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To all the incredible moms out there who are gearing up for a move, I understand the mix of excitement and stress that comes with this big change.

Here are some tips to help you navigate this transition smoothly.

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Planning and Preparation

1. Create a Moving Timeline: Start planning early. Make a checklist of tasks to complete before moving day.
2. Declutter Before Packing: Declutter your home. Donate or sell items you no longer need. Less stuff means less to pack and unpack!
3. Host a garage sale to purge your home and earn extra cash for the move. (Click here for 6 tips for a successful garage sale).
4. Shop for a Moving Company: Call at least 3 companies. When you choose a company, ask if it’s their best price. The company I went with took off the extra weekend fees.
5. Pack Strategically:
   • Collect lots of boxes and paper (You can often find them for free on Facebook marketplace)
   • Pack anything that you want to keep but won’t need for the season. Books, art on the walls, etc.
   • Pack room by room and label boxes clearly.
   • Keep essentials like medications, toiletries, and a few kitchen items handy for the first few days in your new home.
   • Set up utilities in your new location – gas, water, electric, internet, trash, insurance. I’m listing these because with 1 million things to do, I forgot to set up electric at my new house and freaked out when the power went out 24 hours after moving in. Thankfully, I quickly figured out who to call and got it set up.
6. Get appointments done: Once you move, it will take time to find a new dentist and doctor, so get check ups and doctor’s appointments done before moving. Get vaccination records and a sports physicals for kids.

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Involving Your Kids:

1. Communicate with Kids: Involve your children in the moving process. Explain what to expect and reassure them about the upcoming changes.
2. Communicate with the Schools: Enroll your children in their new schools, and let their current school know you are moving. If possible, take a tour of the new school.
3. Pack a Suitcase Each Child: Pack a suitcase of your child’s clothes and a few of their favorite things. Before moving day, put these in your car so the movers don’t load them.
4. Explore the New Neighborhood: If possible, take your kids to explore the new neighborhood before moving day to get them excited about the new surroundings.
5. Sign them up for Sports or Clubs: If possible, get them involved in a sport or a club right away so they can begin to build friendships with kids in their new town.
6. Create a Bucket List: Do a little research about your new area to find fun things to do with your family. Create a list of fun things to do after the move. (Click here for a Minnesota List or here for a Colorado list.)

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Managing Stress:

1. Accept Help! If someone mentions helping with the move, SAY YES and pick a day! I’m forever grateful for the handful of family and friends that jumped in to help when I moved. Delegating and having help is a huge stress reliever.
2. Stay Positive: Focus on the exciting aspects of your new home and the fresh opportunities it will bring for you and your family. It’s not taking you out of your comfort zone, it’s EXPANDING your comfort zone.

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On Moving Day:

1. Set Up a Safe Space for Kids: If you have young children or pets, arrange for childcare/pet sitter on moving day, or designate a safe area away from the chaos.
2. Keep Important Documents/Boxes Handy: Keep important documents, medications, and valuables with you during the move. Perhaps you load these in your car before the movers come so they do not get loaded on the truck.
3. Plan ahead for food. Prep a cooler with drinks, snacks and sandwiches available for your family and those helping with the move.

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After the Move:

1. Unpack Strategically: Unpack essentials first, like bedding and kitchen supplies. Take your time settling in. It will eventually get done so it’s OKAY to take breaks to eat, rest and play.
2. Get rid of boxes: List your boxes and packing paper on Facebook marketplace for FREE and everything will be picked up within 24 hours.
3. Connect with the Community: Get to know your new neighbors and explore local resources like parks, schools, and community centers.
4. Give Yourself Grace: Adjusting to a new home takes time. It may not feel like ‘home’ for 6-12 months. Be patient with yourself and your family as you settle into your new area and routine.
5. Read this post: 8 Ways To Love Where you Live

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Remember, you’re doing an amazing job managing this transition for your family. Embrace this new chapter with optimism and know that soon you’ll be making beautiful memories in your new home. You’ve got this!

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Click to read: 24 family-friendly places to explore around the Twin Cities

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