From elderly parents who cannot live on their Social Security alone to grown children who are dealing with financial distress in their own family, opening up your home so family members can live with you is becoming more and more popular. As a matter of fact, multi-generational living has hit record levels in the United States. Therefore, your home may be filled with your immediate family, parents or in-laws, and even your children and grandchildren.

If you live in a multi-generational household, you are probably experiencing some stress and discomfort already. Since moving is already a stressful process, moving a multi-generational household may seem impossible. Fortunately, help is available. Here are a few tips to help you move your multi-generational household with ease.

Don't Procrastinate

Time is of the essence, so you should never wait to start the organizing and packing process. Make sure to hire movers as soon as possible, as well. This is especially important in the summer, since movers are busiest during the summer season. If you wait to book your moving day, you may miss out on movers through the busiest times of the year.

Also, spending time packing the day before your move will only make the process more stressful. Spend the months, weeks, and days before your move organizing, decluttering, packing, and even moving some belongings into temporary storage.

Create a schedule that can be posted on the refrigerator or another common area where other members of the household will see it. Be sure to include what tasks should be done on what day and who will complete each of the tasks. Keep a pen or marker near the calendar so the tasks can be marked off once completed.

Delegate

One of the greatest benefits of being part of a multi-generational household is that you will always have an extra set of hands available. Allowing everyone to take part in the organizing and packing process will make the process less stressful and more efficient.

To get started, make sure to delegate tasks to certain individuals in the home. For example, each person should be responsible for their own clothing, accessories, and personal items. Each person should be able to handle the packing of their personal bedrooms or spaces, too.

It is also helpful to delegate common areas of the home to individuals. Consider assigning a play room to the children, since they can go through, declutter, and pack old toys and games. This will prevent you from bringing items you no longer want or need to your new home.

For collectibles and breakables, delegate the packing to one of the adults in your home. Be sure they have patience and understand how to properly protect these fragile items using protective wrap and packing supplies.

Consider Flat-Rate Movers

Most multi-generational households will have a lot of stuff that needs to be packed and moved. Carrying each box, bag, or piece of furniture will be time-consuming, increasing the cost of your move drastically if your movers charge per hour.

Hiring a flat-rate mover may be a more affordable option, depending on your specific belongings. Movers will need to come into your home to inspect the boxes, furniture, and appliances that need to be moved before quoting you a flat-rate fee.

Make sure to ask for hidden fees that may apply at the end of your flat-rate move. For example, movers may quote you one fee, but this fee may not include fees for unpacking or reassembling/disassembling furniture. If you do require these services, make sure to ask if they are included before you agree on a flat-rate fee.

Moving is complicated, but the help of your large family and professional movers can make the process easier. Contact a company like Tru -Pak Moving Systems for additional advice.