The 8 Stages of Moving for Moms

Get Pregnant Fast

Moving can be a daunting task on its own, but toss in four kids and eight years of accumulated belongings, and it might just drive a mom to her breaking point. I’ve found myself in various states of despair—whether curled up in the closet or sprawled on the floor—depending on the day’s chaos. Sorting through the old house, deciding what to trash, donate, or keep, all while wrangling four reluctant kids, is a situation that feels akin to performing surgery without anesthesia. Here’s a look at the eight stages of moving for mothers:

1. Blissful Denial
   At the outset of the moving process, moms often fall into a state of blissful denial. They tell themselves, “This won’t be so bad,” and convince themselves that months of purging will make the transition smoother. They envision organizing their family’s belongings into neat, color-coded containers, blissfully unaware of the impending chaos. Amidst this optimism, thoughts of hosting a yard sale dance in their heads.
2. Twinges of Doubt
   As the packing begins, reality sets in. The mom quickly realizes that a mere 50 boxes will not accommodate the mountains of stuff her family has gathered. The packing won’t wrap up in three days, and she’s left to tackle the task largely on her own. The thought of a yard sale fades as her energy wanes, overshadowing any hopes of making extra cash.
3. Rejection of Materialism
   Welcome to the stage where the mom decides it’s time to let go. This is when she throws away a third of her belongings and two-thirds of everyone else’s stuff into the charity pile. Her kids, however, rummage through these piles as if they were discovering buried treasure. They suddenly find sentimental value in toys they haven’t touched in years, chastising her for attempting to donate them, only to discard the “rescued” toy moments later.
4. Loss of Hope
   At this point, despair sets in. Tears may flow as she struggles to see any progress in her decluttering efforts. Despite her relentless work, she feels like she’s fighting a losing battle. In her desperation, she might turn to a glass of wine while her children create their own version of chaos in the form of a miniature “Lord of the Flies.”
5. Renewed Strength and Vigor
   After days of effort, progress is finally visible. The mom rounds up her little ones and packs them into her messy SUV, along with bags of donations for Goodwill. Once she’s made her charitable contribution, she treats her crew to ice cream—a small reward for the hard work. Helen Reddy’s empowering anthem, “I Am Woman,” could very well be playing in the background.
6. Holy Crap
   Upon returning home, the mom is hit with the staggering realization that there’s still an overwhelming amount left to do. The man cave and attic remain untouched, and with garbage bags in hand, she dives into action, tossing items into unmarked bags without a second thought. Sorting through the chaos can wait—right now, she just wants it all to vanish. The kids, sensing her intensity, scatter to safer corners of the house.
7. Head ‘Em Up, Move ‘Em Out
   Finally, after what feels like an eternity, all boxes and furniture are loaded and ready for transport to the new house. As the movers fill the truck, the mom feels a surge of relief, only to discover that only half of the boxes fit. With her kids grumbling in the backseat, she embarks on what will become a lengthy saga of back-and-forth trips to their new home 25 miles away.
8. Where Is It?!
   Once everything has arrived, the mom stands before a staggering mountain of boxes, feeling a mix of disbelief and exhaustion. Almost immediately, her children begin demanding items they need urgently. Faced with the realization that unpacking will take weeks, she sends the kids outside to play and pours herself a well-deserved drink. In that moment, she vows never to move again and gains newfound respect for nomads and gypsies.

If you find yourself in the trenches of a move, remember that this chaotic phase won’t last forever. And don’t forget the kids you brought into this world—they can help! Even if they merely stay out of the way, the threat of putting them to work should keep them occupied while you make progress.

For more insights on the journey to motherhood, including tips on fertility options, check out this resource on infertility and consider visiting Make a Mom for reputable at-home insemination kits.

Summary

Moving is a rollercoaster journey for moms, filled with stages ranging from denial to overwhelming chaos. As they navigate sorting and packing, they must also manage their children’s antics, all while trying to maintain their sanity. Ultimately, this challenging process offers a glimpse into the resilience and resourcefulness of motherhood.