The Ultimate (Stress Free) Family Moving Checklist

Considered one of life’s most stressful events, moving can derail even the most organized of us. It’s challenging enough to coordinate a move for one person, but relocating a family? 

Fuhgeddaboudit.

Just kidding . . . sort of. Trying to pull together logistics for a family move, whether across town or across the country, can feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.

You’re not in this alone. With a little preparation and a solid plan, you can keep the chaos in check and your sanity intact.

You might even find the process enjoyable as you look forward to a fresh start. Exciting even.

Nope, I haven’t lost my marbles. Let’s unpack this checklist and a few handy dandy tips, so you won’t lose yours either.

Begin Planning as Early as Possible

It’s never too early to start planning your move. Quotes, paperwork, and scheduling all take time.

Getting a jumpstart with a roadmap or timeline will have you breezing through the process rather than pinging like a pinball machine. 

Let’s get a move on things, shall we? Create a binder with tabs to include the following: 

• Moving checklist
• Calendar with important dates and deadlines
• Contact sheet with names, phone numbers, websites, and email addresses
• Budget tracker, whether a list or spreadsheet, including all quotes received
• Utility transfers or set-ups
• School records (be sure to begin this process long before the kids’ old and new schools let out for summer)

Keep this binder in a safe and easy-to-reach spot. Your future self thanks you. 

Declutter First, Then Pack

There’s no sense in putting the cart before the horse, right? Same thing with  packing before decluttering. Why pack items that no longer fit with your lifestyle, new home, or stage of life?

Moving offers the perfect opportunity to take stock of what you truly use and love. As you sort, ask yourself: Does this fit my life today? Does it belong in my new space? Do I actually use it? If the answer is no, it may be time to donate, sell, or let it go.

The ultimate benefit of decluttering before moving? Less to pack and less to unpack. And, super bonus—the less you have to move could decrease your movers’ quote. Win-win-win!

Pack Without Losing Your Mind

Organization is key here. It will make things so much easier when you land in your new home. Before you pack, gather the following:

• Boxes, storage tubs, or whatever tickles your fancy
• Packing tape, scissors, marking pens, and packing materials 
• When padding delicate items, put those towels, linens, and even stuffed animals to good use. Everything is fair game when it comes to moving
• Invest in a label maker and label everything clearly (no, “miscellaneous” is not allowed)
• Color-code boxes by room; sticker sheets of colored circles work great here 
• Pack a box of essentials, including tools that may be necessary to assemble items in your new destination; as you disassemble items, keep the hardware and loose batteries in clearly labeled baggies 
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• Don’t overfill boxes. The last thing you need when lifting boxes is to injure your back because something is too heavy or for the box to break with the contents dropping out the bottom and possibly breaking

• Snap a quick photo of each box's contents before sealing it. It makes locating items easier and can help document belongings if anything goes missing or is damaged during the move

The Family Survival Kit 

That “essentials” box mentioned above is possibly the most important of all. Think of it as your go-to box and lifesaver when the kids are cranky, everyone’s starving, or your electricity isn’t hooked up yet. 

In addition to the tools and batteries, consider including:

• Vital personal documents, including passports, social security cards, and birth certificates
• Medications and toiletries
• Chargers
• Pet supplies, including medications, food, water bowls, favorite toys 
• Children’s favorite toys or stuffed animals to comfort them
• Paper goods, including toilet paper, paper towels, and paper plates
• Flashlights and battery-operated candles
• Snacks
• Pens and a notepad
• And, if you’re anything like me, COFFEE!

Once you've survived moving week, life often shifts quickly into school mode. Be sure to check out The Ultimate Back-to-School Prep Guide or, if college is on the horizon, College Move-In Day Made Easy.

Helping Kids with the Transition

While you may be in charge of the move, you’re not the only one affected by the relocation. 

Moving families, specifically kids, can be tricky. New friends. New schools. Big changes for little people—and honestly, for grown-ups too.

Emotions are likely a bit of a roller coaster. Now’s the time to practice extra patience. 

Frame the move positively. Get the kids involved, matching them with age-appropriate packing and prep responsibilities. Best of all, let them help decorate their new rooms once you’re settled. Don’t overload them. Plan breaks, snacks, and play some fun music while you’re at it.

As best as possible, keep routines consistent. That structure helps create normalcy and soften the frightening unknown. 

Give yourselves time to settle in. This is more than getting everything put away. This is about finding your new rhythm. A new house takes time to feel like home, and that’s okay.

Moving Day Game Plan

Moving day is finally here! The hardest stuff is behind you. That said, there are a few things to remember.

• A few days ahead of time, confirm the date and arrival time with the movers and utility companies
• Double-check closets, cabinets, and under the beds to ensure nothing’s left behind 
• Keep valuables with you 
• Have water/snacks handy 
• Wear comfortable clothes 
• Perhaps, most importantly, come armed with your sense of humor!

What to Do With All the Extra Stuff

Your new space may be a different size, configuration, or just feel different than your old home. 

Once you’ve unpacked, press pause. Check in with yourself and decide what furnishings feel right to include in your new home, at least for the current season. 

If you’re like so many of us, you may have extra furniture, seasonal décor, sports or outdoor gear, boxes of sentimental items, tubs of seasonal clothing (e.g., bulky sweaters, winter jackets, etc.). You want them. You need them. Just not at this very moment. 

Enter your new favorite superhero—a storage unit!

A storage unit gives you breathing room while you settle in and decide where everything belongs. Instead of feeling pressured to unpack every box immediately, you can organize your new home at your own pace—without tripping over piles of stuff.

To help get you started with your Central Coast move, take a look at storage options in Arroyo Grande. 

Ahhh, Fresh Starts and New Beginnings

New spaces, new opportunities, new adventures. Sure, moving can test the patience of even the calmest, most organized among us. But it also opens the door to fresh beginnings and exciting possibilities.

With a little planning, a bit of flexibility, and a healthy sense of humor, you’ll be ready to lead your family into the next chapter with confidence. 

Here's to new memories, new traditions, and feeling at home before you know it.