Moving is hard enough, but it can seem insurmountable when you have to do it by yourself. As a single mom, you have enough on your plate without worrying about logistics like finding a new place to live, packing up all your belongings, and getting everything (and everyone) to your new home in one piece.
The good news is that with some planning and help from friends and family, you can make your cross-country move go off without a hitch. This blog post will share some tips on how to get started.
1. Find a New Place to Live
The first step is to find affordable accommodation in your new city. This may mean looking for a smaller place than you’re used to or finding a roommate to help split the cost. You’ll want to consider the commute to your new job, the quality of schools in the area, and whether any nearby family or friends can help with childcare.
If you’re moving to a new city, it’s also a good idea to research the cost of living and compare it to your current city. This will help you budget for things like groceries, transportation, and housing. Not only that, but it will also give you a better idea of how much money you’ll need to make in your new job.
2. Start Packing
As a single mom, you probably have a lot of stuff. And when you’re moving cross-country, you’ll want to be strategic about what you bring with you. Make a list of the things you use daily and pack those first. You can also consider renting a storage unit for things you don’t need immediately but can’t bear to part with.
No matter how much you downsize, packing can be a daunting task. So, giving yourself plenty of time to get it done is important. Start packing up non-essentials a few weeks before the move, and then pack the essentials a few days before you leave.
3. Get Help from Friends and Family
One of the best things about having a strong support system is that they can help you out when you need it most. When you’re planning a cross-country move, reach out to your friends and family and see if anyone can help with the packing, driving, or even just watching your kids for a few days.
You may also want to consider hiring a moving company to help with the heavy lifting. This can be a great way to take some stress off your plate. These companies are experts at packing and moving, so you can rest assured that your belongings will arrive safe and sound. While it may cost a bit more, it’s worth it for the peace of mind.
4. Make a Plan for Your Kids
If you’re moving with kids, it’s important to have a plan for their care during the move. This may mean finding a babysitter or relative who can watch them for a few days or enrolling them in a daycare near your new home. No matter what, you’ll want to ensure that your kids are safe and taken care of during the move.
You should also take some time to talk to your kids about the move. Explain what’s happening and why you’re doing it. This will help them feel more comfortable with the change and may make the transition easier. If possible, visit your new city together, so they can start to get familiar with it.
5. Set Up Your New Home
Once you’ve moved into your new place, it’s time to start setting up your home. This may mean unpacking all your boxes, hanging pictures on the walls, and getting new furniture. But it’s also a good idea to take some time to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings.
Explore your neighborhood, find the best places to shop and eat, and get to know your new neighbors. The more you do to make yourself feel at home, the easier the transition will be. You may even find that you like your new city more than you thought you would. No matter what, just take it one day at a time, and you’ll eventually feel settled in.
Organizing a cross-country move as a single mom can seem daunting—but it doesn’t have to be! With a bit of planning (and some help from friends & family), you can make your move go off without a hitch. Follow the tips outlined in this blog post, take some time for yourself, and enjoy exploring your new home sweet home!
