After two moves across multiple states, and four moves within Texas, I wanted to take a minute to share with you what I’ve learned about moving with kids. The logistics have gotten easier each time and I have a few tips to share with you.

Start Early

As soon as you know you are moving, choose one room. Usually, I choose my youngest’s room to start with. They don’t mind when I leave a suitcase in the corner with the toys and clothes they will use on the trip. Once the other kiddos see the process, they usually go along with the plan as well. I set up one wall in a bedroom with the suitcase where they can dig and get anything out they need.

I usually do the garage next, making sure not to pack any liquids or flammable items.

This time around, I left the kitchen until the very end. This was the best decision ever. By that time, I was so tired; I had no problem purging the 4,381 coffee cups I had collected over the years.

Let it Go

If there is a box that you never opened since the last move, let it go! I am constantly telling myself that if I don’t need it, someone else might. It helps me not hold so tightly to all-the-things.

By starting early, I gave myself plenty of time to go through each drawer and each shelf as I packed it for the move.

Drop it Off

My children are famous for suddenly seeing something they haven’t played with or worn for years and thinking it is golden! To help them from dragging every single thing back inside, I took daily trips to donate the items. This also gave me more working space in the garage each day.

I can tell you that there was not one time I regretted dropping something off the same day I gave it away.

Talk about it

The boxes piling up and their room changing leads to a lot of questions – spoken and unspoken. Every night at dinner, we talked about what we had packed during the day, what we were excited about, and what we were worried about. Brian and I were very open about how we were feeling as well.

I shared how I was going to miss my friends and our home Parish. I talked about how I was going to stay in touch with different people and we made plans for a return trip a few months later.

Roll with it

Moving is a very stressful time for everyone. When you can, take a minute to smile at your children. Reassure them they are doing a great job and that you are so glad that you are all going together.

When unexpected things happen during the move (like those moments you have five minutes to leave your house in a completely spotless condition), take a deep breath and remember that they are watching you. If they see you relax, chances are they will relax too.

We made those times “treat time”! We would yell “treat time” and everyone knew they needed to tidy up and make their way to the car as fast as they could. If the showings were going to last all day, we would ask a friend if we could come over for a bit and play. This always helped the kids see it as a fun time.

Do your research

When you start early, you give yourself plenty of time to research the moving company you will use. When we moved last December, we had a wonderful experience. I had multiple quotes from multiple companies. I asked for their insurance policy, customer referrals, the price difference if we packed the boxes ourselves, and so much more.

Unfortunately, I know of two families who were quoted very low numbers and ended up paying triple what they were quoted originally. Ask questions and be sure to have everything in writing before agreeing to anything or allowing them to load your items.

If you live in Houston, Texas, the moving company Gameday Moving Services Houston can handle your entire move. This Houston TX long-distance moving company offers a variety of services. They care for your belongs as if they were their own. They can help with long distance moves, packing only, and everything in between.

Enjoy

After you arrive, take a little time to just explore the neighborhood together! You will have plenty of time to unpack, so give yourself space to just explore the new views together!

Let me know if you have questions about moving! I’m happy to answer anything!