Moving is never simple. When you’re a single parent, it can feel downright overwhelming. Between packing up your life, comforting your children, saying goodbye to familiar faces, and navigating a brand-new place, you’re doing the work of three people, emotionally and logistically.
Whether you’re relocating from a bustling coastal state like Massachusetts to the heartland calm of Kansas or making any other cross-country move, this guide will help you do it efficiently, affordably, and emotionally prepared. Because moving isn’t just about boxes, it’s about the NEW BEGINNING.
1. Plan First, Spend Less
The first rule of moving on a budget? Start early and plan well.
Create a Moving Timeline
If you’re 4–8 weeks out, start with:
- Decluttering: Donate, sell, or toss what you don’t use.
- Inventory: List your essentials so you don’t overpack or repurchase things later.
- Supply Hunt: Ask local stores for free boxes. Use towels and blankets instead of bubble wrap.
- Schedule Services: Line up utility shutoffs and new hookups in your new town.
Compare Moving Options
Here are the cheapest ways to move:
- DIY Rental Truck: Companies like U-Haul, Penske, and Budget often offer one-way rentals. Be sure to calculate gas and mileage.
- Moving Containers: PODS or U-Pack let you pack at your pace and ship the container to your new home.
- Freight Shipping: Services like UShip let you share truck space to cut costs.
- Ship Select Boxes: For minimal movers, shipping just your essentials via USPS, UPS, or Amtrak can work.
Tip: Check if your new employer or any relocation programs (like Move.org) can offset costs.
Don’t Overbuy Before You Arrive
You might be tempted to buy new furniture or kitchenware now, but resist. You may find better deals locally once you settle in (think Facebook Marketplace, Habitat for Humanity ReStores, or garage sales).
2. Involve the Kids, Make It a Team Adventure
If you’re moving with children, especially as a single parent, involving them reduces anxiety and builds resilience.
- Let them help pack their room
- Create a goodbye ritual: a neighborhood walk, a photo album, or a small farewell party
- Talk through the changes openly: new school, new friends, and new routines
- Share the bright side: Will they get their own room? Live closer to cousins?
Print out a map and show them the route. Point out fun stops along the way or attractions near your new city. Frame the move as an adventure you’re taking together.
3. Emotions Are Heavy, But You’re Stronger
Leaving behind friends, support networks, familiar stores and parks, and even doctors can be emotional… especially when you’re the only adult processing it all.
How to Say Goodbye the Healthy Way
- Take photos of your home, favorite places, and even your street. It helps with closure.
- Write goodbye letters to people you care about.
- Say yes to help, whether that’s a dinner invite or a packing buddy.
Remember: grief during a move is normal. You’re not being “dramatic”, you’re being human.
Let Yourself Feel
It’s okay to cry in your car after drop-off. It’s okay to feel scared. You don’t need to be stoic to be strong.
Try journaling your feelings, meditating each morning, or just talking to someone who gets it. Check out resources like:
- National Parent Helpline – Call 1-855-4A-PARENT
- Mental Health America – Free mental wellness tools
4. Starting Fresh Without Starting Over
When you arrive, don’t expect life to click into place immediately. Starting over takes time, patience, and grace.
Plug Into Local Resources
Your destination state (and your new town specifically) likely has community support for families, including:
- WIC and SNAP offices
- Faith-based outreach programs
- Local single parent support groups or Facebook groups
- Community centers and libraries
Be sure to check out our full Single Parent Resources page for verified support on housing, financial aid, legal help, and more.
Make the First Move—Socially
Making friends as a single parent in a new town can be lonely. Here’s how to start:
- Say hi to other parents at school drop-off
- Join a local parenting group or class
- Try apps like Meetup or Nextdoor
- Volunteer at your child’s school or library
Even small interactions build momentum. You’re not just starting a new life, you’re building a new village.
5. Final Tips for an Efficient, Cheap Move
Let’s recap the smartest moving tips for single parents:
- Declutter to save on truck size and shipping
- Use what you have to pack, towels, grocery totes, comforters
- Borrow or rent tools instead of buying (dollies, straps, etc.)
- Avoid peak days (end-of-month, weekends) for cheaper rentals
- Ask for help friends, family, or even teen neighbors
- Label everything with room names and top-priority boxes (like “Kids’ Bedtime Stuff”)
- Pack a “First 48 Hours” bin with meds, chargers, paper plates, clothes, and kid comfort items
You’re Not Just Moving. You’re Growing.
This isn’t just a move across the map. It’s a leap of courage. It’s a new chapter for your family. And yes… it’s hard. But you’re doing something brave, bold, and full of possibility.
Whether your journey takes you from one state to another or anywhere in the world, you’ve got this. And Single Parent Bible will be here for every mile.
Need more support?
Check out our national resources on:
With compassion,
Eryndor
Founder, Single Parent Bible
admin@singleparentbible.com
