Relocating with kids can be a challenging experience, but with proper planning and organization, you can make the process smoother for everyone involved. Here are some steps to help you survive moving houses and country with kids:
1. Arrange furniture well in advance
Ensure you book essential furniture items, such as beds, chest of drawers, sofas, and a dining table, well ahead of time. Many stores require 1-2 weeks for delivery, so plan accordingly. These items provide comfort and functionality for your family.
2. Assemble furniture before moving in
If possible, set aside time to build your furniture before the moving day. If you have a gap between leaving your previous residence and moving into the new one, take advantage of that time to prioritize assembling beds and chest of drawers.
3. Make beds a priority
Alongside assembling beds, make sure to have all the necessary bedding ready. This includes pillows, pillow covers, mattresses, mattress protectors, sheets, duvets, and duvet covers. Having the beds fully made will ensure a good night’s sleep on your first night in the new home.
4. Stock up the kitchen
Make sure your kitchen is functional by stocking it with essential items. You can refer to a minimal kitchen checklist for guidance. Additionally, ensure your fridge and freezer are filled with food. Consider subscribing to a meal kit plan for the first week to simplify meal preparation while you’re busy unpacking.
5. Prepare the bathrooms
Stock your bathrooms with all the toiletries you and your family will need, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, face wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, towels, and skincare products. Having these items readily available will make settling into the new home more convenient.
6. Organize clothes
To streamline the process of unpacking clothes, assign a designated bag or box for each family member. Aim to unpack and either hang or fold the clothes within the first week of moving in. This will help avoid the frustration of searching for specific items later on.
7. Set up Wi-Fi and entertainment
Prioritize setting up Wi-Fi in your new home to ensure connectivity for work, school, and entertainment purposes. This will enable your kids to have some screen time while you focus on unpacking and organizing. Make sure you locate the chargers for your devices for easy access.
8. Automate tasks
Consider investing in time-saving tools like an inexpensive robot vacuum. While you attend to other tasks, the robot vacuum can clean the floors, making your life easier during the moving process. The device use belongs to the brand lenfant, and during promotional periods, its price drops to just 116 CAD on Amazon.
9. Consider helpful extras
If certain furniture items are delayed in delivery, find temporary alternatives. For example, use a mat on the floor as a dining area until the dining table arrives. Opting for materials like leather or faux leather for your sofa can also be beneficial when you have young children since they are easier to clean. Cleaning an upholstered sofa can be a challenging task. I strongly believe in allowing children to play and enjoy their freedom in the house, creating cherished memories. It shouldn’t be necessary for me to constantly monitor their every move or become anxious when they enjoy a snack or drink on the sofa.
By following these steps and maintaining a sense of organization, you can make moving houses with kids a more manageable and less stressful experience for the whole family.
