Get a Stress-Free Moving Day as a Single Parent
No parent has it easy when it comes to moving, but single parents can struggle the most. Having children around while you're trying to pack up a house just takes time and effort that you don't really have. The last thing you want is a stressful moving day, and here are four tips to help avoid the stress.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Too many single parents feel the need to do it all themselves. If you have people who can take the kids, even just for a few hours, ask them to do it. Don't just ask them to take them for moving day, either. Ask for help when it comes to packing up the house. Give yourself the ability to just focus on your move.
Where possible, hire movers to help you with the actual day. They'll have the experience in packing and you'll just have to worry about your own children running around. It will be much better for you, since you can focus on getting your children settled in their new home.
Plan It All Ahead of the Game
You'll hear this advice time and time again, because it really is powerful for keeping stress to a minimum. Get packing supplies weeks in advance and arrange any moving and storage services as soon as you have a moving date. Once the kids are in bed, spend an hour or two each night packing items away in the boxes.
If you are missing something but you planned ahead, you'll have far more time to get that something in place. For example, you may not have enough boxes or bubble wrap for your needs. When you plan in advance, you're not noticing the night before the move when all the stores are closed.
Get Your Children Ready and Involved
Children can find moving hard, especially children with special needs. Take the time to discuss this move with them and talk about any mixed feelings you all may have. While this is mostly a positive step, it could mean moving schools and leaving old friends behind, which is disruptive and overwhelming for some kids to understand and accept.
You can help them get ready for the move by getting them involved. Encourage them to do some smaller tasks, so you don't have to worry about finding childcare. They can pack their own toys or choose which clothes will go with them or be donated.
Keep All the Paperwork Handy
You never know what you will need. The last thing you want is to find out you need a copy of your passport on moving day, only to find out that you don't have it. Then you have to search boxes for the passport and find somewhere to get a copy of it! Keep receipts and documentation for anything for movers, the new house, and the old house.
As you're on your own, you can't keep your eyes on the kids the whole time. They will inevitably find the paperwork and use it for their colouring or origami-attempt needs. Discuss how important the paperwork is and always keep it out of reach!
As a single parent, moving day should just be about you and your children. Plan in advance to keep the stresses away. You will all be able to enjoy the new home far more than you would if you didn't plan.