Moving is a lot of work under the best circumstances.
When you’re also dealing with kids, a tight budget, and a school schedule, moving can feel like another full-time job.
There are boxes everywhere, someone can’t find their favorite teddy bear, and the moving company quotes are higher than you expected.
Luckily, moving to a new home doesn’t have to drain your savings or leave everyone feeling overwhelmed.
A little planning can make a real difference to your budget and stress levels.
When moving day arrives, you can handle plenty of the work yourself, and leave the heavy lifting to professionals like Mario Moving Company.
Use these tips to figure out where you can save money, when you should spend it, and how to make every step as smooth as possible for your family.
Plan Your Moving Date Around Your Budget and Family
The time of year you move can have a big impact on the cost.
Late spring and summer are popular moving seasons. This means higher demand, busier schedules, and potentially higher rates.
If you have some flexibility, choosing a weekday during the off-season could help you find more affordable movers.
Of course, the cheapest date isn’t always the easiest one for your family.
School breaks can make the transition easier for kids, but they’re also a busy time for moving companies.
Moving during the school year might save money. However, it could mean changing schools mid-semester and helping your child adjust to a new classroom.
Think about your children’s ages and needs before choosing your moving date.
Younger kids may adapt more easily to a change in routine. School-age children, however, might need extra time and support to adjust to a new home.
There’s no single right answer, so consider which option will work best for your family.
If possible, arrange childcare for moving day.
Having a grandparent, family member, or trusted sitter look after the kids can make the day much easier.
You can keep track of boxes, communicate with movers, and avoid worrying about your kids near a busy moving truck.
Declutter Before You Start Packing
Every box you move takes time, space, and sometimes money.
The less you have to transport, the easier your move will be. This is especially helpful if you have limited storage space in your new home.
As a parent, you probably already know how many clothes, toys, books, and random treasures your children collect over the years.
Moving is a great time to sort through everything and get rid of things you don’t need before packing them.
Get the kids involved by turning decluttering into a game.
Gather clothes, toys, or other items, then create three piles: keep, donate, and throw away.
Let your kids make their own decisions about their belongings, within reasonable limits. It’s a great way to start to teach kids to be organized.
To keep packing manageable, focus on one room at a time.
Sort through outgrown clothes, toys your children no longer use, and household items you’ve been meaning to clear out.
Donate anything in good condition, and consider selling larger items you no longer need. An outgrown crib or unused furniture could help cover some of your moving expenses.
But, be careful not to pack away everything your children rely on to feel safe and secure.
Set aside a first-night box for each child. Include pajamas, a toothbrush, a favourite blanket or stuffed animal, and a few small toys or books.
You’ll be glad you did when everyone is tired after a long day. Nobody wants to search through a mountain of boxes for a few small comfort items.
Budget for the Costs You Might Overlook
Your moving company’s quote is usually the biggest expense. It’s easy to focus on that number alone and assume it’s the only cost you need to consider.
But, smaller moving costs can add up quickly if you haven’t budgeted for them.
You might need packing tape, bubble wrap, cleaning supplies, or extra boxes.
Your kitchen may be out of commission for a few days, which could mean more takeout meals than usual.
Depending on your move, you might also have travel expenses, a hotel stay, or cleaning costs when you leave your old home.
Before moving day, put together a simple budget that includes these extras.
If possible, set aside a small cushion for unexpected expenses, too. Try some simple budgeting tips to start saving before moving day, without putting a strain on your current finances.
When money is tight, look for easy ways to save on common moving expenses.
Free boxes from local stores or friends can be a great way to cut costs. Just make sure they’re clean and sturdy enough for your belongings.
Packing your own boxes instead of paying movers to do it can also save money, provided you have the time and energy.
But, remember that some expenses are worth paying for.
Make sure you understand what your moving insurance or coverage includes, particularly if your belongings will be travelling a long distance.
Be realistic about how much work you can handle yourself, too.
Packing every box, lifting heavy furniture, and managing the kids can increase your risk of injury. It can also leave you exhausted before you’ve even settled into your new home.
Sometimes, paying for help with the most demanding parts of the move is money well spent.
Focus on the tasks you can comfortably manage yourself, and consider hiring professionals for the rest.
Moving on a budget while juggling the demands of your kids will never be completely stress-free.
But, it doesn’t have to become a financial disaster, or an overwhelming experience for your children.
Start planning early, look for affordable rates, and clear out anything you don’t need before packing.
Give yourself permission to take things one step at a time. Your new home doesn’t need to be unpacked and organized in a day.
Once the essentials are in place, your family can start settling into its new routine. Those piles of boxes will gradually disappear.
Before long, the stress of moving day will be a distant memory, as you’re busy making new memories with your family in your new home.
