Navigating the Chaos of Moving with Kids, a Husband, and a Competitive Mother-in-Law

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Just two months ago, the idea of selling my home, clearing out the kitchen, donating the kids’ toys, and starting anew felt exhilarating—a true dream come true. But throw in two kids with an endless array of belongings, a weary husband, and an overly competitive mother-in-law? Suddenly, it feels like a scene from a horror film. Here are ten lessons I learned the hard way that might help you survive your own moving saga:

1. Writing on boxes with washable markers seems smart until moving day brings rain, washing away all your meticulous labels.
2. Keep a close watch on your husband. When he says he’s “shredding important documents” in the basement, it usually means he’s having a beer, catching up on ESPN, or catching some Z’s.
3. Use bulk pick-up services wisely. While they won’t take away pesky family members, they can help you dispose of any large furniture or items you no longer need, just be sure to schedule them at least 24 hours before your home sale.
4. Brace yourself for a potential showdown with your mother-in-law. After all, you did take her son away, and she’s not likely to let you pack for him without interference. Her tape skills? Likely honed from years of practice.
5. Have an honest conversation with your kids about the move. “Honey, please stop crying. I’m not giving away your American Girl dolls; they’re just moving to a new home! If you don’t stop, I might have to toss them!”
6. Memorize a list of synonyms for “useless” because after the hundredth time, your family may become desensitized to your frustration.
7. Keep anything sharp, like keys, away from your son once you’ve sealed up the boxes. It’s just a matter of time before he goes full Edward Scissorhands on them.
8. Ensure that TVs and tablets are the last items you pack. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself getting creative with games to entertain the family.
9. Involve the kids in the packing process—not because it will speed things up, but because you need to silence their persistent pleas of “Can I help? Can I help? Can I help?”
10. And finally, pray! Hope that your move will be seamless and that the stress doesn’t overwhelm you—it’s known as one of life’s most stressful events.

Good luck with your move! I’m cheering you on. If you’re looking for more helpful insights, check out this post on moving and moving on here. And if you’re considering at-home insemination, be sure to visit Make A Mom for reliable syringe kits. For comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination, Medline Plus is an excellent resource.

Summary

Moving with kids, a husband, and a competitive mother-in-law can be a challenging experience. By preparing ahead, setting clear boundaries, and involving the family in the process, you can navigate this stressful time more smoothly.