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5 Ways to Make the Most of the Summer Without Ever Leaving Home

Most families live for the week or two they get to head out on a vacation during the summer months when the kids aren’t in school and workloads are kinder. Whether your annual trip takes you to the mountains, the beach, your relatives’ home, or a major amusement park, it’s amazing how much time, energy, and money are set aside — over $1,000 per person on average in the U.S.

That amount seems especially exorbitant when you stop to consider the fact that the bulk of your family’s summer isn’t going to be spent on vacation; most of your time is going to be spent just hanging out at home. Doesn’t it make sense to commit some time, energy, and money there so you can be sure to make the most of it? Here are five ways to enjoy the summer while you and your children have the run of your house and yard.

Mom & Son Playing Soccer [Read more…]

Moving To A New House: Simple Tips To Make Your Move Stress-Free

Moving to a new house can feel exciting, but it can also be overwhelming—especially for busy moms juggling family, work, and everyday life. Whether you’re moving across town or starting fresh in a new city, having a plan in place can make all the difference.

family packing boxes while moving to a new house

If you’re planning a move, you may also want to check out my moving home guide for busy parents to make the process easier from start to finish.

This updated guide shares practical, real-life moving tips to help you stay organized, save money, and reduce stress during your move.

Moving Checklist Before You Pack

Before you start throwing things into boxes, take time to create a simple moving plan.

Start by:

  • Setting your moving date
  • Creating a checklist of tasks
  • Decluttering items you no longer need
  • Gathering packing supplies early

The more organized you are before packing, the smoother your move will go.

💡 Tip: Go room by room instead of trying to tackle the whole house at once.

Declutter Before You Move

Moving is the perfect time to get rid of items you don’t use anymore.

Ask yourself:

  • Have I used this in the last year?
  • Do I really need this in my new home?

Donate, sell, or toss anything that no longer serves you.

👉 If you’re trying to save money, decluttering can also help lower moving costs since you’ll have fewer items to pack and transport.

Tips for Packing Efficiently

Packing doesn’t have to be chaotic if you stay organized.

Here are some simple packing tips:

  • Label every box with its contents and room
  • Use small boxes for heavy items (like books)
  • Keep similar items together
  • Use towels and blankets to wrap fragile items

💡 Mom hack: Pack a “first night” box with essentials like pajamas, toiletries, snacks, and chargers.

How to Stay Organized During Your Move

Moving day can get hectic fast, but a little organization goes a long way.

Try this:

  • Keep important documents in one folder
  • Use color-coded labels for each room
  • Make a list of all your boxes

This helps you stay in control—even when things feel chaotic.

Moving Day Tips for Families

If you have kids, moving day can be extra stressful.

Here are a few ways to make it easier:

  • Arrange childcare if possible
  • Keep kids’ favorite toys easily accessible
  • Bring snacks and drinks for everyone
  • Take breaks when needed

Moving doesn’t have to be perfect—just focus on getting through the day.

Ways to Save Money When Moving

Moving can get expensive quickly, but there are ways to cut costs.

Try these tips:

  • Use free boxes from local stores
  • Compare moving company quotes
  • Move during off-peak times (weekdays or mid-month)
  • Pack your own belongings instead of paying for packing services

👉 You can also check out my tips on saving money at home to help balance moving expenses.

Common Moving Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes to make your move smoother:

  • Waiting until the last minute to pack
  • Not labeling boxes
  • Forgetting to update your address
  • Underestimating how long packing takes
  • Not setting aside essentials

Planning ahead helps you avoid unnecessary stress.

Settling Into Your New Home

Once you arrive, don’t feel like you need to unpack everything immediately.

Start with:

  • Bedrooms
  • Kitchen essentials
  • Bathroom basics

Take your time turning your new house into a home.


FAQ: Moving to a New House

What should I do first when moving to a new house?
Start by creating a moving checklist, setting your timeline, and decluttering your home before packing.

How can I make moving less stressful?
Planning ahead, staying organized, and packing early can significantly reduce moving stress.

How far in advance should I start packing?
It’s best to start packing 3–4 weeks before your move, beginning with items you don’t use daily.

What should I pack last when moving?
Pack essentials like toiletries, important documents, and chargers last so they’re easy to access.


Final Thoughts

Moving to a new house doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little planning, organization, and patience, you can make the process much easier for yourself and your family.

Remember—this is a fresh start. Take it one step at a time, and enjoy the journey into your new home.


Helpful Moving Tips You May Also Like

6 Resolutions For Too-Busy Working Moms

It’s January, which means it is officially the season for setting personal goals, but when you have two full-time jobs ― your career and motherhood ― adding any new objective to your jam-packed schedule seems impossible.

Messy house from kids [Read more…]

Top Tips For Researching Your Family Tree

Searching for ancestors has become an increasingly popular activity in recent years, especially after the introduction of TV shows such as “Who do you think you are”. The growth of the digital world has also made becoming an amateur genealogist a little easier as there are now so many records available right at your fingertips. If you have always liked the idea of investigating your family tree, but have not known how to go about it, we are going to take you through some of the top tips that it’s useful to know.

Generally, you can make a start to researching your family tree on your own; although you may need to enlist the help of some professional genealogists along the way. Of course, you can also do this if you want to know what your family tree looks like but do not want to do too much work yourself. If you do want to make a start yourself then here are some tips on how to begin.

Family tree

[Read more…]