7 Best Ways to Survive a Move With Young Kids
Moving is hard and extremely stressful, but when you have young children, the challenges multiply. From keeping them entertained to ensuring their emotional well-being, a move requires thoughtful planning and preparation. Here’s how to make your local move as smooth and stress-free as possible for your little ones.
We all know completely stress free is not possible with little kids, but why not aim for as smooth as possible?
PS. I have twin boys that are 2 years old, and we moved 1 year ago, so I am aware of the challenges (and I’ll be putting their pics throughout this)
1. Prepare Your Kids in Advance
Let them know what is coming so they can wrap their heads around it. Repetition is key, as we all know kids need to be reminded a couple times before things typically sink in.
Think about how many times you need to repeat a request before the words actually sink in to their little heads. Unless your kids are far different than mine, that number is almost never one.
2. Stick to a Routine
The more similar moving day can be to other days, the higher the chance of a smoother transition. Ideally, if they attend day care or school, have the move on a day where that happens, so the entire day isn’t all new things.
Especially if you have little boys, they may be absolutely fixated with the movers and the truck and really want to “help” or watch what is going on. Chances are they may really want to explore the truck. All these things can lead to problems….just imagine how annoyed they are that the truck is there and they can’t go explore in it?
I’ll probably make your moving day a whole lot nicer (and quieter) if they can be somewhere else for most/all of it.
3. Pack a Moving Day Essentials Kit
Have a separate bag with essentials for your kids, including:
- Favorite toys and comfort items
- Snacks and drinks
- Extra clothes and diapers (if applicable)
- Activities like coloring books or tablets with pre-loaded shows This will help keep them entertained and comfortable during the move.
This is the option to do if you can’t have them away from the move for the day. It’s less than ideal, but certainly a whole lot better than nothing.
4. Hire a Babysitter or Have Someone Help If Possible
It’s going to be a hectic day, so if it’s possible to have a friend or family watch your kids that would really make for a smoother day. If that’s not an option, try to create a space in a room that’s out of the way for the kids to have an area to hang out in, with a few options of crafts, toys, books, etc.
You can ask your local movers to avoid that room until everything else has been moved.
5. Childproof Your New Home Before Moving In
Get your kid’s room fully set up right away to keep things as familiar as possible. If you need to cover outlets or take other precautions, try to have that done before your child(ren) arrives at your new home.
You can also ask the movers to make sure they set up the crib or child’s bed as one of the first things in the new home. Please be aware that this would need to be communicated to the movers at the start of the move, so they don’t load it until the back of the truck.
6. Use a Local Moving Company Familiar with Your Area
Having a local company will minimize the travel time, and should result in less time in limbo. Tell the movers ahead of time if you’d like the job to be finished within school hours, so they can send appropriate amounts of manpower.
7. Be Patient and Offer Reassurance
It’ll take time for kids to adjust. Moving is not only stressful for you, but for them as well! Be patient and soon enough your offspring will call this new place “home”.
If you want local Langley, Abbotsford, or Surrey movers that can get your job done without making you feel even more crazy than you already do, get in touch with me.
My name is Jon, and here’s my family. As you can see, we have young kids too, so I do know a bit about what you are going through.
Let’s get through this together with as few tears as possible! (for your kids and you)
