5 Steps to Ensuring a Smooth Move when Moving as a Single Mother

As a single mother, the prospect of moving house can leave you tingling with apprehension. Even for the most organized mother, moving your home from the familiar to the unfamiliar with kids in tow without a partner to back you up is bound to traumatize you.

Of course, if you do the simple things right, such as arrange new schools, make lists of what you need to do, and clear out the clutter from your home, you can alleviate some of the stress.

However, moving as a single mother requires an altogether different approach if your move is to proceed smoothly and successfully.

Step One: Build an Attachment to the New Area

Whether your children are toddlers or teens, they will likely not be too excited about moving to a new place and leaving their friends behind. You will need to convince them that the move is as good for them as it is for you.

A few weeks before the move, take a trip to the new place and help your kids become acquainted with the environment of the house and the new town or city. Show them the sights, and take them to the happening places. Go bowling at the local bowling alley or watch a movie in the local cinema.

Step Two: Try the New Place on for Size

Drive to the new house, taking some of your kid's and your things with you.

Then, together, go through the house, selecting bedrooms etc. Put the things that you brought with you into each room, for example, your kid's toys into their bedroom, and the coffee maker in the kitchen. This will form a bond with the new place and even get your kids talking about it and actually getting involved.

Step Three: Hire the Help for a Smooth Transition

Make sure you hire professional removalists for your move if you don't have anyone that can help you move your things. Find a reputable company and book them ahead of your move. Using a professional and experienced removals company means that you can focus more on the many other details such as arranging utilities, cable and education for your kids.

Step Four: Move Non-Essential Things in Advance

Have your removalists move all the non-essential things before you move. If you have any relatives willing to lend a hand on weekends, you can also ask them to help you arrange furniture and unpack boxes in the new home before you finally move out. With much of your possessions and furniture already in your new home, your children will have a chance to adjust without the stress of unpacking and deciding where everything should go.

Step Five: Plan to Unpack Essentials First

When you and your removalists make the final trip with your remaining things, ensure that you mark all the boxes with the essentials like tooth brushes, utensils, clothing and electronics etc. Also ask your removals team to pack the essential stuff last. That way, if you need it in a hurry after arriving at your new home, it will be right there on the first stack at the back of the removals van.