There are a whole host of reasons why you could be moving out as a single parent. If you have recently become a single parent and are relocating to get away from an ex, or back to where your family and friends are or are relocating for a new job, then there are probably a million thoughts running through your head all at once right now.
A single parent has enough to cope with on a day-to-day basis, so throwing a home move into the mix can be a daunting prospect.
But in this week’s home moving blog we look at how to make the home moving process as stress-free as possible for single parents, and to provide you with all the information and help you need to make the transition to your new life as easy as possible.
Tips on How to Move Home as a Single Parent
Any home move requires organization and close attention to detail, but with children to look after, whilst juggling a home move, and without the support of a partner, you will need all the help you can get.
Our top tips for moving out as a single parent are:
- Get as much help as you can with your home move.
- Reduce your moving costs
- Use checklists to keep the move organised
- Take time away from the home move to recharge your batteries
Here is our 5-point plan on moving home as a single parent.
#1 How to Get Help Moving Home as a Single Parent
Hire a full-service removal company. Whilst that may seem an expensive way to move home, it is usually the most cost-effective and stress-free way of moving.
A full-service removal company will pack, load, transport, unload, and place your furniture and boxes where you want them in your new home.
Packing for a home move is a time-consuming and expensive part of the home move, professional packers will know how to protect your items properly, and how to pack boxes in the most efficient and cost-effective way.
Trying to move heavy and large furniture on your own or with the help of friends (if they turn up on moving day) will add considerably to your stress on moving day.
You should also consider the risk of injury and the likelihood of damage being caused to your items and property.
Unless you know someone with a van who will help load, unload, and drive it for you, it can be daunting driving a fully laden van, especially if it will be your first time.
Of course, if you have friends that you can 100% trust to turn up on moving day and help you, then moving yourself may be an option, but consider carefully the pros and cons of trying to move home yourself.
It costs nothing to get a quote for your home move which will then allow you to make an informed decision about how you will actually move your things to your new home.
You may like to read: The Pros and Cons of Moving Home Yourself. In this guide, we give a balanced view of the pros and cons of trying to move home without hiring a professional removal team.
#2 How to Save Money on Moving Costs
Moving home can be expensive, but there are many ways in which you can cut the costs of moving home.
Decluttering your home before the packing starts is the one surefire way of reducing your home moving costs. Plan on getting rid of anything that you no longer need, or that won’t fit in your new home.
Not only will this mean that you take to your new home only things that you really need or love but you will save money on packing costs, reduce the labour costs because it will take less time to load the removal van, and you may even be able to use a smaller removal van saving you even more money.
Must Read: The Ultimate Guide to decluttering your home for a Move. In this guide, we go through each room of your home offering suggestions on the best way to declutter your unwanted things. We also look at how to emotionally detach yourself during the decluttering process.
The day of the week and time of year that you choose to move can have a big impact on your home moving costs. If you are flexible in the dates when you can move you may be able to negotiate a better price from your removal company.
You may like to read: Sneaky Ways to Save Money on a Home Move. Here we suggest some unusual ways to save money on your moving costs whilst still ensuring a safe and stress-free moving day.
If you have friends to help you move, and that is the option you have chosen, you can reduce packing costs by getting free moving boxes, but do you really have the time to go finding good strong boxes with the kids needing your constant attention?
No doubt money is always tight having to cope with children on your own. So you may be eligible for financial help with home moving costs.
Must read: How to Get Help With Moving Costs. Here we suggest some organisations that may be able to help you with your relocation costs. And did you know that some removal forms even offer loans to help you spread the cost of your move?
You may also like to know: Where to Get Free Stuff When You Move Home. Moving home is the perfect opportunity to get your home how you want it. That may include some extra furnishings or curtains for example. In this guide, we explore where you can get free things for your new home and save even more money.
#4 Home Moving Checklists
Being a single parent you are used to juggling a hundred and one tasks every day, but adding a home move to your already full workload means the likelihood of an important home moving task being missed is very likely.
The best way to ensure that your home move will go as smoothly as possible is to use checklists. We have compiled a set of checklists for you that you can tailor to your own specific needs, but they do cover everything you need to do when moving home.
Must have: Every home moving checklist you will ever need. In this post we have collated every checklist you will need to ensure a smooth and efficient home move.
#5 Ways to Reduce the Stress of Moving Home
Moving home can be stressful enough when you have the support of a partner, moving home as a single parent, with all your normal day-to-day stresses can be sanity-busting.
It is important that you look after yourself and the children during the transition to the new home. By following the tips above you will have reduced your home-moving stress considerably.
But try to take yourself and the children out and away from the upheaval of the home move on a regular basis.
A walk in the park, a few hours at the local playground, or a visit to friends or family, will give you the opportunity to recharge your batteries.
If you have elected to move home yourself, it may be safer and less stressful to have the kids looked after by a friend or neighbour whilst you sort out your things, or whilst packing.
Moving day can be particularly stressful and can be dangerous for children. So if possible arrange to have someone look after the kids on moving day, even if it is in a room of the home you are moving out of.
You will have enough occupying your mind on moving day and knowing that the children are safe and being well looked after will considerably reduce your stress levels.
And as previously mentioned hiring a reputable removal company is often the least stressful way of moving home.
You may like to read: How to De-stress After the Stress of Moving Day. Here we suggest some ways to help you relax after all the emotional turmoil of moving day.
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