How to handle moving as a single parent

Most single parents have incredibly demanding day-to-day schedules, and moving will only make them even busier. Although it’s not easy, it’s not an impossible task to handle moving as a single parent. The entire home-moving process, however, may become much simpler if those parents know what to look for. Luckily, movers and packers Seattle offers can facilitate this decision-making process a great deal. Meanwhile, here’s what you need to know about moving when you’re a single parent!

You’ll handle moving as a single parent better if you plan the relocation

When you’re the only adult in the household, all planning falls on you, so you must plan in advance. Start your search for cross country movers Seattle residents recommend about three months before, and set up a moving budget. The list of things you should do is long, from gathering your kids’ medical records to turning off the utilities. 

Depending on your children’s age, you also must take time to find a new school or daycare for them. Keeping this in mind, it’s best to determine your priorities and make a printable moving checklist. This is a simple tool, but it will help you stay organized and on schedule while moving.

If possible, involve your family in a decision-making process

As soon as you have a moving timeline in place, you should sit down and talk to your children. Don’t put off having that conversation – it’s better to tell them yourself than to let your children hear the news from someone else. It’s possible that they will be upset, as moving is a hard time for children. However, don’t take it personally, and instead, find a way to involve your family when making decisions.

There is no reason you shouldn’t ask your older children to help you with some simpler moving tasks. For example, if they’re old enough, your kids can help you declutter your old apartment or clean up after packing. It’s actually a win-win situation for everyone because you get the extra helping hands you need. Also, your kids get to feel productive, keeping them engaged on the move.

Get professional movers to help you pack

The best moving advice for single parents is to accept any form of moving assistance. It’s great if you have a good support system of friends and family, but they can’t help you with everything. That’s why packing is one of the most popular moving services Seattle’s single parents use, and not without a reason. Not having to worry about packing yourself will lift some of the stress and let you focus on other things. However, remember to sell or donate items you don’t need before hiring packers, as you’ll reduce the moving costs.

Make the packing and unpacking process more fun

After the movers help you relocate to your new apartment, you’ll have to unpack moving boxes Seattle locals recommended to you. It’s much easier to do it if you have fun in the process! Make a game of this tedious task and compete who can unpack more boxes before the time runs out. You can even organize unpacking races with your family if your boxes contain sturdy items that won’t break easily. Additionally, you can wager on who will take your favorite stuff out of boxes first. For the winner, you could offer prizes like a tasty snack or a dinner in their favorite restaurant! 

Having a babysitter will help you handle moving as a single parent

No matter how well you prepare in advance, moving day will still be chaotic. You’ll be busy organizing everything and dealing with movers, so it’s likely your children won’t get the attention they need. That’s why local movers Seattle trusts advise you to hire a babysitter to look after your children.

You’ll be able to focus on your upcoming relocation much better if you know your family is attended to. However, don’t feel bad if you cannot afford to hire a babysitter, or if your plans fall through. Simply ask a friend, family member, or neighbor to help you with childcare on a moving day!

Take some time for yourself

While you’re moving, don’t forget to take care of yourself by eating well and getting enough sleep each night. On the first few evenings after moving into your new apartment, you might get in a cleaning and organizing rush. However, try not to let yourself become too worn out—it will be better for everyone if everyone gets some rest! Whether you get a massage, a power nap, or a coffee with friends, you’ll feel fresh and ready to tackle moving.

It will be easier to handle moving if you explore your new neighborhood and connect

If you’re moving to a new city that’s not too far away, make an effort to visit it first. A quick family vacation trip will give you a chance to explore the neighborhoods, local schools, parks, and other amenities. However, remember that one of the biggest challenges single parents face when moving somewhere is staying socialized. 

Don’t put off looking for friends, especially other single parents, until after you’ve moved. Before you relocate, you and your children can make new acquaintances through online groups and forums. In addition to helping you meet new people, social media will also let you stay in touch with friends and family in your previous city.

A quick summary

It takes a lot of work to handle moving as a single parent, but it’s not as hard as you might think. Just prepare in advance, talk you your children, and don’t be shy to ask for help. You’ll see that more people will be willing to assist you than you think!

Why Choose Us

History

Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage is locally owned and operated by the same family for four generations, since 1890. We have a well-established reputation for service quality and reliability with a high percentage of repeat household and commercial clients.

Professionalism

We’re a certified ProMover by the American Moving and Storage Association with A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, voted “Best in Western Washington” in 2009 and from 2011 to 2016 by KING5. Our company is fully licensed and insured and member of WMC and AMSA.

Value

Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage provide free, no-obligation in-home estimate and competitive rates, including low minimum rates for shipments moving under 300 miles. We’ve set a refund policy for unused packing materials and three Puget Sound locations to help clients save on travel fee costs.