Moving Across States with Family: A Practical Guide for Parents Who Relocate
Moving house is difficult at the best of times. But even more so when it involves doing so out of state. And with children!
Aside from the packing and transporting your possessions, there are also school enrolments to organise, friendships to say goodbye to, and services to arrange. So, it's not surprising that the thought of undertaking an interstate move can feel overwhelming for some families.
Thankfully, you can make the process easier by breaking it down into manageable steps. Indeed, doing so can help you to reduce stress and enable your family to settle into their new home much more quickly.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at how you can best do that. Hopefully, it will make things go a little more smoothly for you.
What Should You Do First When Planning an Interstate Move?
It's no doubt tempting to dive straight into the packing. But before you do this, it is worth taking the time to create a relocation plan. This will help to keep things on track and make it easier for you to understand where you are in the process.
A good place to start is by confirming your moving date, as this will give you an exact timeline to work with. Then, make a list of everything that needs to be completed before moving day. This might include:
Booking removalists
Updating your address
Organising utility connections
Arranging school transfers
Transferring medical records
Notifying banks and insurance providers
Packing essential items separately
Organising pet transportation (if required)
You should be aware that interstate relocations can involve transport costs, temporary accommodation, storage, and travel expenses. Therefore, it's also worth setting a realistic budget to prevent unpleasant surprises later down the line.
How Far in Advance Should Families Start Preparing for a Move?
Most families benefit from starting preparations at least eight to twelve weeks before their moving date.
That said, the earlier you begin, the better because you will have more options for booking removalists and organising services. If you wait until the last minute, availability can be more limited, and it might cost you more.
It is always a good idea to spend a bit of time researching removal companies and comparing quotes. Indeed, many Aussie families moving choose to book interstate movers via Muval. They let them compare multiple moving companies and find a service that fits their budget and timeline.
How Can Professional Movers Make an Interstate Move Easier?
Engaging a professional removal company can be extremely helpful, as they can take on much of the physical burden of a long-distance relocation.
Experienced movers will understand how best to transport furniture, fragile items, and household belongings safely over long distances. They can also assist with packing services, storage options, and delivery scheduling.
This can be very beneficial for parents who are already juggling work commitments and the responsibilities of looking after children. Having professionals manage the logistics can free up valuable time and reduce stress.
Why Is It Important to Declutter Before Moving House?
If you have been living in your existing property for a while, there is a good chance that you have accumulated a lot of possessions. Many of which either no longer work properly, are completely broken, or you just don’t use.
Transporting these items across state lines is not only impractical, but can also significantly increase your moving costs. That is why it pays to do a thorough declutter before you move.
The best way to do this is to go through each room strategically and sort your items into four distinct categories. Namely, what you want to:
Keep
Donate
Sell
Dispose of
This is important because the more you declutter, the fewer boxes you’ll have to take with you to your new property. This, in turn, will lower your transport costs and make the unpacking process a lot simpler.
You can search for a charity to donate your items to here, and sell what you don’t want on Facebook Marketplace, or through a garage sale. For anything you intend to throw out, you are advised to dispose of it responsibly at your local refuse tip.
Before you leave your home, especially if it is a rental property, it is a good idea to give it a thorough cleaning.
How Can You Help Children Cope with Moving to Another State?
Children often have very different reactions to moving home. Some take it in their stride and become excited about the adventure. However, others may feel anxious about leaving their friends, schools, and familiar routines behind.
Regardless of their reaction, one of the best ways to get them on board is to have an open conversation. This should involve explaining the reasons why the family is moving and encouraging your children to ask questions.
If possible, show them photos or even take them to the new neighbourhood to help them become familiar with the school they will attend, as well as the parks and local attractions.
It is also advisable to let them stay connected with friends through video calls and messaging facilities.
How Can You Help Your Family Settle into a New Community?
The moving process doesn't end once the boxes arrive. In fact, settling into a new community can take a good few weeks or even months, especially for children.
To help you all do this, it is worth taking the time to explore local parks, sporting clubs, libraries, and community events at weekends or on spare afternoons.
If your children participate in sports teams, music groups, or community activities, encourage them to sign up to suitable clubs or programs. This can be a good way for them to make new friendships and result in a much smoother adjustment period.
You may also want to invite your neighbours around for a barbecue to help establish a sense of belonging.