The prospect of moving can be daunting for anyone, but it can feel downright impossible when you have kids. How do you keep them entertained and out of trouble during a chaotic time? How do you make sure they don’t get overwhelmed by the move?
And how do you keep them from feeling like they’re being uprooted from their lives? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we will share a few tips for making a successful move with kids. Follow these tips, and your move will be smooth sailing!
Involve them: Moving is a big change, and it can be stressful for children of any age. That’s why it’s important to involve them in the process as much as possible. Ask them what they want to bring with them, let them help pack their bedroom, or even give them a room-by-room list to check off once everything is packed up.
Pack their favorites: When packing your kids’ items, prioritize the things special to them – like toys, books, and stuffed animals – so they feel comfortable when you arrive at your new home.
Label boxes: To keep track of where everything goes (and to make unpacking a breeze), label all of the boxes clearly with both the contents and where they should be placed (e.g., “Bedroom: Toys”).
Involve them in the planning stage of the move: Have your children help you make decisions about the move itself. Ask them where they want to live and what home they would like. This will give them a sense of ownership over their new home and ensure that everyone is on board with the decision.
Create an activity bag: Pack a special bag or box full of activities for your kids to do during the move – things like coloring books, puzzles, games, etc. This will keep them entertained and out of trouble throughout the process.
Visit the new home: Take your kids to visit your new home before the move. This will give them a sense of familiarity and comfort when it comes time to move in.
Get a sitter: If the move takes several days, it might be wise to get someone to watch your kids while packing and unpacking. This will give you peace of mind knowing that they are safe and secure as you deal with moving logistics.
Make it fun: Moving shouldn’t just be about work – make sure there’s also time for fun! Take regular breaks from packing to visit a park or go out for ice cream – anything that will help break up the monotony.
Stay organized: While you may think that everything can just be thrown into boxes, staying organized will save you a lot of time (and energy) for unpacking. Color-code boxes and create an inventory list, so you know where everything is.
Prepare your kids: Talk to your children about the move, letting them know what’s going on and why you’re moving. Make sure they understand that this isn’t bad – it’s an opportunity for a new and exciting adventure!
Visit beforehand: Take your kids to see their new home before the move, if possible. This will give them a chance to get familiar with the area and explore their new house or apartment in advance.
Find local activities: Once you’ve arrived at your destination, find out what activities are available in the area. This will help your kids make new friends and get involved in their new community faster.
Give them time: Don’t expect your kids to adjust overnight. Moving can be difficult and confusing, so ensure they have enough time to get used to their new home.
Make it an adventure: Moving with kids doesn’t have to be a stressful experience – instead, think of it as an adventure. Take them sightseeing in your new town or city and show them all there is to explore!
Get a feel of what they think: Ask your kids for their feedback on the move once you’ve settled in. Not only will this help you identify any potential issues, but it will also show them that their opinions matter.
Make sure they don’t disturb the workers during the move: Most companies have a strict policy against having children around while they are moving. If possible, ensure your kids stay in a separate room or with a babysitter while the movers work.
Set up their bedrooms first: Once you arrive at your new home, set up the kids’ bedrooms. This will help them feel settled right away and give them somewhere they can retreat to on those inevitable chaotic days during the transition period.
These tips will help ensure your move with kids is as stress-free and successful as possible. With careful planning and preparation, you can make this an enjoyable experience for everyone involved – especially your kids! Good luck!
