Downsizing in preparation for a move is essential. Downsizing will make all the difference in a successful move.  It will help with cost, preparing for your new place and the size and scope of your relocation.  Moving offers an excellent opportunity to weed through all of your things and prioritize what you need and what you don’t.  You definitely want to take these steps as soon as you find out you are moving.  Before you have estimates, you want to go from room to room and decide what you will be taking with you, what you will be giving away and what you will sell or store.  This is important because it will help you prepare and tackle the tasks incrementally.  Once you have identified your items, then take steps to act upon your plans.  This way you are not paying to move items you never intended on bringing with you in the first place.  It will save you money and it may even offer you an opportunity to make a little cash to finance your impending move.

You may discover lots of little treasures you have forgotten you had.  This will allow you to store these sentimental things carefully and revisiting your insurance coverage to see if you have them adequately covered.  When cleaning out closets, a good rule of thumb is to identify things that don’t fit, are out of style or you have not used in at least two seasons.  This will make it easier for you to get rid of the clothes and shoes you no longer use or need. If it has been three years and you still are not in your skinny jeans, just get rid of it.  If you have trouble getting rid of things, have a friend or family member help you.  Sometimes having that neutral party can help you part with the things you really don’t need.   

As you prepare to move, you may decide to move your play set.  If you do, you will need to take some steps to prepare it for the move.  Some companies, who specialize in play sets also install them.  If you have purchased a set from a company like this, check your warranty.  The warranty may not apply if they installed it and you take it apart yourself for the move.  Therefore, review your paperwork and make sure that you understand what the warranty states.  If you have questions, make sure to call the company and clarify.  If your warranty does not allow for you to take the play set apart, you may have to have the company you bought it from take it apart and assemble it in your new location.  In this is the situation, you definitely want to call the company for further information.

If you are not bound by this type of warranty, you should have no problem taking it apart.  However, you will want to take care when disassembling the play set.  You want to do it methodically so that when you move to your new home, it will not be very difficult to assemble it again.  Taking steps ahead of time will save you frustration in your new home.  Also, you want to measure the structure to make sure you have the adequate space in your new home.  You do not want to go through all of that effort only to find it will not fit.  First, take pictures of the assembled play set.  Second, get sealable plastic bags that are strong enough to take the weight of nuts and bolts and you can label.  As you begin to take the play set apart, you will want to label and categorize everything.  This will make the process of reassembling the play set much easier.  Don’t forget to consult the manual to help you prepare the play set for the move.  Take pictures and notes in the manual.  All of this prep work will help you when you assemble it in your new location by giving you a perspective and frame of reference.

Moving is a physical activity and requires some stamina.  Therefore, you want to evaluate what you can handle physically when you plan your move.  If you have any physical limitations or injuries, you need to be honest with yourself.  Even though you may hire someone to move your goods, packing can be strenuous.  Therefore, when you go around and do your household inventory, think about where you may need help and note it.  This way you will not only catalog your household items but also areas where you may need some extra help.

Once you have that identified, take the time to think about who can best help you.  Organize and schedule a day where all of your friends and family can help you pack.  The more help you get, the faster it will go.  Think about your needs you identified earlier and make sure that you have them help with those tasks first.

Several days before you have everyone come to help, make sure that you have all of the materials you need to pack.  You will need permanent ink markers, packing tape, moving boxes of different sizes, packing paper and trash bags.  Make sure to have ample water or drinks at hand for everyone and seriously consider feeding your crew of helpers.

If it is in your budget to have your movers pack you, you may want to seriously consider it.  Your professionals at ClickandMove have a variety of services on offer and are happy to help you with all the facets of your move.  

Even if you have someone pack you, you will have to do some prep work ahead of time.  This will include weeding through your items and setting aside the items that you will be donating or giving away.  If you have non-perishable food items that you do not plan on moving, consider taking it to your local food bank.  

The key to a successful move is evaluating your needs early on to assure that you have enough time to address them.

Finding a day care provider is a very important decision in any parents life, let alone when you are in the midst of a move.  Research is a key component in a successful search.  Once you have set your requirements, you can then use them as a barometer for finding just the right fit for you and your child.  Before you start your search you want to ask yourself several questions:

What type of day care do I want for my child?

Do I want a center environment?

Do I want someone in my home to watch my children?

If so, do I want them to do cleaning and meals?

Do I want a smaller in-home care facility run out of the provider’s home?

What type of discipline do I prefer?

Do I want a provider closer to my home or work?

After you have asked yourself these questions, you want to begin your search with the parameters you have set.  These guidelines will help you refine your search and begin to short list providers.  Once you have created your short list, you will be ready to meet and interview them and tour their facility if applicable.  Here are a few questions you may want to ask them:

What philosophy do they follow?

What is their background and training?

What is their experience?

What type of discipline do they use? 

What are their emergency protocols?

If they are in your home; 

are they willing to cook and clean for the children?

do they care for the children when they are sick?

what hours are they willing to watch the children?

are they interested on watching the children off hours on occasion?

After you have had a chance to meet with them and ask them questions, you want to do your background checks.  Check references.  Call their the Better Business Bureau.  Your due diligence is so important.  It will give you the peace of mind that you need. Keep in mind that the provider’s interaction with your child is very important and when you interview them and/or tour their facilities is an ideal time to take inventory.  If your child is comfortable and enjoys them, this may be the fit for you.  Be patient.  This process may take some time but it will be worth it when you find just the right one.

Moving can be stressful for adults, let alone for children.  Depending on the age of your child, he or she may not be able to tell you how they feel.  Therefore, their behavior may speak volumes.  Although it can be challenging with all of the things you have to do, taking the time to spend with your child is so important.  Be patient with them because it may be very difficult for them to express their feelings.  Give them time and space but also offer them opportunities to discuss with you what is on their mind.  With very young children, playing with them will help give them an opportunity to express their feelings to you.  

For your older children, have a family meeting.  Discuss with them the move and give them an opportunity to discuss their concerns.  I suggest you do this when you are breaking the news to your children.  If they are not ready to discuss their concerns, wait a few days and then sit down and talk.  This will allow them to have control when they may not feel much in control.  Also, try to address their concerns so that they do not feel dismissed.  Identify ways to involve your child in some decision making depending on their age.  From choosing a room to its decor or trying out new activities in your new location, all of these can be apart of their involvement.  

Depending on where you are moving to and the age of the child, the level of transition may be greater.  For example, if you are taking an assignment overseas and your child is in high school, your child may have a harder time leaving their friends and high school life behind.  Discussing options at the family meeting will help to address their concerns and have them take ownership.  Find out areas of compromise.  Be positive and explain that they will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience a different culture and way of life.  See if your budget can include a trip home to keep that connection for your child.

Being positive for your child will help your child stay positive too.  Empathy and patience will go a long way.  Soon your child will make the transition and all will behind you.