7 Top-Tips for a hassle free house-moving experience with a toddler

Moving is exhausting!  Over the past month we have been very busy fixing, painting and packing.  The weekend was our D-day!  And I am happy to announce that we-have-successfully made the transition from townhouse in the East to house in the Moot.

Kobus was in charge of moving furniture, boxes and everything else.  The poor man worked so hard!  I am so grateful to have a hubby who isn’t scared to get down to business.  He jumped in and didn’t stop until it was all done.

My biggest goal on Sunday was to make sure that my kids’ rooms were sorted and ready when they came home from a “visit” with Ouma.  The kitchen was the next challenge and thankfully my dear friend, Tracey came and took charge.

With further ado, I will present you with my top 7 tips for moving house:

1. Plan.  The fact that we planned our move made an enormous difference.  Of course life happens and things don’t work out the way we always want it to, but knowing where you are and what still needs to happen gives you an added advantage.
2. Moving with kids is always hard, when a toddler is included in the equation it is nearly impossible.  My 2 cents, involve the little one.  Oliver was with when we viewed the property, when we signed the contract, when we move the first load of pots and plants.  He was aware that things were happening and because he was involved he was cool with it.
3. See-through refuse bags.  We only used a couple of refuse bags, mainly for tupperware and lounge scatter cushions.  But seeing what is inside the bag without having to open and look inside made a big difference.
4. We will need to practice this one for the next time – communicate.  We had a nightmarish experience where the previous tenants was in no hurry to vacate the property.  My advice is to communicate with the previous tenant.  Communicate with the landlord.  Communicate.
5. Ask a relative or friend to babysit on the day of the move.  Having 2 hands and my ears, to myself, at all times was bliss.
6. If someone offers to help, graciously accept.
7. Have a room in the house, in our case it is our study, where boxes can remain closed and out of the way.  It is lovely walking into the house and not having the boxes in my face as a constant reminder of what still needs to be done.

Can you add any tips?