When you are moving as a single parent it can be twice as difficult then when you are in a relationship. And no matter how big your kids are, it can cause a great deal of stress to your little ones. Sometimes they cannot even understand why is it necessary to move into a new home. Still, it can be easier than you think it is, you just need to be well prepared. That’s why today we give you our top advice on how to move out with your kids. That will save you a lot of time – and nerves!
Save your money
Decide how long you will need to save the money for you and your children to move out. If you don’t have enough funds to move out right away, set a date when is the time for you to move on. At this time, maybe you will have to move in with your parents again or ask your friends for help. And this is ok. You have to feel uncomfortable to become comfortable in the long run. Realize that this is going to be a journey. There are changes to be made and things to be planed out.
The plan moving as a single parent
When you plan your move, you now have to think as a single parent, not as a pair. Recognize that there are going to be people that you will depend on in order for this move to happen. As we already said, if you want a better situation for you and your child, you have to get uncomfortable at times. Make a decision to move forward. Hire a reliable moving company and plan things way ahead of time.
Children should be part of the moving
Moving with kids is different than moving on your own. That’s why it’s your job to prepare your kids to move. Talk to them and explain what this will mean for them. Maybe you never moved before so it’s necessary to explain how all this will work. If you are in the process of separation, it is important to tell them you will always be there for them. Don’t forget that children are smart and can sense what you feel. Also, older children can help you with planning and moving. You can even turn moving into an exciting adventure.
Think about the positive aspects
Both you and your young ones can be concerned about changing the environment. Children can be really sensitive because they will maybe have to leave their friends or school. That’s why it would be good to get to know the new neighborhood before you move. If it’s in another city or country, find photos and check what fun things can you do once you get there. Also, find all the positive aspects of your movement. It can be anything, from new opportunities to nice trees in the parks. This will keep your spirit lifted. The more positive you are, the better the kids will feel about moving.
Smart packing is essential
When you start packing, it is important to pack similar items together. The best would be to go from one room into another. Of course, pack separate boxes for each room. Heavy things go on the bottom and light on the top. When you pack fragile things, mark items clearly and ask movers to pay special attention to these boxes. To save money, you can re-use boxes from a supermarket or post office. Last items that you should pack are the essentials like hygiene products and bed sheets.
Comfort box with favorite items
Kids’ favorite toys should be among the last things that you should pack and they should be at their reach at all times while traveling. In this way, they will feel safer about moving to a new place. Besides this, you can put some of their toys into a backpack that they can carry with them. It would be a great idea that you pack some snacks that children love too. But children are not the only one who will need their favorite items. You could also pack a special box with the things you really love. This box can contain anything from chocolate to movies and music that you like. Once you move in, this is the first box that you can open and feel right at home.
Saying goodbye
Think what is best for your children. This is one of the biggest transitions that you will ever go through in your life. Children should not feel as they are leaving someplace forever especially if your partner is staying in the old neighborhood. You can take photos with kids to remember the place if this is easier for them. You can also talk about all the great things you have done here but stress about the new possibilities. Yes, this is going to be hard. But if you want more out of your life, you’re going to have to step out of your comfort zone.
Listen to yourself
Nobody knows what you’re going through better than you. Sometimes people want to give you a lot of advice, which is nice but not always helpful. This just means that they want to help. Still, nobody knows what is best for you more than you do. Trust your instincts, as you as a parent know when your child needs you. Other peoples life is not yours – everybody has a different path.
Create a new home
When you move into a new house, think about making it as cozy as possible in a short period of time. There will be many changes in your lifestyle. That’s why it would be good to create something you already know by placing items in similar places like you did in your old place. In this way, you will feel more at home and avoid the post-moving stress. Yes, moving as a single parent is never easy. But this doesn’t mean it cannot be done. Just think positive and you will find new opportunities in no time.