From a mum who is on her third move since she was pregnant
It’s happening again. Our third house move since our son came in to the world.
Between being pregnant with him and the new found toddlerhood, this will technically be his third home. Our third home as a family. We hope this will be the last move for a couple of years, but such has been the joys of the Dublin rental market.
Moving in general can be quite a stressful experience. You have to pack up your entire life in to boxes and start all over again. Usually this is in the midst of business-as-usual in terms of work and regular house duties. Juggling it all is a bit of a task to say the least. Throw a toddler in to the mix and there is a lot more to consider.
As we plan our looming house move, these are some of the practical things I have had to consider. Perhaps they might help you also.
Moving in general can be quite a stressful experience. You have to pack up your entire life in to boxes and start all over again. Usually this is in the midst of business-as-usual in terms of work and regular house duties. Juggling it all is a bit of a task to say the least. Throw a toddler in to the mix and there is a lot more to consider.
As we plan our looming house move, these are some of the practical things I have had to consider. Perhaps they might help you also.
- Accept that you will be living amongst boxes for several weeks. Instead focus your energies on making the transition as smooth as possible for your child. Prioritise your baby’s room, clothes and toys so that you can set up a happy, familiar and comfortable environment for them as quickly as possible. You will get a lot more done in the evenings if your child is happily sleeping in a room that they are comfortable in.
- Bear in mind the logistics of moving your baby items. For example, the cot will most likely be the last thing to go. You will be needing it right up to the day you leave. The same can probably be said for the pram and other such items that are used daily.
- Remember that you will have to pencil in time to leave your previous house clean. Cleaning a house from top to bottom with a toddler roaming around may not be the easiest thing to do. Having your partner take your child for a walk or to the park while the other person cleans would be a much more practical use of time. Even better, if a family member could amuse your baby for a couple of hours that day you would fly through the task between two of you.
- Using the house-move as an excuse to do a big clear out could be a great idea. Packing up all of our items has encouraged me to bag up old clothes, toys and utensils. I will be passing them on to friends, family and charity shops. Less items to pack, transport and gather dust in the new house.
- Try to organise your electricity, gas, internet and home phone contracts in advance of the move. It is much easier to sort these out before the chaos ensues. It is also nice to be able to avail of the internet and watch some TV after a long day of moving boxes. And remember, do your homework to ensure you are getting the best offers on the market. There is a lot of competition and you could save some money this year. Every little helps.
- Your presses and fridge will be empty but remember to stop at a shop and pick up some milk, tea bags and biscuits to offer friends and family members who may help you with the move. The same can be said for making sure you know where the mugs are.
- Speaking of which – do not be afraid to ask for help with the move. Many hands make light of work.
- Do yourself a favour and order a take-away on that first night. You have earned it. And sure while you’re at it, there is bound to be a bottle of wine packed away in one of the boxes. Something tells me you will find that one... welcome home!
Written by Tracey, mummy blogger and staff with www.familyfriendlyhq.ie
Check out her own blog at love-of-living.blogspot.ie
