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Moving house for a fresh start - Tips for doing alone with 2 children?

3 replies

mama2moo · 08/09/2012 18:13

I will have help from family but I will be packing, un packing and organising everything.

Quite proud of myself so far. A few years ago I wouldnt even phone to order a taxi and now I have sorted out a house, benefits etc!

Any advice for when the move is getting close? Im looking at 4/6 weeks before moving. Is it best to start packing unimportant things now?

I have already planned that the girls room will be the first sorted out and as close to how it already is here. It will be their first home with no memories of their dad who left earlier this year.

Thanks Smile

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
OptimisticPessimist · 08/09/2012 19:02

I just moved with 3 kids. I had about 6 weeks notice, and it felt like loads of time. It's not! Grin

Work out how you're going to move - my last house move I used movers, but they quoted me a huge price this time so I used a local man&van company - they were great, loads cheaper and despite the multiple journeys actually took half the time that the removal company quoted Hmm whichever you choose, book it with plenty of time to spare and keep the money aside.

Start packing now. Pack anything you won't need before you move - things like pictures/ornaments, books, DVDs, kitchen things you only use occasionally. If your kids are at nursery or school, use this time to pack without interruptions. Label the boxes clearly with what's inside and which room you want them in.

Take the opportunity to get rid of anything you don't need - my previous move had been done with very limited time so I ended up just chucking stuff indiscriminately into boxes, meaning I had a garage full of boxes I hadn't even opened in the 2 years I lived there Blush I went through each box and I got rid of absolutely loads of stuff, a lot of it old paperwork and stuff, which was great because I was downsizing. There are sites online that will buy CDs, DVDs and computer/consoles games in bulk off you rather than having to waste time listing on ebay or just give them away (really handy for me because my ex had left loads of stuff behind), and also some that will buy clothes by weight. This meant a bit of extra money coming in too Grin For large stuff see if your council has a bulky uplift service - mine offers 3 free uplifts per year, and additional ones for £15. I did still bring a couple of "misc" boxes, but it was much more manageable than last time.

Make sure you pack anything you'll need immediately - kettle, tea bags, loo roll, nappies/baby wipes etc - in a separate, clearly labelled box.

Get as much help as you can for the day itself. If possible get the kids to stay somewhere else the night before - aside from the ability to move child free it means you can pack their bedrooms the night before and they'll have their special things with them so you won't need to worry about finding them in amongst everything else

Prioritise once you've moved in - the only thing that you need for the first night is somewhere for you all to sleep so focus on clearing enough space in the bedrooms and reassembling beds if needed

Plan something very simple for tea or if you can afford it order a pizza or something. You won't be able to see your kitchen for boxes Grin

Good luck! Lone parenting is very good at getting you out of your comfort zone and becoming much more self-reliant, I'm sure you'll be absolutely fine.

mama2moo · 08/09/2012 19:25

Wow, thanks. Some great advice there.

Yes, I will try to off load the girls the night before. I hadnt thought of packing up their room and taking the beds down!!

I am looking forward to the change and a house just for us with no past attached!

OP posts:
purpleroses · 09/09/2012 16:42

I think you've had some great advice above - not much to add.

Nice to get your DDs involved in the move as much as possible - I moved when my two were 4 and 7 and both were able to help pack up their toys and books into boxes. Then when you get there, focus on organising what goes where for them, and leave them to put it in place if possible.

Where are you leaving? If you're renting, move a few days before you actually have to be out, and allow time to go back to the old place to clean it, or better still get someone to help you with this as it takes ages and isn't any fun.

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