Moving can be a daunting task for anyone, but when you have a large family, the challenges multiply. Whether you have 4 kids under 10 or 5 kids ranging from toddlers to teens, our advice works. Our team at Men That Move has a range of families from only children to 6 kids! So even with our years of experience moving customers, we have our own unique family experience to draw from as well. And the first tip we give you now - in case you can’t find the time to read the rest of this blog with a crying baby or nagging teen fighting for your undivided attention. Number 1 is snacks!!! Must have snacks packed for the move day, if you think you have packed enough - double no triple it!!
From coordinating schedules to packing up all the belongings, there are countless details to consider. But fear not, because we're here to help you navigate this process smoothly. In this blog, we'll provide you with expert advice and practical tips to make your move a stress-free and organised experience. Whether you're relocating from Bondi to Manly or from Newcastle to Sydney, our comprehensive guide will show you how to tackle the unique challenges that come with moving as a large family.
Moving with a large family presents its own set of challenges that can make the process overwhelming. Firstly, there are the logistics of coordinating everyone's schedules and ensuring everyone is on board with the move. Additionally, there's the task of finding a new home that meets the needs of your entire family, including enough bedrooms, bathrooms, and living space.
Another challenge is decluttering and downsizing before the move. With more people comes more belongings, and it can be difficult to decide what to keep and what to let go of. Lastly, there's the emotional aspect of leaving behind familiar surroundings and starting fresh in a new place.
Planning is crucial when it comes to moving with a large family. By starting early and creating a detailed moving plan, you can alleviate stress and ensure a smooth transition. One of the main benefits of planning ahead is the ability to research and find the right moving company for your family. We know our team at Men That Move is the best removalist in Sydney for big families, but you should take the time to read reviews, compare prices, and ask for recommendations. And after all that we hope you see how well we compare!
A reliable moving company will help ease the burden of the physical move and ensure your belongings arrive safely at your new home. Another advantage of planning is the opportunity to declutter and organise before the move. Encourage your family members to go through their belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or sell. This will not only reduce the amount of items you have to pack and unpack but also help you start fresh in your new home. And if you have little children, perhaps go through the toys without them being around. You know that when you pull out the hardly-ever-used toys to declutter, your child will suddenly become attached to all of them! And will not part with that crusty old teddy they have never once shown any interest in! (That is a tip from our very own team member who to this day still can’t get rid of it!)
Decluttering and organising before a move is essential, especially when you have a large family. Here are some tips to help you streamline the process:
Room-by-Room Approach - Take a room-by-room approach to decluttering. Start with one room at a time and sort items into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. This will make the process more manageable and less overwhelming.
Involve the Whole Family: Get your children involved in the decluttering process. Teach them the importance of letting go of items they no longer need or use. Make it a fun challenge by setting goals and rewards for their efforts.
Create a Packing Timeline: Create a packing timeline to stay organised and avoid last-minute stress. Start by packing items that are not needed in the weeks leading up to the move, such as out-of-season clothes or rarely used kitchen appliances.
Label Boxes: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make unpacking much easier and help you locate specific items when needed.
Packing efficiently is key to a smooth transition when moving with a large family. Here are some strategies to help you pack effectively:
Use Colour-Coded Labels: Assign a specific colour to each family member and use corresponding labels on their boxes. This will ensure that each person's belongings are easily identifiable and prevent mix-ups during unpacking.
Pack Essentials Separately: Set aside a separate box or suitcase for essential items that you'll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. This may include toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and basic kitchen supplies. (And if you heed the advice of one of our movers with 5-year-old twins, make sure the favourite toy is packed in the bag. He speaks from personal experience that included a 2-hour drive back to get the forgotten teddy!)
Take Inventory: Make a detailed inventory of your belongings before packing. This will help you keep track of everything and ensure that nothing gets lost during the move.
Protect Fragile Items: Use bubble wrap, packing paper, or blankets to protect fragile items during transport. Pack them tightly to prevent shifting and secure them with tape.
Moving can be a challenging and emotional experience for children, especially when leaving behind familiar surroundings. Here are some tips to help prepare your children for the move:
Communicate Openly: Talk to your children about the move and address any concerns or fears they may have. Encourage them to express their emotions and reassure them that their feelings are valid.
Involve Them in the Process: Give your children age-appropriate tasks to make them feel involved and invested in the move. Let them pack their own belongings, decorate their new rooms, or research fun activities in the new neighbourhood.
Explore the New Neighbourhood: Take the time to explore the new neighbourhood with your children before the move. Visit parks, schools, and other amenities to help them familiarise themselves with their new surroundings.
Maintain Routines: Try to maintain familiar routines as much as possible during the moving process. This will provide a sense of stability and normalcy for your children amidst the changes.
Once you've arrived at your new home, it's important to make the settling-in process as smooth as possible for your large family. Here are some tips to help you transition smoothly:
Unpack Essentials First: Start by unpacking the essentials you packed separately, such as toiletries, clothes, and kitchen supplies. This will ensure that your family's immediate needs are met while you work on unpacking the rest of your belongings.
Create Familiar Spaces: Help your children settle into their new rooms by recreating familiar spaces. Use their favourite bedding, similarly arrange their toys and books, and hang up familiar artwork or photographs.
Explore the Community: Encourage your family to explore the new community together. Visit local parks, join community events, and introduce yourselves to your neighbours. This will help your family feel more connected to your new surroundings.
Maintain Open Communication: Keep the lines of communication open with your family members. Check-in with each other regularly and address any concerns or challenges that arise during the settling-in process.
‘
Moving can be stressful, but maintaining a positive mindset can make a world of difference. Here are some strategies to help you stay positive during the moving process:
Focus on the Benefits: Remind yourself and your family of the benefits of the move, such as new opportunities, a fresh start, and the chance to create new memories.
Celebrate Small Victories: Acknowledge and celebrate each milestone and accomplishment throughout the moving process. Whether it's decluttering a room or successfully unpacking a box, take the time to appreciate your progress.
Take Breaks and Self-Care: Moving can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Make sure to take breaks, practice self-care, and prioritise your well-being. This will help you stay energised and positive throughout the process.
Lean on Your Support System: Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or neighbours for support. Having a strong support system can make the moving process feel less overwhelming and more manageable.
Moving with a large family doesn't have to be overwhelming. By planning ahead, involving your children, and staying organised, you can make your move a stress-free and organised experience. Remember to focus on the positive aspects of the move and celebrate each milestone along the way. With the right strategies in place, you can turn your next move into an exciting adventure for your entire family.
