5 Mistakes I Made During Our First Family Move
Relocating with kids for the first time? Here are 5 things I wish I’d done differently, so you can skip the regret and move with more intention.
Relocating a family is no small feat—especially the first time around. I learned a lot (the hard way) during our first big move, and while I wouldn't trade the experience, I would do a few things very differently. If you're preparing for a relocation, especially with kids in the mix, here are some honest lessons from someone who's been through it.
1. Not Decluttering Before the Move
This one still haunts me. We were relocating from Atlanta to a tiny one-bedroom apartment outside of San Francisco and I brought everything I was even mildly attached to. Including three big bins of Christmas decor. On top of that? I still had a full storage unit back in Georgia!
We paid to move unnecessary items that just added to the stress and the cost. I didn’t go through anything before we left. I just packed it all and dealt with the consequences later.
Spoiler: the consequence was drowning in stuff we didn’t need OR have space for!
What I’d do differently: PURGE. Before we move again, I’m planning a big garage sale and asking myself: Do I truly love this? Does this spark joy? Do I want to unpack this in a new space?
Decluttering before the move also makes unpacking so much easier.
2. Expecting to Feel “Settled” Right Away
I thought once we got there, I’d figure it all out. New city, new routine, new community… I assumed it would all just come together.
Spoiler #2: it doesn’t work that way.
I didn’t emotionally prep for how hard it would be to leave friends, family, and the comfort of the familiar. I rushed through the pre-move feelings, stayed busy, and told myself I'd deal with it once we arrived. But when we got there, I felt lost and lonely. I cried on the couch many days, even though I was with my husband. I missed my people, and I hadn’t expected that.
If I could go back, I would have given myself more space to process before the move and more grace after. It takes time to feel at home in a new place and that’s okay.
3. Letting the Movers Pack EVERYTHING
Sounds convenient, right? Well… yes and no.
We hired a moving company to pack it all, and I didn’t think much of it, until we arrived and had to unpack boxes filled with filler and items individually wrapped down to a single plastic straw. It took forever to unpack, and half the stuff I didn’t even want.
This time, we’ll pack most of our things ourselves and only leave the fragile or heavy items to the pros. That way we know exactly what we’re bringing, and how much of it we actually need.
4. Not Doing Enough Research
We arrived in our new city with no idea where to find a dentist, doctor, preschool, or even the best coffee shop. I didn’t research anything in advance, which left us scrambling to figure it all out after the move.
Now, I’m big on “social researching” before we move. Scanning reviews, joining local Facebook groups, and building a list of must-check-out businesses, doctors, and restaurants before we arrive. It saves so much time and gives me a little peace of mind in the chaos.
5. Underestimating the Cost of Living (Big Time)
Oof. This one stings. We knew San Francisco would be more expensive, but I didn’t realize how much more. Utilities, groceries, taxes, parking, deposits—it all adds up fast.
And that’s not even counting the hidden costs of moving itself. Things like travel expenses, short-term housing, and restocking your pantry or household supplies.
Now, I budget way more realistically and try to build in wiggle room for those unexpected expenses.
Moving is overwhelming, emotional, and often chaotic, but it can also be an exciting new chapter. I’ve learned that a little planning, purging, and emotional honesty can go a long way. If you're getting ready for a move, I hope my missteps help smooth the road ahead.