Planning a family move will be easier with a long time window. With the right mindset, you can purge and just move what you need and love into your new space. If you’re going to be crossing a lot of state lines on your trip, you can also rent a truck, hire a driver and fly your family.
There are also other hacks you can use for moving your family out of state.
Start Immediately
As soon as you know you’re moving, start packing. If you’re moving over the summer, pack your winter gear and clothing as soon as the snow melts. To keep things as tidy and simple as possible, clear one wall of your dining room or bedroom so you can stack boxes there.
If you know the space you’re moving into, label each container with the new space it’s going into. Number or color code the target bedroom, den or office so your boxes will all get directed to the correct space. This is a great way to get started early and to set organization standards for the whole process.
Only Move What You Want to Keep
Moving is a great time to purge. If you have the time, you can also make a little money getting rid of what you don’t need to take with you. If at all possible, don’t depend on the money from these sales; moving and yard sales aren’t always that lucrative.
Enter each space with a
- black bag for trash
- white bag or box for sale or donation
- plastic bin for what you want to keep
Make your purging goals intense if you are moving to a smaller space. For example, if you have a lot of plastic storage bins in your home that you need to purge, make it your goal to move all the stuff you’re taking in plastic only.
Hire Professionals
Unless you’re in very good shape and all your closest friends are also very fit, hiring professional movers can protect your spine, the health of your friends, and your belongings. If you have friends who offer to help, line up normal things for your family.
For example, a helpful friend can
- prepare a meal so you don’t have to take time to cook
- take your children to the park so you can pack and clean in peace
- run donations to the charity drop-off or cover the table at your yard sale so you can keep packing
You have a lot of decisions to make as you prep for your move. Staying on top of this process will be easier if your children are clamoring to get out and have some fun.
Hire a Truck and Driver
If you’ve never driven a large vehicle across state lines or for a long trip, hire a professional driver to get your belongings safely to your new home. Yes, it may cost more. However, large vehicles can be an intense learning curve. You don’t want to be figuring out how to handle a large vehicle in bad weather with all of your possessions on the line.
Hiring a professional moving company may well include professional loading of the truck and unloading at your new location. This can be an incredible gift at your new location; you can put your energy into settling in, rather than unloading the truck.
Tips for Transporting Your Clan
Depending on how far you have to go, it may make more sense to use an auto transport company in major US states like Florida, to ship your vehicles and fly the family. Even if you plan to drive your family to your new home, you may have too many vehicles and not enough drivers.
If you want to drive your family to your new home while the truck and professionals transport your possessions, consider giving tasks to your children.
As possible, put your older children in charge of
- the electronics backpack, where the charging cords all live
- the toy bag, so everyone has their comfort toy as necessary
- the snack bag and corresponding trash pickup
Do make sure you have suitcases loaded with pajamas, a change of clothes, toiletries, towels and sheets. When you get to your new home, everyone can have a bath and make up their bed.
Making your new home as familiar as possible quickly will lower the stress level on you and your children. Make your first days in the new town special with a fun breakfast out before getting back to work unpacking.
