7 tips for moving with children
Moving can be incredibly stressful on its own; add one or more children to the equation, and let's see who makes it out unscathed. Joking aside, children thrive on routines, and even though moving to a new place can be very exciting, it represents a significant change in a child's life when they leave their old home.
Because of this (and due to the fact that children are curious and energetic little beings), they may act out during the move as a way to protest this big life change. However, you can achieve a smoother move by gradually preparing the children well in advance. Follow our tips to help them feel that moving is something fun and exciting that you are doing together as a family.
Here are our best tips for moving with young children:
1. Tell Them When Everything Is Finalized
It can be difficult for children to handle major changes, so it’s best to eliminate as much confusion and disappointment as possible. Wait to share the news about the move until you are completely certain that you will indeed be moving and know what the new home will be.
2. Plan Together
Children love to feel involved, and this is a perfect opportunity to let them be part of the process. Pull out the floor plan and go over where your furniture will go in the new home. You can even visit a paint store and let the child choose a color for their new room.
3. Get to Know the Area
Visiting your new neighborhood is not only a fun outing, but it can also help children feel less anxious about the move. Check to see if there are any fun parks, swimming pools, or other attractions nearby, and if possible, drive by the new house, even if it’s just from the outside.
4. Make Packing Fun
Packing up all your belongings into boxes can feel strange, especially for a small child who may not understand that their toys will come back at the other place. Be sure to explain this and try to make packing enjoyable! For example, let the child decide how to organize their toys into different moving boxes.
5. Prepare Snacks and Toys
Even the best of us can experience blood sugar drops and “hangriness,” especially on moving day. The key word here is preparation. Make sure you have simple snacks and drinks easily accessible throughout the day. Having suitable toys or games can also be helpful for quiet moments.
6. Childproof the Move
During a move, it can feel like your belongings are everywhere, which can be incredibly stressful for parents of young children. So make sure to keep a close eye on those items that you want to keep out of reach of the kids, such as medicines, cleaning supplies, tools, sharp kitchen utensils, and electronics. The best approach may be to pack these items all in one box.
7. Hire a Babysitter
On moving day itself, it can be nice to have some relief, at least for part of the day, so that you can focus on getting the move done. Let the child participate at the beginning so they feel involved, but then arrange for a babysitter to take them to a playground for a couple of hours—this will make the move much smoother!
The final and probably best tip for a stress-free moving day is to hire a professional moving company that can assist with packing, carrying, and logistics. If you delegate the tougher tasks to those who truly know what they’re doing, you can focus on your most important job: being there for your child.
We hope these tips help you along the way to a calmer and safer move with your children. Good luck!
