Moving with small children may seem like a daunting idea, but the moving process can go smoothly when you are organized and rely on professional movers. Consider these tips to simplify the big move with small kids.
Pace Yourself When It Comes to Packing
Keep in mind that moving is a marathon, not a timed sprint. Don't try to do it all at once. Pacing yourself is especially important when you are moving with small children. Kids may be curious about the packing process, especially if they've never moved houses before, and they may have lots of questions. Take the time to answer as you pack and show them what you're doing.
Try to finish packing, sealing, and labeling a certain number of boxes per day to ensure that you are fully packed at least a couple of days before the date of your move. Given how life is, last-minute things may pop up some days, so you'll at least be ahead of the game even if it does.
Assign Age-Appropriate Moving Responsibilities
Daily chores may not be fun for children. However, kids may revel in being assigned certain things to do to help with the move. It can help them feel important and grown-up. Give each child specific responsibilities or activities during the moving process. You may switch up the activity each day.
For very young kids, you may simply ask them to hold a roll of tape for you until you need it. Consider your kids' own unique development and what they will best handle. Children who have been working on their handwriting may love the opportunity to show off by labeling their boxes and the boxes of younger siblings. Give lots of positive feedback when kids help with the move.
Empower Your Kids to Declutter During the Move
Children may want to cling to their toys during the move, and they may hesitate to get rid of things. Set a good example by decluttering your own stuff. As you look through your possessions during a move, point out to your children which items you are donating or giving away. Talk about why you made the choice to do so and why decluttering feels good.
Ask kids to go through a drawer at a time or take one thing out of a toy chest each day to decide if they want to keep it or donate it. To encourage kids to get rid of clutter, consider offering them the option to cash in the toys they donate for credit at the toy shop once you move. Then when you are settled in your new home, kids may think of things they need for their new room.
Have Several Discussions About the Move
Talk to your children about the upcoming move several times. Change can be scary for small children, and it may take several discussions before they really understand how their lives are going to change. Even if you are moving for reasons beyond your control and you are not exactly thrilled about it, present the move as an exciting, happy adventure when discussing it with kids.
As part of the conversation about moving, ask your kids several questions to encourage them to share how they're feeling about the move. You may simply ask which of their friends has moved and how they felt about it. Help kids feel that you're really listening by asking what you can do to help make the moving process easier on them.
Share your own positive feelings with your kids. Explain how the move will improve their lives. For example, if the new house is near a playground, talk about how you can make plans to visit it at least once per week. If the house is near a movie theater, you may talk about some fun upcoming movies you can see there.
Get Help Watching Your Kids on the Day of the Move
Enlist the help of a nanny or babysitter on the day of your move if you can. Young children may not understand the process of moving and seeing all your belongings removed from the home, which may cause unnecessary stress. You may plan for the day for them at a nearby park or other arranged outing.
If that doesn't make sense for your needs, you may simply ask a friend or family member to come over to help with some aspects of childcare on moving day. That way, you can focus on giving all your attention to ensuring the move goes just the way you want.
When you're moving with small children, having expert help with your move is the best way to streamline the process from the moment you pack that first box up in your old home until you unpack that last stored item in your new home. Contact
Redondo Van & Storage
for help with your next move.