How many times in your life have you had to pack your bags, load the cars and trucks, tape the boxes, and move? Some of us have moved more times than others, but the process is always the same—long and tedious—but the end result is so rewarding. New place, new beginnings!

If you’re moving or are planning to move in the near future, here are some moving tips that I believe may help you, as they did me, on your big day.

• Keep in mind, moving is one of the biggest life changes just like marriage, divorce, children, a new job, etc. So those nerves, worries, excitements and all other emotions are totally natural.

• Pay extra for a moving company to pack your stuff (they’re a huge help!). You can even pay for them to partially pack your belongings—it makes a huge difference. We did this, and it was well worth every penny.

• Purge and donate a lot of unnecessary items—it is so therapeutic! Out with the old, in with the new! 🙂

• Pick up the book “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo before you start any of the packing/moving process. I highly recommend you read this book first. It’s a life-saver for moving.

• Get your kids involved with the purging and donating process too. Check what don’t they play with anymore. What don’t they need or want anymore? What have they outgrown?

• Simplify your household! YES! Less is truly more. I am loving this new mentality.

• On moving day, ask someone to watch your kids so they’re out of the way. You’ll need all your focus and attention on the move.
• Talk to your kids about the move, the change, the new house, etc. My kids have both been sad, as they don’t like change at all! I have been asking them a lot of questions to keep them talking about their feelings, and I am reassuring them about the new house. I know they’ll love it once we settle in.
• Once you arrive at the new house, let your kids be involved in unpacking and setting up their new rooms. They will get excited over their new space. Let them be part of the process because they are.

• Do you have any other moving tips you find useful? I would love to hear what has worked for you! I hope to be unpacked by Christmas! Until then, this HOT MESS is going back to those boxes! xoxo