Moving can be an exciting new chapter, but it can also disrupt routines and create plenty of strain along the way. Taking the process one step at a time can help make a major transition feel more manageable for the whole family.

With decades of experience helping individuals and families relocate, Atlas Van Lines understands what can make a move feel overwhelming, and what can help. Offering practical insight into some of the challenges families may face during a move, Atlas recently shared its expertise in Redfin’s How to Make Moving Less Stressful: 6 Tips for an Easier Move.

The guide offers practical advice for every stage of the moving process, including several ways homeowners can prepare for moving day

1.  Break the move into manageable tasks.
   

   Trying to tackle an entire home at once can make moving feel overwhelming. Instead, start eight to 12 weeks in advance and work through one room at a time. Begin with the spaces and belongings you use less frequently, like a guest room or seasonal clothing. Take this as an opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need before you start packing, then gradually work your way towards the parts of the home you use every day. Spreading the work out over time can make the process feel more manageable and keep moving preparations from taking over daily routines.

2.  Keep familiar routines in place.
   

   For children, talking about the move ahead of time and giving them small, age-appropriate ways to participate can help make the transition feel less overwhelming. Get them involved by letting them pack some of their favorite toys or decorate moving boxes. Once you arrive, try to keep bedtimes, mealtimes and play routines consistent. Maintaining a sense of normalcy can help children adjust while everything around them is changing.

3.  Give pets a break from the moving activity.
   

   Moving can be stressful for pets too. Unfamiliar people, open doors, and boxes moving throughout the house can create an unsettling environment. On moving days, keeping pets in a quiet room with their bed, water and favorite toys, or arranging for them to stay elsewhere, can help keep them safe and comfortable.

4.  Know when to let professionals help.
   

   Not every part of a move needs to fall on the family. Professional movers, like our Atlas Van Lines agents, can take on the move demanding tasks, including packing fragile or high-value belongings using specialized techniques. They can also help prioritize rooms like bedrooms and the kitchen when unloading, giving families a comfortable place to settle while the rest of the home comes together. 

Reducing the pressure of moving isn't about eliminating every challenge. It's about planning for the moments that tend to be overwhelming and finding ways to make the transition easier for everyone involved.

Make your next move feel more manageable with help from Atlas Van Lines. Request a free moving quote online or call 800-638-9797 to contact your local Atlas® agent.