Making a move with a few little ones in tow? Kids might find moving to be a little challenging, but if you take the proper steps to ensure a smooth transition for the whole family, it can also be very rewarding. Here are some of our best tips to help you move with children.
Part 1: Involve Your Kids
Part of the Process
Involve your child/children in the different parts of the move, such as house hunting, holding a yard sale and decorating their new room. Being part of the process may help ease the stress of moving for them. Allow your child to decorate the moving boxes with crayons or stickers to make a potentially stressful situation more fun.
Research
Research local schools in your new area and look for extracurricular activities that your child can start getting involved in. Look for attractions near your new area to get your children excited about the location of their new home.
Part 2: Keep Them Comfortable
Day-Of-The-Move Box
Pack a box to keep with you that includes several of your child’s favorite belongings so that they can feel comfortable throughout the move and as soon as you arrive at your new home.
Saying Goodbye
Before you move, take one last trip to some of your child’s favorite places. Doing this will allow them to say goodbye and leave on a happy note.
Part 3: Calm the Chaos
Hire a Babysitter
To eliminate some of the stress that accompanies move-in day, look into having a babysitter, so you don’t have to worry about splitting your focus between your children and packing.
Arrange Play Dates
You could also arrange for your children to have play dates with their friends on the move-in day. They will most likely be glad to spend quality time with their friends before they move away.
Pack Up Living Room Last
Packing up part of the living room last will also provide an area for your children to watch movies and entertain themselves while you work on packing up other areas of your home.
Keep them Busy
If your children are looking for ways to get involved in the move, find easy tasks for them to do, such as packing up their stuffed animals and toys.
If you liked our tips for moving with children, download our helpful Moving with Children How-to Guide PDF or check out our other Moving How-to Guides.