Single Parent Moving: Practical Tips for Going It Alone

Let’s be honest: Moving is hard. Moving as a single parent? That is superhero-level difficulty. You are the logistics manager, the packer, the mediator, and the emotional support system all at once.

We see you. We have helped many single moms and dads transition their families, and we’ve learned a few tricks to lighten the load.

1. Ask for Help (Specifically)

Friends want to help, but “Let me know if you need anything” is vague. Be specific:

• “Can you watch the kids for 3 hours on Saturday so I can pack the kitchen?”
• “Can you come over Friday night to help me disassemble the beds?” People like clear tasks.

2. Involve the Kids (Age Appropriately)

• Toddlers: Let them “decorate” the boxes with crayons.
• School Age: Have them pack their own “treasure box” of favorite toys that travels in the car with them.
• Teens: Assign them a specific zone (like their closet) and give them ownership of it.

3. Timing is Everything

If you share custody, try to schedule the heavy packing or the actual move day for when the kids are with their other parent. Being able to focus 100% on the logistics without “Mom! Dad! Where’s my…?” is a game changer.

4. Declutter Ruthlessly

The less you move, the less it costs and the less you have to unpack. If your kids have outgrown clothes or toys, donate them. It’s a fresh start.

5. Hire the Pros for the Heavy Stuff

You might be tempted to save money by doing a DIY move, but factor in the cost of burnout. Hiring iHaul iMove means you aren’t risking your back lifting a sofa. You can focus on your kids and the paperwork while we handle the heavy lifting. We offer flexible packing options to fit different budgets.

6. Self-Care

Order the pizza. Let the screen time rules slide for a few days. You are doing a hard thing. Be gentle with yourself.