Spring and summer are two of the most popular times of the year to move into a new home. Moving is an exciting endeavor, but it can also be incredibly stressful. If you don’t have a plan for moving day (and the days leading up to it), you and your family are likely to be quite overwhelmed. Check out our list and checklist to make moving easier!
 
1. Prep Your Kids Before the Move
If you have kids, you don’t want to wait until the day of to get them prepared for the move. Sit them down and let them know where you’re moving and why, allowing them to ask any questions they may have. Let them know the move is happening well ahead of time so they can get used to the idea and get prepared to leave friends, their school and any school activities they’re a part of.
 
2. Visit Your New Area
One way to get your kids excited for the move is taking them to visit your new area. Take them to explore any parks, trails, cafes and ice cream shops you know they’ll love. Visit their future school and your local recreation centre to see if there are any extracurricular activities they’re interested in signing up for.
 
3. Declutter Your Home
Before you start to pack, make it easier on yourself by decluttering your space. It’s so much easier to get rid of unwanted and unnecessary items before packing everything into the moving truck. Go through your belongings and ask yourself what you still need and use, and do the same for your children’s belongings as well. Sell or donate any items that are still in good condition and recycle or get rid of items that are broken or unusable.
 
4. Get a Sitter for Moving Day
It can be stressful, and even dangerous, to have your kids and pets roaming around on moving day. Hire a sitter or ask friends or family members to look after your kids (and pets) so you can pack and load the truck safely and efficiently.
 
5. Break It Up
Don’t be hesitant to take breaks during moving day. Start early in the day and set an alarm around lunch time to make sure you eat and nourish yourself. When you’re in the zone, it can be easy to work through the day and forget to take a break, but it’s important to fuel up and recharge. Have snacks on hand as well, and lots of water to keep you hydrated. Whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed, go ahead and take a breather rather than forcing yourself through it.
 
6. Pack By Room
It’s often easiest to pack by room, rather than trying to do everything at once. Go through your home room by room, and make sure you write what’s in the box on the box. Or, you can number the boxes and keep track on a pad of paper or in your phone. For example, Box 3 Bathroom: shampoo, toothbrush holder, soap dispenser, etc.
 
7. Clean Your New House Prior to Moving In
Although it’s common for the previous owners to clean the home before moving out, you may want to do a clean up of your own before moving your family in. Do a deep clean of all the rooms to ensure it’s move-in ready and stock your bathrooms with toilet paper and put snacks in the kitchen so you’re prepared for move in day.
 
8. The Little (But Important) Details
If you had to disassemble any furniture, curtain rods or anything else that needs reassembling, place the hardware for these items in sandwich bags. This way you won’t lose any screws or other important pieces. Another smart move is to take pictures that show how your electronics are connected. This will ensure you match each cord to the right plug in your new home. Also keep in mind, you’ll need certain items right away, such as toiletries and clothing, so pack them in clear bins on top of everything else so you can get to them easily.
 
Once you’re done moving make sure to reward your family’s hard work! You’ve put in the effort and now you can enjoy your new home!