exercise, and getting enough sleep. Stress can affect your physical and mental well-being, so prioritize self-care.
5. Stay Flexible and Expect the Unexpected:
   • Understand that moving is a significant life change, and feeling some stress and uncertainty is natural. As much as you plan, things will happen that you didn’t plan for. T y to embrace the change and focus on the positive aspects of your new beginning. I am flexible and adaptable as unexpected challenges may arise.

Remember that it’s okay to ask for help or seek support from friends, family, or even a therapist if you are overwhelmed by moving. Taking proactive steps and maintaining a positive outlook can make the moving process more manageable and less stressful. Communication with your family is critical. Everyone approaches a significant life event, like a move, differently.  Remember that keeping the line of communication open is key. The good news is, this will be over before you know it, and you’ll enjoy your new home in no time!

Want to listen to the tips? Check out the podcast.