Relocating with your family can be an exciting but also stressful time. There are a lot of things to think about and organize, from finding a new home and school for your children to packing up all your belongings and making sure everyone is settled in the new place.

To help make the process as smooth as possible, we’ve put together a guide on how to prepare for a family relocation. From hiring professional movers to getting your kids involved in the moving process, read on for our top tips.

Family unpacking after moving

Make A List Of Everything That Needs To Be Done

The first step is to make a list of all the tasks that need to be completed before the move. This might seem obvious, but it’s important to make sure you’re as organized as possible before you start packing up your life and moving to a new place. This will help you stay on track with the move. Write down everything that needs to be done, from finding a new home and packing up your old one, to transferring your utilities and canceling any subscriptions you have in your current city. Include things like packing, arranging for transportation, changing your address, and so on.

Hiring Vehicle Transport Services

Hiring vehicle transport services is a great way to make relocating with your family much easier. There are some things to keep in mind when you’re preparing for your move. Making sure you have all of the necessary paperwork in order before hiring auto transport services should be your top priority. This includes your driver’s license, registration, and insurance information. Also, inspect your vehicle thoroughly before handing it over to the transport company. Take note of any existing damage so that you can document it and avoid being charged for it later. In addition, make sure that your vehicle is empty before transport. This includes removing all personal belongings, as well as any aftermarket additions like stereos or GPS systems. Keep in mind to be prepared to pay for the transport service in advance. Many companies will require a deposit, so be sure to have your payment method ready. Don’t forget to choose a reputable transport company. Do some research beforehand and read online reviews to get an idea of which companies are the best in the business. Finally, be available on the day of transport. The transport company will need to contact you when they arrive to pick up your vehicle.

Start Packing Early

It’s never too early to start packing when you’re relocating with your family. Even if you’re not moving for a few months, begin by packing items that you don’t use often. This will make the process less daunting when it’s time to move.

Once you have an idea of when you’ll be moving, sit down and create a packing plan. This will help you stay organized and ensure that everything gets packed up in a timely manner. Make sure to include a list of what needs to be packed in each box, as well as a timeline for when each task should be completed.

When it comes time to actually start packing, be sure to pack essential items first. This includes items like medications, toiletries, and clothing for each family member. Pack these items in a carry-on bag so they’re easily accessible during the move.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of moving your entire family, hire professional movers to help out. They’ll be able to handle all of the heavy lifting and ensure that everything is packed up properly. This will take a lot of the stress off of your shoulders and allow you to focus on other aspects of the move.

Preparing to relocate with your family doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By following these tips, you can make sure that everyone is prepared for the move and that it goes as smoothly as possible.

Transfer Your Utilities

If you’re moving to a new home, you’ll need to set up your utilities. This includes transferring your water, gas, and electricity. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Contact your current utility providers to let them know you’re moving. Give them your new address and the date of your move.
  2. Research new utility providers in your area. Compare prices and services to find the best deal for you.
  3. Set up an account with your new utility provider. This will usually involve setting up a direct debit or making a one-off payment.
  4. Once everything is set up, contact your old utility providers again to cancel your account with them.
  5. Make sure you inform your new utility providers of any special requirements, such as meter readings or gas safety checks.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure a smooth transition when moving home. So don’t forget to transfer your utilities!

Change Your Address

Relocating with your family can be a daunting task, but there are some things you can do to make it a little easier on everyone. One of the most important things to do is to change your address. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s actually a lot more complicated than just updating your mailing address.

You’ll need to update your address with the post office, the DMV, your bank, and any other organizations or businesses that send you mail. This can be a time-consuming process, so it’s best to start early.

Notify Your Contacts About The Move

Preparing to move with your family can be a daunting task, but one of the most important things you can do is make sure that your loved ones are prepared for the change. One way to do this is by notifying your contacts about the move. This includes letting your friends and family know your new address and phone number, as well as sending out change-of-address cards. You should also update your contact information with any businesses or organizations that you’re affiliated with. By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved.

Create A Budget

One of the first things you should do when you’re preparing to relocate is to create a budget. Moving can be expensive, so it’s important to create a budget and stick to it. By planning ahead, you can avoid overspending on your move. This will help you determine how much money you’ll need to save in order to cover the costs of moving and living in your new location. Make a list of all the expenses you anticipate incurring, including the cost of renting or buying a new home, transportation, utilities, and storage. Factor in costs like movers, rental trucks, and more. Once you have an estimate of your total costs, start setting aside money each month to reach your goal.

Family unpacking after moving

By following these tips, you can make the process of relocating with your family a bit easier. With some planning and preparation, you can make sure everyone is settled into your new home in no time. 

Love to travel with your family? Read our list featuring the best family travel quotes.

About Melissa Giroux

Melissa Giroux founded abrokenbackpack.com in 2015. She is been living abroad since 2014. Originally Canadian, she has been living and working online in many destinations around the world. She is passionate about traveling, technology, entrepreneurship, and CrossFit.

She has traveled extensively in Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. She is now living in Thailand.


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☑ Book your accommodation: Want the comfort of being at home or the luxury of a hotel? I love using Vrbo and Booking.com for those very reasons. If you're a solo traveler, Hostelworld offers a wide variety of hostels you should take a look at. Alternatively, if you're a budget traveler, sign up for Worldpackers to get FREE accommodation in exchange for work.

☑ Rent a car or an RV: Make your trip more comfortable by renting a car with DiscoverCars.com. This website allows you to compare car rentals around the world. If you're traveling in the United States, find an RV rental on RVshare.

☑ Stay safe: Travel mishaps happen – so, better be safe than sorry by covering your back with travel medical insurance. I would suggest SafetyWing, Genki or Heymondo as they offer the best rates, especially for long-term travelers.

☑ Pack the essentials: Universal charger, check; power bank, check; passport, check! What else could you forget? I've put together this ultimate packing list just for you!

☑ Do you need a visa? If you aren't sure if you need a visa, it’s highly recommended for you to double-check. You can use iVisa - it's super useful and easy to use.

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