A couple of months ago, the idea of selling my house, decluttering the kitchen, donating old toys, starting anew, and sharing the news with family and friends felt like a dream come true. But throw in two kids with mountains of belongings, a fatigued husband, and a competitive mother-in-law? It quickly transformed into a logistical nightmare. Here’s what I learned through trial and error:
- Labeling boxes with washable markers seems like a brilliant idea—until moving day arrives, and rain washes away all your carefully written notes.
- Keep a close watch on your husband. When he says he’s “shredding important documents” in the basement, it might actually mean he’s sipping a beer, catching a game, or sneaking in a quick nap.
- Utilize bulk pick-up services for your unwanted furniture. While they won’t take away any pesky family members, scheduling it at least 24 hours before the sale can help clear out the clutter.
- Prepare for some tension with your mother-in-law. After all, you’ve taken her son, and she’s not going to let you pack without a fight. Those packing skills of hers? She’s been practicing since you mentioned the move.
- Have an open conversation with your kids about the change. “Sweetheart, stop crying! I’m not tossing your American Girl dolls; they’re just being relocated. Cry again and I might just donate them!”
- Memorize a variety of synonyms for “useless.” After the 100th time of calling something that, your husband and kids may start to tune you out.
- Avoid giving your son anything sharp, like keys, once the boxes are sealed. You don’t want him turning into Edward Scissorhands and wreaking havoc on your packing efforts.
- Ensure that TVs and tablets are the last items to be packed. Otherwise, you might find yourself struggling to entertain the family with creative games.
- Involve the kids in the packing process—not because it speeds things up, but to silence their endless “Can I help?” questions.
- Pray for a smooth transition. Moving is one of life’s most stressful events, and a little divine intervention can go a long way!
Good luck with your move; I’m cheering for you!
If you’re interested in family planning, check out our other article on home insemination at this link. For expert insights on fertility, visit Make a Mom. And for pregnancy resources, Rmany is an excellent guide!
Summary
Moving with kids, a spouse, and a competitive mother-in-law can be a daunting task. From labeling boxes to managing family dynamics, these tips provide a humorous yet practical approach to navigating the chaos of relocation.