Moving house is never pain-free.

And while we love our kids, moving house becomes far more tear-out-your-hair crazy when you've got little ones' items and issues to sort out too.

Here are our top tips for moving house with your family keeping it all (relatively!) pain-free.

1. Start organising your move exceptionally early

As a single or couple, you may have only needed a few weeks to organise removalists, packing boxes and The Big Final Clean.

Depending on how many kids you have and their age, you'll now have to double - or even triple - this time period.

Decluttering alone - especially if you haven't moved in awhile - can take an enormous amount of time and as with adults!, there's sure to be plenty of now unused items that your kids still want to hang on to.

Basically, even if a move could still be six months away, it's a good idea to start the decluttering process ASAP.

It might seem like extra work now but when you get to the new house, you want to only have what you need or want to unpack.

2. Keep your kids involved in the move - to an extent

In theory, a top tip for moving house is that it's great to have your kids fully involved in the process of both moving and packing - but this again depends on their age.

Leaving very small children alone with packing boxes, scissors and bubble wrap equals a high potential for dangerous hazards and dramas.

While older kids are usually OK to be left alone to pack, they may well get absorbed in old toys and other finds and procrastinate on packing altogether - or prefer to turn on a video game or iPad.

NB: adults are not immune to this danger either!

So, either don't leave them alone too long or be prepared for lots of nagging.

3. Reassure kids about the move

When time and patience are low, it can be hard to find the emotional and physical energy to reassure kids about a move.

But it's important to try and do so and especially so if it's a major interstate or even intra-city move, with a new school and friends on the cards - along with different cultures, values and weather.

While many families stay put during their kids' primary and high school years to ensure such changes don't occur, other families - especially those in our Defence Forces - may not have that option.

So, make sure you take plenty of time out to explain to your kids every detail of why this move is happening and answer any questions they might have.

This includes the process of house-hunting.

Aim to get your kids excited about that great nearby shopping centre or park at the new house or the fact they'll now have their own bedroom.

You can't exactly make their first day at a new school easier and they may well not like the school or their new home - but ensure your kids know your (new) door is always open.

It's not a bad thing either to explain to your kids that you're finding both the move and the future difficult too and to come alongside them - literally and figuratively - and walk the road with them.

4. Use professional packers

Yes, they can be costly but this is a top tip for moving house if you're short on time and patience - and who isn't, especially moving with kids? - they can be worth their weight in gold.

As with professional removalists and cleaners, these people are experts at what they do and will have your furniture and boxes packed - and unpacked too - in a fraction of the time you can do it in.

They also have quality equipment at their fingertips, which saves you time searching and buying these items.

NB: Many removalist companies also offer professional packing services.

5. MOVING DAY: Babysitters and essentials box

(a) Hire a babysitter

This applies especially to very small children - but either way, your stress and patience levels will thank you for getting kids out from under your feet on Moving Day.

Whether it's a professional babysitter or a friend or family member, make sure you organise this issue well in advance of the big day.

On the other hand, it may be reassuring and exciting for your kids - if more stressful for you! - to see the big move in action and to enter the new home with you.

Just make sure they stay well out of the way of your packers, removalists and cleaners and have a babysitter on hand just in case.

(b) Essentials box

This is a good idea for adults too.

Either way, ensure you have a box or suitcase on hand with everything you'll need for the first 24 hours in your new home such as:

• Water
• Medications
• Paper plates and utensils
• Underwear and PJs 
• Bathroom items such as soap, brushes and toothbrushes
• Basic cleaning products
• Mobile phone and other tech chargers

Also, if you're moving via a long car drive or plane flight, ensure you have snacks and activities on hand for your kids.

NB: It's a great idea to have a few meals organised - or at least that first dinner and breakfast - in advance, or at least know where you can buy a takeaway meal nearby.

We're here to help

We hope our top tips for moving house have provided some inspiration. Luckily, for you, Moving Loop can find you the best removalist for your move (for free), who can take care of the hard yards and heavy lifting for you.

We can also ensure the power is on the moment you walk through the front door. Our service offers a comparison of the energy providers in your area to help you get the best deal. It only takes a few minutes to compare and start the process of getting set up.

Visit Moving Loop for your moving needs and to compare, switch and start saving.