Let’s face it—moving house is stressful. With boxes disappearing into the removal truck and then reappearing in random locations at the new house, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. And when you add screaming children and anxious pets into the mix, the whole process can feel even more daunting. Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to make the move easier for everyone—especially for you.
1. Hire Packing Specialists
Professional packing specialists know exactly how to pack items efficiently, ensuring that everything is safely and properly stowed. They can also manage the removalists and unpack everything at the new house, placing items where you want them. By outsourcing the packing, you can keep your time free to focus on your kids and pets. Plus, hiring a single removalist team for the entire move means your belongings are insured, as breakages of items packed by you may not be covered.
2. Label Boxes Clearly
Make sure each box is clearly labelled, and prioritise the essentials. For the kids, ensure their favourite toys and comfort items are placed at the top of their boxes. This way, you can easily access them upon arrival, keeping your little ones amused with minimal fuss. Consider using an app like Moving Day, which allows you to print barcodes for each box and scan them with your phone to see the contents at a glance—how convenient!
3. Help Kids Adjust Early
To ease the transition, take the kids to a local café, park, or playground in your new neighbourhood before moving day. This will help them familiarise themselves with the area in a relaxed and fun way, making the move feel more like an exciting adventure than a daunting change.
4. Keep Pet Essentials Handy
If you have pets, make sure their bowls for food and water are easily accessible, along with their lead if you have a dog. In advance of the move, scout out local walking routes so you can take your dog for a walk on moving day. This will help ease their anxiety and give you a well-deserved break. If your pets tend to get anxious, consider asking your vet about pheromone diffusers, which release calming scents specifically designed for pets.
Final Thoughts:
Moving doesn’t have to be chaotic or overwhelming. By hiring professionals, labelling everything clearly, preparing your kids and pets, and staying organised, you can make the process much smoother. With these simple strategies, everyone will adjust to the new home with less stress and more smiles.