With the average American moving just over eleven times in their life, it’s no wonder we put so much effort into streamlining an otherwise exhausting task. Add muddy paws and little ones to the mix and you may find yourself moving a small circus rather than a household. Whether you have fur kids, human kids, or a house full of the two, here are some tips to help you make the smoothest home transition possible.
Do as much as you can ahead of time
It’s important to address both the tangible and intangible aspects of moving your household proactively. Make sure that your children are aware of the decision and have answers to things such as location, schooling, and why a move is happening. It will be important to include them in the process, however, their involvement will need to be tailored to their age. Feel free to send your kids on packing playdates where they can spend time with friends or family in the days and weeks leading up to the move in order for you to get organized. Use this packing time to remove any unnecessary items from your home via donation, recycling, or disposal. This will take away a layer of clutter that would ultimately sit idle in your new space. Consider photographing items of sentimental value rather than keeping them, especially if they aren’t used day-to-day. A photo is still a great way to cherish the memory and value behind a piece.
Have a fur family game plan
Check off financial stressors that could affect your household
Be sure to assess major in-home assets, such as furniture and appliances, to determine what items or remodels you may need in the short and long-term for your new space. It’s important that you get preapproved for a mortgage to establish your home buying budget and find the perfect place for your family. Having this out of the way will also help you determine what funds you can allocate towards any additional costs on your new home. To ease any day-of juggling, find a credible moving company well in advance and ask for a quote.
Know that small details can make a big difference
Have plenty of moving supplies to box, tape, and label all goods prior to moving day. Aside from any daily-use items, pack in order of the rooms from the back of your new house to the front to ensure you’ll progressively have a shorter distance to travel when unloading. If you have anyone helping with the transition, label the doorways to each room in your new house in conjunction with your boxes. This will allow workers to disperse items to their designated rooms without having to ask a point person each time. Move your largest furniture items first and remain aware of what kind of flooring they will go on. Consider getting your hands on some slider pads so you don’t damage your surfaces. They can also make rearranging things easier when finding the right look for your space. As always, remember to label any fragile or precarious items and travel with them separately when possible.
Let it all sink in
There’s no issue in taking a few moments throughout your move to just spend quality time with your children or animals in your new house or town. Rushing through things will only add more tension and fatigue to an emotionally and physically draining day. Take your time to say your goodbyes and hellos, start your new chapter as a family, and remember that a transition this big takes time. It might take a day or a week to move your items, but it could also take weeks or months for everyone involved to get acquainted with new routines, environments, sounds, and smells.
A new home can be one of the most exciting adventures that your family goes on, so have fun with it! A fresh start can be the best place to grow together in.
Pets should be away from the action at all times as a preventative measure against getting loose or disrupting the move. It’s normal for animals to be stressed by the general commotion and the likelihood of non-family members being in the house. It’s best to have them in a room to themselves, away at a daycare or with trusted friends and family. When moving long-distance with animals, it’s important to have a credible vet established well ahead of time. Planning for every aspect of your pet’s journey early can help reduce their stress levels (and yours!) during the move. Whilst packing, remember to keep essential items easily accessible; familiar items of theirs should travel with them, such as their food or a favorite toy. You may also consider consulting professional services like Airpets International to ensure a smooth transition for your pets if you’re travelling internationally. They specialize in providing comprehensive pet relocation services to make your move as seamless as possible.