A Guide To Moving With Kids While Running A Business From Home
Moving house is challenging enough on its own, but when you throw kids into the mix—along with the demands of running a business from home—it can feel like juggling on a tightrope.
Whether you’re relocating for more space, a better location, or simply for a fresh start, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But it is possible to manage the chaos, keep your business afloat, and ensure the kids transition smoothly.
This survival guide will help make “moving with kids” a less daunting experience while balancing the demands of “running a business from home.”
Plan and Organise Your House Move Early
When moving with kids, especially while managing a home-based business, preparation is everything. Start by creating a timeline and breaking down tasks into manageable chunks.
Here’s how to get started:
- Create a moving checklist: Include packing, decluttering, notifying clients or customers, and any other critical business tasks that need attention before the move.
- Declutter your home and office: Take the opportunity to sort through both personal and business belongings. Donate or sell unused items to lighten the load.
- Communicate with your clients early: If your business will be affected by the move, give clients plenty of notice. Set clear expectations about potential delays in responses or services, and consider automating parts of your business to ensure things continue running smoothly in your absence.
Early planning minimises last-minute stress and ensures you can focus on other tasks, such as keeping your children calm and happy during the upheaval.
Involve Your Kids in the Process of Moving House
Children may struggle with change, and moving to a new home is no exception. Including them in the moving process can help reduce their anxiety and foster a sense of excitement.
- Create a countdown calendar: Allow your kids to cross off days until the move. This gives them a visual understanding of the timeline and makes the process feel more exciting than overwhelming.
- Let them pack their own belongings: Encourage your kids to pack their toys and other personal items. You can make it fun by giving them colourful boxes or stickers to label their things. Be sure to set aside a “favourite toys” box that stays with you on moving day to avoid any meltdowns over misplaced items.
- Visit the new home (if possible): If your new place is nearby, arrange a visit before the move. Let the kids explore their new rooms, and if there’s a local park or café, take them for a treat to start building positive associations with the area.
Maintain Business Operations with Strategic Planning
Running a business from home during a move requires careful juggling of priorities. While moving with kids can often feel chaotic, keeping your business running smoothly is essential.
- Outsource or delegate where possible: If your business allows for it, consider outsourcing some tasks during the move. Virtual assistants, freelancers, or temporary help can keep things running while you focus on your family.
- Automate key processes: From email autoresponders to social media scheduling tools, automation is a lifesaver when you’re balancing moving and running a business from home. Set up systems in advance that will help your business run with minimal input from you during the move.
- Designate a ‘business box’: Pack all essential office items—laptop, chargers, important paperwork—into one easily accessible box. This ensures your home office can be set up quickly, minimising disruption to business operations.
How to Manage the Stress of Moving Day
The day of the move can be intense, especially with kids underfoot and a business to run. To make it as smooth as possible, consider these tips:
- Hire professional removalists: Leave the heavy lifting to the experts. Companies like ours, Perth Removals and Storage, take the stress out of moving by managing everything to make move day as smooth as possible. Not only does this free up your time, but it also allows you to focus on your children and business. If you happen to be in Perth, feel free to reach out to us or search for “removalists <your area>” e.g. removalists Perth for experts in your area.
- Enlist help from friends or family: Ask a friend or relative to take care of the kids on moving day. Keeping them away from the hustle and bustle ensures they’re safe and entertained while you focus on the move.
- Set up a moving-day survival kit: Keep essentials handy—snacks, drinks, nappies, and anything else your kids might need. This helps avoid any last-minute panic when things are packed away in boxes. Also, keep your business essentials in the same kit so you can respond to urgent matters if needed.
Settle the Kids and Your Business into the New Space
After the move, settling into your new home is just as important as the moving process itself. Children need routine and familiarity, so getting them settled quickly is key. For your business, setting up an organised home office early can help you get back to work smoothly.
- Prioritise the kids’ rooms: Make their rooms the first to unpack and organise. Familiar surroundings will help your kids feel more comfortable and secure.
- Stick to routines: Try to maintain your children’s regular schedules for meals, naps, and bedtime. Familiar routines are essential for helping them adjust to a new home.
- Set up your office: Once your kids are settled, focus on creating a functional workspace. A well-organised office will help you get back to business efficiently. Ensure your work area is separate from your children’s play spaces to maintain productivity.
Take Care of Yourself
Finally, don’t forget about your own well-being! 🙂 Moving is stressful, and balancing that with your kids and business can quickly lead to burnout.
- Take breaks: It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of moving, but taking short breaks throughout the day helps you recharge. Use these moments to step outside, have a coffee, or simply spend a few minutes with your kids.
- Ask for help: Moving and running a business doesn’t have to be a solo endeavour. Whether it’s asking friends to help with the kids or hiring professional removalists to manage the move, don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
With careful planning, practical strategies, and a little help from professionals, moving with kids while running a business from home can be a smooth, seamless experience. By prioritising both your children’s needs and the continuity of your business, you’ll emerge on the other side of the move with minimal disruption and maximum success.
Chloe Main is a mum, business owner, and Managing Director of Perth Removals and Storage. With years of experience managing a successful business and family life, Chloe is passionate about helping working mums balance the demands of their careers and family. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Perth with her family and discovering ways to simplify the moving process for others.
