Being a single parent is no easy task. But, like many things in life, the stress finds ways to pay off abundantly. Moving with a child as a single parent can seem like an impossible challenge. How will you possible handle the logistics of getting everything for you and your child’s life to a new home, a new town, or even a new state? Well, we have some good news for you. Our friends at safeboundmoving.com have some experience working with single parents, and they’ve put together some helpful tips to make the move easier.
Plan ahead
This is the key to a successful, smooth move. No matter what kind of move you’re making, planning ahead will make the move far easier than you could’ve imagined. It’s all about breaking up the big task in little tasks. Instead of thinking, ‘Gosh, I have to move my whole life,’ you can think, ‘I can pack up the bathroom this weekend and research some schools in the area on Monday.’
Buy a planner and use it. Set weekly goals such as research moving companies (make sure you’re searching for residential moving companies rather than commercial moving companies), create an inventory of your home, and prepare to transfer services like internet and tv. We can’t stress the importance of planning enough. It truly is the key to a stress-free move.
Stay positive
Energy is infectious. Humans are social creatures and we feed off others’ attitudes. In a situation that can be as delicate as moving with a kid as a single parent, it’s imperative that you remain positive in the face of challenges. At the very least, when you’re around your child, keep it positive. You can vent and blow off steam to your adult friends. But, for the sake of your child’s happiness, keep things positive.
Communicate
Like we said, these moves can be delicate situations for an impressionable child. As much as staying positive is a must, you have to be able to talk things out with your kid. Ask them how they feel and reassure them that their world isn’t ending. Tell them that it’s okay to feel a bit funky about moving homes, especially if they’re older.
Express the excitement of trying new things in life and being unafraid of change. It’s a little life hack when you realize that staying stagnant and comfortable hinders growth. Express that to them as best you can and let them know that they’re getting a head start. Whatever language you decide to use, remember to keep it positive.
Involve the kids
This trick works great for the younger ones. You might be surprised to learn that they’re looking forward to the adventure. They may find a love of art when you ask them to decorate the boxes based on what going in the box/which room it’s for. This way, they’re entertained and they’re helping you out a bit.
Donate and declutter
Moving with kids is an amazing opportunity to instill some humanitarian values in them. For example, when you all are going through everything in the house and slowly packing, explain to them that they don’t really need every single old toy that they haven’t played with in years. Tell them that they could donate it to another child who might enjoy it just as much as them. Tell them that they could really make another kid happy because they decided to donate it. Do the same things with your belongings and say that it’s the cool thing to do! It may seem trivial, but these little lessons may very well form some core principles that make them a better adult in the long run!
Take a break
Make sure you’re taking care of yourself throughout the process. We recommend putting this above all else. If you’re not okay, then everything you try to take care of likely won’t be okay either. You can’t pour from an empty cup! So, remember to implement some self-care routines into that planner we mentioned earlier. Moving as a single parent isn’t necessarily easy, but if you follow these few simple tips, we promise that your moving experience will be less stressful.
Helen Baumeister did her degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
