Going to a new location as a single individual is a mammoth task. Imagine adding distance, a partner, and some kids to that mix, and you have a recipe for possible chaos and stress. But note we said “possible,” and that is because you can actually make a long-distance move with the rugrats in tow fun and even stress-free.

man carrying moving boxes

When moving long distance with family you don’t have to be a ball of nerves if you use this handy-dandy guide. So strap in and get ready for the best long-distance in the history of the world!

A Family Game Plan

One of the most easy ways to deal with stress while moving is to Plan! Plan a full household moving schedule from your current house decluttering to packing everything up and then moving, etc. Add all the steps and intervals in between you will be taking to the schedule. Involve your family, too! Divide the work among family members and assign work according to age. For example, children can pack their toys or pack their room. This way, you will also teach your child responsibility and team effort. Also, children will be curious about the new place.

Declutter Before You Pack

Lose a little weight — yep, we mean to move a little less (in the bad way) on a moving day. When you’ve got kids and a life you’ve shared with people you love, you accumulate crap in your attic, garage, and basement. And you don’t need it. Time to throw it in the trash, donate it, or sell it. You may want to save every baby onesie and toy gift you’ve ever been given. You may. But you don’t need to. Save one. But they don’t all need to live in bins in your attic. Be sentimental somewhere else. Lose a little weight. Make a little cash.

Calling Up PODS’ Containers

PODS containers are something that you can use to make your move with the family easy. With this awesome moving tool that you can easily call reserve and use for however long you want, you can pack as long as you want. You can basically call PODS containers a few months before your move date; they will deliver a container (or two) that you can place in your backyard for the time being. With that container, you can start to fill in your things, and then when you’re done, you can call them up, and they will pick up the container, take it, and move it to your new location. Easy-Peasy!

Keep Essentials Accessible

Don’t forget that as you pack up your current life into cardboard boxes, you also pack an “essentials” box for each family member. This box should have everything you’ll need for the first few days of your move – clothes, toiletries, favorite toys, snacks! This will make for an easier transition and save you from rooting for things at the bottom of those boxes. We swear by it! A well-prepped family is a happy family!

Communicate with Your Kids

They may not verbalize it the way adults would, but kids feel the stress and all the fear that comes with transition. Even if they may not fully understand it. The little ones do well with routine, and that routine is being taken away. The older ones have friends and a school they are comfortable in, and they are being ripped out of that. So maybe sit them down and talk to them about what is going on and give them space to share. This will help them process what is going on and possibly ward off some epic temper tantrums that will get in the way.

Scout Your New Area

Before you even set foot in your new home and live there, you can plan a weekend trip to scope it out; if not, use your Twitter fingers and go to town on the internet to look up your new home. Look up great restaurants, play areas, and general activities that the family would love. When you have the lay of the land and the new environment,  the whole family will have an easier time adjusting. Once you are done with the move, make sure to spend time outside by planning nice family trips to discover your new wonders. Building new memories will help the area feel more like home!

Attitude Attitude

Moving long distances is going to require a level head because, remember, the little ones are like horses; they pick up on whatever you are putting down. So, if you are frustrated – guess what? They will be frustrated, too. So make sure you stay positive and take time to breathe whenever things are not going exactly according to plan.

A Long Distance Move Like No Other

Moving a long distance with your family can be an amazing and fun experience! Plan ahead, get organized, get rid of unwanted items, use a reputable mover with containers like PODS, and keep your family entertained. You will experience a smooth process in your new home. After all, this is an adventure and new beginnings. Do it right, and you will have fun. Your family will enjoy this as a sweet memory.

, Moving Long Distances with Family: Best Practices for a Smooth Transition, Days of a Domestic Dad