Springtime is upon us! (No really, it is.) The snow is melting, green shoots are starting to reach out of the ground and before you know it, the flowers will be blooming once again. Those of us big kids who operate in the real world may be thinking about breathing new life into our routine around this time of year, which makes it no surprise that the moving season is also upon us.
Many people have made changes to their lives and those of their families, and whether they decide to move because of a new job or they just prefer a different location to raise their broods, spring is an excellent time to make these changes. Although rounding up boxes, packing up everything you own and hunting for a new residence can be quite stressful, moving is a perfect opportunity to explore.
Map your route
It is certainly easy to put your final destination into Google Maps or the GPS and go where the computer bot sends you; however, did you stop to think of all the amazing places you will be passing along the way? Take a few days to think about where you are going. Is there a city or landmark an hour out of your way that you or your kids would delight in seeing? Go for it. Have you always wanted to go camping in that Danish capital of Americabut never had the cash or opportunity to do so? Add it into the program. The trip may take a few days longer than expected, but your entire brood will be thrilled to spend some time out of the car experiencing the world.
Pack accordingly
If you plan to see some sites while en route to your new home, it is important to pack the essentials. Be sure that you have swimsuits, camping gear, etc. out and ready to go before you send the boxes to the moving truck. If you decide to take your goods with you, be sure to call hotels, campsites and all stops in general before you depart to insure that they have the facilities for you to park and keep your goods safe. (Always remember to put a lock on your moving truck!) If it is more trouble than it’s worth to lug the household behind you, start shipping boxes or hire movers so you can enjoy your move.
The furry family
The dogs, cats, reptiles and other non-human members can come along for the ride. Plenty of hotels, such as La Quinta, are pet-friendly and will allow you to keep your pets with you while on the go; lots of campsites will allow your dogs as long as they’re on the leash. If you choose to bring your pets with you for the ride, be sure to leave room in the trunk for crates, cages and litter boxes so you can enjoy your time out of the hotel to the fullest.
Shauna Armitage is a parenting blogger, a freelance travel writer and the co-founder of Pure Wander Magazine. Follow her on Twitter @CarpeCalamus
