10 Top Tips For Mums Moving Into A New Home
Moving into a new home can be an exciting yet stressful experience, especially for mums who work from home. Between managing work, kids, and household duties, the idea of packing up your life and settling into a new environment might feel overwhelming. However, with the right plan and a clear checklist, this process can be smoother than you think.
Here’s the ultimate checklist tailored specifically for work-from-home mums who want to ensure that moving into a new home is stress-free and seamless.
1. Plan Ahead for Your Work Setup
Your workspace is your productivity hub, so it’s crucial to plan for it early on. Prior to moving, take a moment to assess your new home’s layout and think about where you will set up your home office. Ensure it’s a quiet space, preferably with natural light, and has enough room for your work essentials.
Key Tasks:
- Measure the space to fit your desk, chair, and equipment.
- Ensure access to power outlets and good Wi-Fi coverage.
- Consider the potential for background noise (e.g., if it’s near a busy area of the house).
2. Create a “First Day Essentials” Box
The first day after moving into a new home can be chaotic. Create a box or bag with all the essentials you need for your first 24 hours to keep your work and family life functioning without the hassle of unpacking multiple boxes.
Must-Haves:
- Laptop, chargers, and any necessary work documents.
- Basic toiletries, baby supplies, and snacks for the kids.
- Important contact information, keys, and medications.
3. Arrange Childcare for Moving Day
As a work-from-home mum, having distractions during the move can slow things down considerably. Arrange for childcare or set up a playdate for your kids on moving day so you can focus on coordinating the move.
Key Considerations:
- Book childcare in advance.
- If childcare isn’t available, create a moving day “entertainment kit” with toys, books, or games.
4. Hire Professionals Where Necessary
There are tasks that are simply better left to the professionals, so don’t hesitate to delegate some of the work. Hiring professional movers or a cleaning service for your new home can take a massive load off your shoulders.
What to Look For:
- Get quotes from reputable moving companies early.
- Consider services like packing, transport, and unpacking.
- Ensure your new home has been inspected by a registered build to provide you peace of mind in your purchase.
If you happen to live in the beautiful city of Perth (like we are 😉 ), feel free to reach out and schedule your pre-purchase building inspection in Perth to ensure your home is move-in ready.
5. Create a Detailed Packing Checklist
Packing efficiently can make all the difference when moving into a new home. Start by creating a packing checklist that prioritises work-related items and essentials for the kids. Label everything, so you know exactly where to find what you need.
Steps:
- Declutter before you pack—only take what you really need. Consider giving away unused items through verge collection or facebook groups or selling on marketplace.
- Label boxes clearly (e.g., “Work Desk Items,” “Kitchen,” “Kids’ Room”).
- Pack work equipment and important documents separately.
6. Set Up Utilities and Internet Ahead of Time
Working from home requires a reliable internet connection. Contact your utility companies ahead of your move to ensure that electricity, water, and internet are up and running as soon as you step into your new home.
To-Do:
- Schedule installation or transfers for internet, phone, and utilities at least two weeks before moving day.
- Test Wi-Fi and workspace setup the day before starting work.
7. Schedule Time Off Around Moving Day
Balancing work and moving can be incredibly stressful. If possible, schedule a few days off or lighten your workload around the moving day. This allows you to focus on the move and get your home set up before diving back into work.
Key Points:
- Notify clients or employers in advance of your time off.
- Set an out-of-office reply on your email.
- Plan for a light workday schedule if taking time off isn’t possible.
8. Unpack Strategically after Moving into a New Home
When you move into a new home, it may be tempting to want to get everything unpacked right away. However, prioritising your office and essential living spaces can help ease the stress. Start with what’s most critical: your home office, the kitchen, and your kids’ rooms. Deliberately unpacking in planned stages can also assist when balancing your workloads.
Unpacking Strategy:
- Set up your home office first to minimise work disruptions.
- Next, organise the kitchen and kids’ rooms to establish routine.
- Unpack one room at a time—avoid scattering efforts across multiple areas.
9. Update Your Address and Notify Relevant Parties
When moving into a new home, don’t forget to update your address with relevant parties. From your children’s school to your work contacts, it’s essential to ensure everyone knows where to reach you. If you run your business from home and have a google profile, the address will also need updating.
Checklist for Address Updates:
- Post office (set up mail forwarding).
- Work contacts and clients.
- Subscription services, banks, and insurance providers.
- Google Business Profile for Google Maps
10. Settle in and Create New Routines
Settling into a new home doesn’t end with unpacking. It’s important to give yourself and your family time to adjust and develop new routines. Establishing a new workflow in your home office and finding a rhythm that works for your family will ensure that the move doesn’t disrupt your productivity.
Final Tips:
- Make time for self-care amidst the chaos.
- Get your kids involved in the setup of their new spaces to make them feel more at home.
Hopefully some of these tips will help make moving into a new home as a work-from-home mum more organised and stress-free experience. Stay ahead of the game by planning, delegating tasks, and focusing on setting up your workspace early. Before you know it, you’ll be settled into your new space, ready to balance work and family life once again.
Paul Cable is the director of Broad Building Inspections, bringing over 40 years of experience of building inspections in Perth. Paul is passionate about helping families move into homes that are safe and secure. As a father who’s navigated both home ownership and work-from-home life, Paul’s mission is to provide peace of mind to those making the big move into a new home.