Last updated on November 25th, 2023 at 08:19 am
As soon as we announced that we were expecting quadruplets, everyone we knew started asking when we were moving. We knew that our starter home wouldn’t work long term for our rapidly growing family, but we also knew that it wasn’t the right time to move. In fact, we remained in our first house beyond the quads’ first birthday. As their mobility and curiosity peaked it was painfully clear moving was inevitable.
Somewhat reluctantly, we began the process of selling our beloved home and searching for a better fit when the quads were about 19 months old. It was no easy feat moving with four toddlers, but we survived and you can too! During the process we learned a few tricks, and wish we could have avoided a few mistakes. Here are some sure fire tips to make moving with multiples a bit easier:
Get a Realtor
You can sell a home “by owner”, but chances are if you have multiples you are short on time and energy. An agent can help smooth the process for you. However, don’t be hasty in choosing an agent. It’s a good idea to ask neighbors, friends, and family for referrals. Once you have 4-5 referrals, interview prospective agents. Ask many questions and decide if they are the best fit for your family. When interviewing agents, avoid having your children present as they may distract you. We interviewed four agents and had no problems getting them to meet with us after the kids’ bedtime. By interviewing agents we also quickly knew which wouldn’t do well adapting to our unique circumstance. An agent who is unwilling to meet at a convenient time for you is not likely to be flexible with your needs.
Declutter
Having multiple children generally means you have A LOT of stuff. It’s off-putting to buyers to see crowded closets and toy-filled living spaces so declutter as much as possible. Start by cleaning out any unwanted items. Next, consider what you really need on a daily basis. Store items your family uses but can do without on a short term basis (e.g. out of season clothing, decorations). Renting an on-demand storage unit to be delivered to your new home can be helpful if you need to store things for later use. You may be surprised, but your kids can probably manage with about half of the toys they currently own. An added bonus is that after the move your children will find renewed interest in them. Having your home decluttered will also help you tidy up quickly before a showing. Do you really want to clean up 1,000 Legos or jigsaw puzzles before a showing??? Probably not.
Showing the House
Discuss plans for managing showings with your listing agent before your house is officially listed. Communicate if there are any times (e.g. naptime) when you cannot accept showings. Try to be as flexible as possible to allow for many showings. Remember, buyers need to see your home before they’ll make an offer, but be realistic with your family’s needs. If your children are very young it may be difficult — if not impossible — to leave your home for every showing. If this is the case, consider alternative locations you can stay while the house is being shown (e.g. outside, a guest room, or basement). You may also appreciate more than the standard 30 minutes notice before a showing. Agents will often agree to requiring up to 24 hours notice. With advanced notice, you may be better able to plan a day away from home.
Pack a “Go Bag”
Pack a “go bag” with items to occupy your children if you need to leave for a showing, or duck into another part of the house. Our “go-bag” contained snacks, bottled water, books, and quiet games/ toys. I had it ready in addition to our regular diaper bag.
Packing Tips
The changes involved with moving can be stressful for everyone. To ease the transition, be sure to pack and label all nursery or children’s bedroom boxes well and put them in a designated area that can be easily accessed later. Be sure to secure crib or bed parts in baggies attached to the bed. You’ll want your children sleeping in their familiar beds as soon as possible. If you aren’t confident beds will be assembled, practice alternative accommodations such as portable cribs or sleeping bags ahead of time. Easy access to children’s bedroom items will help you set up their rooms quickly and help them feel comfortable in a new place.
Plan Child Care for Moving Day
For moving day, enlist a babysitter or relative to care for the children while you manage moving tasks. Even if you have hired a moving company, you will be preoccupied and a babysitter will be greatly appreciated.
Designate a Safe Area
Once everyone is in the new house, designate a “safe” area for your children. Tension baby gates and outlet covers are handy for making such an area quickly. Make sure this area is stocked with toys, books, games, or movies to occupy them while the rest of the house is out of order.
Good luck!
Amber Shawver and her husband, George, are the proud parents of girl-boy-girl-boy quadruplets who debuted in 2012. Amber draws from her experiences working in childcare settings and as a school based behavioral consultant to manage raising quadruplets at home. Amber continues to practice school psychology part-time in an urban school district. She chronicles life raising quadruplets at Four to Adore. You can also find her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.
