Packing Tips for Busy Moms

As a mom, you’re always pulling double-duty, and when you add a move to the mix, things can get even crazier. Between packing, cleaning, and squeezing in a little quality family time, moving can make you feel like you’re losing your marbles. But keeping a cool head will not only help your stress level, it will make your kids feel more secure and excited about the changes. To make sure you don’t leave anything behind – including your sanity – here are some tricks to help you hold onto your “Mom of the Year” title and get the house packed up on time.

Plan Ahead

Give yourself plenty of time to get everything packed. If you don’t have to rush, you’ll be able to roll with unexpected hiccups, like fighting nap time or an unexpected play date. As soon as you know your move date, start packing. Begin with items you don’t use regularly, like off-season clothes, china, and knickknacks. By starting slow and giving yourself plenty of time, you’ll be able to make the transition much easier for you and your little ones.

Multi-Task

Photo by David D/Flickr Look for opportunities to get things done while your children are otherwise occupied. While they’re napping, you can sort through your junk drawer. While the kids play in the backyard, start packing up the gardening tools or cleaning out the shed. When everyone settles in with “Frozen” after dinner, you can box up books or games in the family room. There are plenty of opportunities to keep an eye on your kiddos and get things done.

Consider Their Needs

Save your child’s favorite toys and jammies for last. You may even want to give them a special box they can carry with them in the car and unpack immediately upon arrival. Items to include are a teddy bear, their favorite bedtime book, and the toys they play with the most. Not only will this help them with the transition, it will also give them the items they need to stay calm and entertained while you get settled.

Let Them Help

Photo by Matthew Rutledge/Flickr The idea of having the kids pitch in might seem like a nightmare, but it’s a great way to include them in the move and get a little extra help. Let them assist you with boxing up non-fragile items like towels or throw pillows. If they’re old enough, have them help with labeling or color-coding boxes. Children can use stickers or markers to “decorate” boxes according to the rooms they need to end up in.

Downsize After Bedtime

Photo by Joshua Smith/Flickr Moving is a great time to clear out extra clutter and items you just don’t need anymore. However, if some of those items include your child’s toys, you need to sort through them covertly. The best time to weed out unneeded toys and forgotten trinkets is while they’re sleeping. Plan to go through the playroom after lights out – chances are they won’t even notice what you got rid of.

Just Say Yes

If friends or neighbors offer to babysit or take the kids to the park, don’t turn them down! Now isn’t the time to brush off kind offers of help. You’ll be able to get so much more done without kids underfoot, and they’ll get to have some fun in the midst of moving mania. If possible, try to arrange extra help on moving day to keep an eye on the kids so you can make sure everything makes it to your new home. Moving comes with its own set of challenges, but keeping it all together while managing a household of little ones certainly adds an element. Simply by planning ahead, finding ways to let them participate, and accepting any help that’s offered, you’ll pull off a successful move without losing your cool.