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You’ve Got To Move It, Move It


Moving home is a major life event and doing so with two young kids amidst a lockdown is taking it to the next level. But hey! We survived it. 


Taking care of the various logistics whilst keeping yourselves and your kids well looked after and more importantly healthy (in these pandemic times) is a huge challenge but like they say nothing worth having is easily attained. 


So, in case you are planning to embrace this major life change like we did, here are a few things that helped us. Who knows? You may find it useful so I’m doing my good deed for the day and sharing our learnings: 


Teamwork makes the dream work : I want to scream about this from roof tops. Moving homes involves a million different things (some of which I have tried to summarise below) and these jobs cannot be managed efficiently on your own. Unless you’re Superman or WonderWoman - in which case shouldn’t you be saving the world rather than reading this article? So, make sure you have your partner well on board with you and share these tasks. Division of labour according to each one’s strength works best. I cannot for the life of me get my head (or hands) around DIY but ask me to organise a messy room or sort out packing/unpacking logistics and I’m your best bet! 


I’ve tried to present our learning experience in three different parts so that you can read what’s most relevant to you or come back to it at a later date. So here we are!


Before moving


Basic necessities in new house : If you have a reasonable overlap between moving houses, stocking up the new place with basic necessities works like a charm especially after you’ve had a long and tiring moving day. So, handwash, towels, loo rolls, cutlery etc. 


Kids stuff: Happy kids = Happy you. It’s a humongous change for the littles so the more comfortable you make the transition for them, the easier it will get. We took some favourite books, toys to start us off before we unpacked the whole lot. Also, food! If you keep a separate bag with food for kids and yourself it really helps.


Packers and movers : If you can afford it definitely go for it. Packing is a huge task so getting the professionals in will give you peace of mind. Moving boxes is no child’s play so movers are very handy (excuse the pun!)


During the move


Supervise movers : These guys work at top speed. If you’re not paying attention which is often the case if you’re distracted by more important people (read : kids) you may end up with unwanted stuff in your new place. We found this out the hard way when we were welcomed by a black bin bag full of soiled nappies. So yes, watch the guys like a hawk or at least like you would watch your waiter to will him to bring you your order (Ok, it’s just me then!).


Be patient with yourself and kids : Almost Everything you own (at least materially) is in boxes. The thought itself can be overwhelming so living it can be a big life stressor. Be patient as things may not always go according to plan and that’s ok. Transition is never bereft of tension. Movement will always have mania. Be prepared but also try and go with the flow. 


Order food : Try and save time by ordering food for however long you need. It helps a lot especially when you haven’t set up the new kitchen. Also, book an online delivery of groceries at your new place. Saves time and effort.


Help from neighbours and friends : We have been very lucky to have amazing neighbours on both sides. They ensured we had all the support necessary during the move. Right from feeding us to helping us settle. 


After the move


Unpacking : Take your time. This bit of advice becomes even more important when you have kids and their routines to look after.


New furniture : Order these depending on order of importance e.g. a sofa will take precedence over a showcase. This will help manage finances more effectively. 

Also, get help from independent contractors/workmen to assemble furniture. 


Keep kids occupied : We got our toddler to help where he could and at other times involved him in a game where he would scrunch packaging paper into a ball and throw it into a cardboard box (of which there will be plenty!). If your child naps in the day try and use that time to your advantage. 


Change address: Elementary but often at the bottom of the list when more pressing issues are bearing on your mind. Address proof will become necessary to register with local doctors etc. 


I’m writing this as a number of brown boxes stare at me. However, I’m not going to get intimidated by them as I also have my baby on my lap and baby’s needs come first. Boxes can wait! 


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