Moving is something almost everyone will experience. A typical American can expect to move about 11.7 times in their lifetime. Depending on how you handle the moving, it can be fun or disastrous for your family, especially the children.

People move for different reasons. The reason for moving may influence its impact on the family.

Reasons people move

Most moves are local ― within the same county or state. Almost 50 percent of people who move cite house prices as the primary reason.

Data from the Current Population Survey (CPS) revealed that 27 percent moved due to family-related issues, while 21 percent stated job-related reasons. However, people usually move long-distance due to job-related reasons.

On the other hand, older Americans move long-distance due to family-related reasons. Irrespective of age or reason for moving, it is an event that is both stressful and emotional for everyone involved.

Moving from a place you have stayed for many years can have a negative impact on your children and spouse. They will be leaving their loved ones behind. It may even require you or your spouse to resign from your present job.

Fortunately, moving can be a great experience if done right. There are ways to achieve this.

10 hacks to make moving easier on your family

Below are some tips to make your move easier for your family:

1. Discuss with the family

It is important to inform your family as soon as you make the decision to move. Your children may find it all surprising. You and your spouse should be able to comfort them and assure them they will be more than fine in the new place.

Take a family trip to the new place at least twice before you finally move. Engage everybody in the arrangement at their new home.

You may also take fresh family pictures to remember the apartment. Do this before and after packing.

2. Inform friends

If you’re the type who keeps close friends, make sure you let them know of your decision. Have your children inform their friends too. You may get their friends’ parents’ contact information so they can call and talk to them when you move to the new place.

Retaining contacts and belongings from the former house and neighborhood can help everybody settle comfortably at the new residence. Before leaving, you may also hold a goodbye party. 

3. Declutter

The cost of moving can be expensive. Local can cost between $800 to $2,500. Long distance can cost as much as $5,700.

On average, the moving cost is about $1,400. Distance, nature of items, and the number of items you want to move are some of the factors that affect moving costs.

Decluttering your home will help you get rid of items you do not need. You can also raise money for the move by selling some of these things.

It would be a good idea to include garage sales in the goodbye party mentioned above.

4. Hire a moving company

Hiring a moving service is the surest way to reduce the stress of moving. According to Justin-In Time Moving & Storage, a Phoenix moving company, there are many activities associated with moving, such as final visits to friends and family.

Hiring a moving service will help you get enough time to attend to other urgent things.

Moving companies are also experts in handling different home items. Using their service will help you eliminate the fear of damage to your properties.

5. Pets handling

If you have pets, keep them in a quiet room with the door shut. If this is impossible, take them to a friend’s place. Since they are familiar with the friend’s house, they should be able to feel relaxed there.

Keeping them around while the movers grab your items and load them into a truck can scare the pet. This can make them attack or run out of the house out of fear. 

Try as much as possible to retain your pet’s routine at the new place. They can sense the atmosphere just like everyone. Comfort them as much as you can. Pack their favorite toys, treats, and other items they are well used to along with you to the new place. First, introduce them to one room in the new home. Then others once they feel comfortable there.

6. Be empathic

The move might financially benefit the family; nevertheless, it is not unusual for everyone to express certain emotions, which makes it look like you are to be blamed for the event. 

For instance, if the move is job-related and your spouse has to resign, you should not be insensitive to their sacrifice. 

Your children, too, would miss their friends and school. Things might be tougher when the entire family is not moving together. Such as when your spouse has to stay back due to their job or divorce.