Two months ago, the idea of selling my home, decluttering the kitchen, donating my kids’ toys, starting fresh, and sharing the exciting news with family and friends felt like a dream come true. But throw in two children with an abundance of belongings, a weary husband, and a fiercely competitive mother-in-law, and it quickly turned into a chaotic nightmare. Here are ten lessons I learned the hard way:
- While labeling boxes with washable markers seems smart, it’s a disaster waiting to happen if it rains on moving day—your carefully written labels will be illegible.
- Keep a close watch on your husband. When he says he’s “shredding important documents” in the basement, it might just mean he is enjoying a cold drink while catching up on sports highlights or napping.
- Utilize bulk pick-up services. Sadly, they won’t help with any pesky relatives, but they can take away large pieces of furniture or other unwanted items. Schedule this service at least 24 hours before your house goes on the market.
- Be ready for a showdown with your mother-in-law. Remember, you’ve taken her son away from her. The last thing she wants is for you to pack his belongings. Her impressive packing skills? Let’s just say she’s been preparing for this day since the moving announcement.
- Have an open conversation with your children about the upcoming move. “Sweetheart, please stop crying. I’m not getting rid of your American Girls; they’re just moving with us! If you don’t stop, I might just have to throw them out!”
- Memorize a variety of synonyms for “useless,” as your husband and kids may start tuning you out after hearing the same word for the hundredth time.
- Once everything is packed, don’t hand your son anything sharp, like keys. It won’t take long before he’s trying to slice open boxes like he’s auditioning for a role in a horror movie.
- Ensure that your TVs and tablets are among the last items to be packed. Otherwise, you might find yourself improvising family games to keep everyone entertained.
- Involve your kids in the packing process. Not because it will speed things up, but so you can silence their constant pleas of “Can I help? Can I help?”
- Pray! Hope that the move will be smooth and that the stress doesn’t overwhelm you—after all, moving is often cited as one of life’s most stressful events.
Good luck with your upcoming move; I’m cheering for you! And if you’re curious about starting a family, check out our guide on at-home insemination kits. For insights into fertility, visit this excellent resource, or explore this fascinating article that dives deeper into the topic.
Summary
Moving with kids, a husband, and a competitive mother-in-law can be a daunting experience. From labeling boxes to managing family dynamics, there are numerous challenges to navigate. However, with a bit of preparation and a sense of humor, you can make the process smoother. Remember to engage your children, keep an eye on your husband, and pray for a peaceful transition.