How to Move As a Single Parent

Moving as a single parent

Even when moving isn’t on the horizon, the life of a single parent is difficult. Even for those of us who aren’t solely responsible for raising children, moving is generally terrifying. Combining these two real-life circumstances creates a challenging project that is not for everyone. Moving is a difficult and time-consuming process. There are so many things that must be done. If you are moving as a single parent, you have additional burdens to consider. Depending on the age of your children, your needs and theirs are also a part of the moving process.

This moving guide for single parents will help you stay organized and move with calm. Follow the actions below to carry out the move on your own.

Preparing a Moving Timeline

Moving can be stressful for single parents, but a well-planned timeline can help reduce stress and ensure a smooth adjustment. Begin by making your moving date the anchor point for your timeline. Then, divide chores into small phases, such as moving, arranging possessions, and contacting schools and utilities. To stay organized, set realistic deadlines and use a calendar. Don’t be afraid to solicit help from friends and relatives.

Creating a moving schedule is key for single parents to successfully organize their time and resources. You may move with confidence if you divide things into reasonable chunks, set realistic deadlines, and seek assistance. Maintain organization, seek assistance as necessary, and remember to prioritize self-care along the way.

School-age children

If you have children who are in school you will need to accommodate them while they are in school as well as during the move. You need to be sure you are where they are let off from the school bus or pick them up from school while still packing and trying to stay on a time schedule. Once you have moved, or even during the actual process of moving, you will need to enroll your children in their new school and help them not feel completely displaced during the transition.

Young children

If your children are too young to be in school you have another set of problems. If you are their primary caregiver, you may wish to find someone who will watch your children during the time you are spending relocating your property from your old home to a new one.

If this is not possible then securing your children while you are walking around with boxes becomes more difficult but is not impossible if you are prepared. You can put them in a designated room and ensure they have some compelling entertainment to keep them occupied while you are hustling around with the boxes and the moving trucks.

If you are a member of a church, they might be able to help you with caring for your children while you are actively relocating your possessions. Churches are always a great asset to their members, and other members may be able to take those children off your hands for a few hours a couple of days.

Prepare Your Children

It is imperative to communicate. Sit down and discuss the move if it is the result of a separation. Ask your kids how they are doing and let them know how you are doing. For both parties, effective communication and frank discussion can be helpful.

Older kids could find moving a little more difficult, especially if they’re switching schools. Younger kids will probably be a little bit more resilient than older kids who have already formed close bonds. The better the communication, once more, the more favorable. Recognize that you’ll probably encounter resistance; thus, have a positive outlook.

Involve Your Child

It’s crucial to involve your kids in the moving process unless you have infants. In addition to easing some of your strain, if done correctly, the process may even benefit the children. They can assist you with cleaning, sorting through old stuff, and teaching them the value of charitable giving. Don’t forget to let them enjoy themselves while you are moving. You could want to encourage kids to use creativity throughout the process by having them decorate moving boxes or design their future quarters.

Do Not Move Everything From Your Home

You should consider goods you would never use again when sorting through all of your belongings and selling or donating them, rather than taking them with you when you move. At a garage sale, you can sell the items you no longer need.  Another choice is to donate household items. Old furniture and other items are accepted by a number of charitable groups.

Consider whether certain emotional things could fit in another area rather than taking up space in a place where they won’t be viewed as much if they aren’t utilized frequently enough. Additionally, you might want to put together a specific box just for these kinds of unique artifacts. This box could contain photographs from various stages of your life.

Research Schools and Neighborhoods

The internet is a fantastic resource for finding out information about communities and schools. Websites that identify the best neighborhoods based on crime, education, and cost are available, as are social media platforms where you may ask individuals in your new neighborhood for advice and information. These websites also rank schools and provide student and parent feedback. You can literally feel the knowledge at your fingertips. To keep your children safe in a new neighborhood, it’s essential to familiarize yourself and them with the local area, perhaps by taking a walk together to identify safe zones and points of interest.

How will you move your things?

If you don’t have a posse of men around to carry your boxes you will need to secure a moving company to help you. After all, even the most capable person cannot carry a full-size sofa or a queen-size bed alone. Either set up that posse and offer them something in return, like a meal, some beer, or a BBQ after the move has been completed.

If you need to hire a moving company make sure they are reputable. You can utilize any number of moving companies that are local or national. If you are concerned about their reliability, there are many online review sites that you can utilize to find just the right moving company for your needs.

Co-workers or neighbors are also sometimes willing to help a single parent with the move. Even new neighbors who see a person in need will stop to help if they have the time or ability to help.

Ask For Help

Moving services are not cheap, so save it for the most difficult jobs. For everything else, rely on your support network and enlist the assistance of any willing and able individuals, including your grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, and neighbors. Don’t overlook the potential benefits of relocation assistance programs, which can offer financial aid and logistical support, easing the burden of the move.

While they might not be able to pack your entire house for you, they can certainly watch the kids while you pack or run errands, make dinner, so you don’t have to, and give you a comforting embrace. Hugs are therapeutic, particularly for moving single parents—but you probably already knew that.

Your co-parent ought to be prepared to assist with the move as well. For some recently separated couples, it may feel like an unpleasant time, but even if things aren’t perfect right now, this is one situation where it would be helpful for all sides to be present.

Administrative needs

Being the sole person responsible for moving, securing your children, and doing all the heavy work – or getting someone to do it for you – is only part of the moving experience.

Utilities will need to be transferred, as well as your mailing address. Each of these items takes time and effort on the part of anyone who is moving but definitely falls on the head of a single parent. By making a checklist of all the items you receive in the mail, you will be able to improve your administrative flow better. Telling the post office is a good first step, but also notify each of the companies yourself to ensure a shorter delay.

Keep Children Safe

Usually, you won’t have time to constantly monitor your children because you’ll be preoccupied with arranging and preparing the move, not to mention packing up your belongings. And in order to manage a move as a single parent, you’ll need to be confident that your priceless children are doing well so that you can focus on the duties at hand.

Small children must be kept out of the dangers of moving day, preferably in a room away from the exits going to the moving truck outdoors. Ask someone you do trust, preferably a member of your extended family, to watch your kids while the pandemonium of the moving day takes place.

Stay Positive

Maintaining a positive outlook for the kids during a move as a single parent is crucial. It will be challenging for the kids as well, whether you are moving as a result of a death, divorce, or other circumstance. 

Until you move, maintain a cheerful mindset. Don’t let your kids know you’re anxious about the relocation because that can make them hesitant or reluctant to make the move themselves. Your children will be positive about the relocation if you are.

Moving Day

There will be several activities taking place on a moving day. Ask a friend or relative if they can help keep young children entertained and out of the way if at all possible. An injury could happen from kids running around while heavy objects are being moved.

After everything has been moved, take your time going over each room to make sure nothing has been overlooked. Additionally, now is the perfect time to clean both the old and new locations.

Moving is a thoughtful process that works best when the movers are organized. Making a list of what you will need to do will ensure that you won’t miss anything. Single parents have these skills over the nuclear family because you’ve already been doing everything. Just remember that you can do this, too!