Moving to a new home is a big job. Moving when you have a baby or two can feel a bit apocalyptic. There’s no way around it, so you just have to make it through. We’re here to help.
Ideally, you’ll have time to plan. Even if you’re not a planner, trust us on this. You can do this, and the more planning, the better. Make a schedule and try to stick to it, but we all know that things come up, usually when you’re going through a huge life transition. You don’t have to do this perfectly – it’s not like you’re working the controls in a missile silo – though if you are, you might have bigger issues than we can address here. No matter what happens, at the end of the move, you’ll be in your new home.
This is a perfect time to pare down your stuff. Having kids means having more stuff than you know what to do with. The floor is not lava. The floor is Legos and single socks and tiny underpants. (Check out this cool Lego storage blanket and improve your sitch a titch) Start sorting, but only do it in the dead of night when your young ones aren’t looking. Anything you try to get rid of when they’re room will instantly be a treasure.
Toss stuff that is absolutely garbage. Recycle what you can. Try putting old toys/clothes outside on a nice day and put a“free stuff” notice on your neighborhood board. Or just stuff it all in a biodegradable trash bag and whip it at the Goodwill as you drive past. That works too.
If you’ve got leftover tees/onesies that are too worn to give away, cut them up and you’ve got a bunch of rags for cleaning while you move. Your toddlers can “work” with you, if they’ve got their own little bucket and a rag. Be sure to use cleaning products that are safe for your whole family.
Pack all of your kids’ most important comfort items in one box or suitcase so you have everything you need in one place on that first night. Set up beds first. Things you absolutely should get for the big day: some good nightlights. Your kids might be a little disoriented, especially at night (so might you.) A flashlight can’t hurt either. Maybe have a special new book to read at bedtime.
Your first night might involve lots of visits from your kids. Be prepared to have them set up camp with you. New houses have lots of unfamiliar sounds, corners, and scary closets. Maybe you’ll feel better having them with you, too. Keep the bathroom light on. Extra bathroom cleanup in the middle of the night is not what you need. What you do need is a glass of wine and a quiet moment before you go to bed. You’ll relax in your beautiful new bedroom, a soft breeze blowing, candles flickering, and sip your Pinot Gris*. You’ve made it. Welcome home.
*You’ll stare at boxes and mess in abject horror as you suck down cheap wine out of a can, trying to kill the panic deep inside. We are not here to judge you. We’ve been there. Goodnight, Moon.