When you have a large family, it’s not a question of “if”, but “when” you will have to move to a bigger house or apartment. When that time comes, it can look like a mission impossible to pack all the things and organise a fast and safe move to your new home. There are a few things you can do to ensure that everything goes smoothly and that you don’t exhaust yourself.
Include the kids
Packing all the kids’ stuff can go on for eternity if you have three or four kids. That’s why they should be included. Tell them that you need them to sort through all their things so that you don’t throw away something they love. Help them with the fragile things, but leave the rest to them. They may be resistant to giving or throwing some things away, but eventually, they will do it and give you some more time to finish your own packing.
Create a moving inventory list of things
Good organisation means half work already done. It means that you have to be sure in every moment that you didn’t forget something. That’s why you should create a detailed moving inventory list of all the items. Not only will you keep everything in line that way, but you will also unpack much easier at your new home.
Packing
Start with the things you don’t use daily, label the boxes and use color coding. For example, label the boxes with kitchen stuff with blue tape, bedroom with red tape and bathroom with green tape. That way, you will be able to put them in the right room as soon as you arrive at your new home. Take photos of all cables connected to electronic devices – that way, you will easily plug them back in once you move in. Use small boxes to pack heavy things like books.
Transport
When you and your large family are moving, you will probably need more than one truck. If you are in the position, then you should choose the right vehicles, as those offered by these Brisbane-based truck rentals, and move all the things you want without a problem. The best thing is that you don’t have to worry about putting heavy things inside the vehicle because a hydraulic tailgate lift will be at your disposal. Alternatively, you may hire local movers to handle the transportation of your belongings to your new home.
Box of essentials
During the moving, every member of your large family will need something; medication, a change of clothes, or a toy they can’t sleep without. That’s why you should prepare a box of essentials for the moving and for the first few days at the new place. By remembering that this box will be the first one you will open at your new home, you will easily finish the task of packing it.
Buddy system
Every adult or older child in your family should stay with younger children during the moving. That way, you won’t have to stress yourself when you don’t see all of them. Not to mention that it is much easier to take care of only one kid during moving then all of them. Entrust the other parent and the older siblings with that task as well and you can be sure that the little ones will be safe all the time.
Create a budget for food
Moving can last for more than a few hours because it doesn’t stop once you reach your new home. While you are settling in, it is certain that you won’t be able to cook. Your kids – and you – have to eat regularly, drink juices or have something for dessert. Sit down with your partner and create a budget together that will cover all those costs. Don’t forget to include the first few days at your new home!
Adjusting
Your kids may feel sad because they left their old home and all their friends. Therefore, don’t go for unpacking as soon as you open the doors of the new house. Give your kids a chance to adjust. Go for a walk in the new neighborhood, stick to your family routine and organise special events, like watching a movie together or playing the kids’ favorite game.
Moving doesn’t have to be a stressful event. Hire local movers to do most of the heavy lifting so you can take this opportunity to bond as a family, sing with your kids, play games during the drive and stop wherever you want. One day, you will all remember that experience with a smile.
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