Moving is never an easy task, and when kids are involved, it can quickly feel overwhelming. Between packing, organizing, and addressing the emotional needs of little ones, it’s no wonder that moving with kids is often considered one of the more challenging life events.
However, with the right approach and a few pro tips, moving with kids can be far less stressful than anticipated.
From calming your children’s nerves to staying organized throughout the packing process, there are strategies you can use to make the move smoother for everyone. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make your next move with kids a breeze.
Getting Organized for a Move with Kids
Organization is the key to a successful move, especially when children are involved. Moving with kids adds layers of complexity, as you’ll need to balance your time between packing, managing the logistics of the move, and ensuring that your children feel comfortable and supported.
A good starting point for any move is decluttering. This is an excellent opportunity to teach your children valuable lessons about organization and the importance of letting go of things they no longer need.
Involve Kids in the Decluttering Process
While you’re packing and editing in the process with their involvement, kids feel in control of their stuff. This involvement is crucial, as it gives children a sense of autonomy over their belongings, making the transition easier for them.
Children often surprise us with their ability to let go of items. While parents might be hesitant to part with certain toys or belongings, children may be more willing than expected to declutter. Surprisingly, kids are willing to part with more than you think! Science tells us that kids do better with less, so instilling this during a move is a great life lesson.
For children, watching their parents model this behavior is just as important. When kids see their parents going through their own belongings and making decisions about what to keep, they learn that decluttering is a normal and healthy process. This can save parents from having to tackle decluttering for their children every few months.
Preparing Kids for Change
Moving represents a significant change, and kids, like adults, need time to adjust. To minimize stress, start talking to your children about the move as soon as possible. Explain what will happen, why the move is necessary, and what they can expect. Children thrive on routine, so the disruption that comes with moving can be unsettling. As part of your discussions, reassure your kids that their routines will be re-established in the new home, even if it takes a little time.
The Emotional Impact of Moving
Moving can stir up a wide range of emotions in children, from excitement to anxiety. Acknowledging these feelings and providing reassurance is critical. Encourage your children to express their thoughts and concerns, and be patient as they navigate this emotional transition.
A helpful way to address the emotional impact of moving is to create a “goodbye” ritual for your current home. This could involve taking a tour of the house together, sharing memories, and saying goodbye to each room. This process can help provide closure and make it easier for children to move on.
Starting with a Checklist
Checklists are lifesavers during a move, especially when kids are involved. Creating a moving checklist that includes specific tasks related to your children will help keep things organized and ensure nothing important is overlooked.
Some essential items to include on your checklist when moving with kids are:
- Notify Schools: Ensure that your child’s current school is informed about the move and that you’ve arranged for transcripts and records to be transferred to the new school. This is also a good time to research schools in your new area and arrange for school tours.
- Collect Important Paperwork: In addition to school records, make sure you have copies of your children’s vaccination and health records, birth certificates, and any other critical documents.
- Pack a Go-Bag: Pack a bag with essentials that your kids will need during the move. Include items like snacks, water, a change of clothes, and favorite toys or comfort items. This bag should be easily accessible throughout the moving process.
- Prioritize Packing: Start packing early and prioritize based on when items will be needed. For example, if you’re moving in the summer, pack winter coats and other seasonal items first. This will allow you to gradually pack up your home without disrupting your daily routines.
- Arrange for Childcare on Moving Day: Moving day is hectic, and having someone look after your kids during the busiest parts of the day can be a huge relief. Whether it’s a trusted family member, friend, or babysitter, arranging childcare in advance will allow you to focus on the move without worrying about your children’s safety and well-being.
- Create an Activity Bag: Moving day can be long and boring for kids, so prepare an activity bag filled with coloring books, puzzles, and small games to keep them entertained while you handle the logistics of the move.
By creating a detailed checklist, you’ll have a clear roadmap for your move, and you’ll be able to tackle tasks methodically, reducing stress for both you and your children.
Packing for a Move with Kids
Packing is one of the most time-consuming aspects of any move, and when kids are involved, it can feel even more daunting. However, involving your kids in the packing process can help them feel more connected to the move and make the experience more positive.
Involve Kids in Packing
Now that you’ve sorted through everything, your kids know they’re only unpacking what they truly love and need—each item will now needs a new home! This is where labeling boxes comes into play. Allowing your children to help with labeling gives them a sense of ownership over their belongings and helps them understand where everything will go in the new home.
To make packing a learning experience, consider adding photos or translating labels into another language, such as Spanish. This not only makes the process more engaging but also provides an opportunity for your kids to learn something new.
When it comes to packing up your kids’ rooms, avoid tackling the entire project in one go. Breaking the task down into smaller, manageable chunks—such as dedicating 30 minutes each day to packing—can prevent overwhelm for both you and your children.
Stay Organized with Color-Coded Tubs
For families with multiple children, keeping everything organized during a move can be a challenge. One helpful tip is to use color-coded plastic tubs for each child. Assign a favorite color to each child, and use that color for all of their packing boxes. This makes it easier to keep track of everyone’s belongings and simplifies the unloading process at your new home.
Color-coding also allows kids to take ownership of their own boxes, making it easier for them to participate in the packing and unpacking process.
Packing Tips for Babies and Toddlers
If you have a baby or toddler in tow, moving requires additional considerations. Babies need extra care and attention, which can be difficult to provide during a busy move. To make the process easier, pack a separate bag with all the essentials your baby will need during the move, such as diapers, wipes, bottles, and snacks.
It’s also helpful to baby-proof your new home as soon as possible after arriving. Start with the most important areas, such as the kitchen and bathroom, and work your way through the rest of the house as time allows.
Making Moves Easier for Kids
Helping kids adjust to a new home requires patience and creativity. Kids may feel anxious about the move, so it’s essential to involve them in the process and make them feel excited about their new space.
Introduce Kids to the New Home
Whether you’re moving as a couple or on your own with kids, it’s important to have an open conversation with them about the move as early as possible. After that, you can begin involving them in the moving process.
One of the best ways to make the new home feel less intimidating is to introduce your children to the space before moving day. If possible, take them to the new house after closing but before the movers arrive. Allow them to explore the house and help them choose their own rooms. This early introduction can help build excitement and ease any anxiety they might have about the move.
Research Local Activities
Before moving, take the time to research local clubs, lessons, and activities in your new neighborhood. Getting involved in extracurricular activities can help your kids make new friends and feel more connected to their new community.
Consider signing your children up for activities that align with their interests, whether it’s joining a local sports team, taking art classes, or participating in a neighborhood playgroup. These activities can provide a sense of normalcy and routine, helping your children adjust to their new surroundings.
Help Kids Personalize Their Space
Once you’ve moved into your new home, give your kids the freedom to personalize their rooms. Let them choose the colors, decorations, and layout of their space, so they feel a sense of ownership and pride in their new home.
You can also involve your kids in decorating other areas of the house. Whether it’s setting up an art station in the backyard or creating a family art project for the living room, involving your children in the process will make the new house feel like home.
Be Patient and Supportive
Every child adjusts to change at their own pace, and it’s essential to be patient and supportive throughout the transition. Keep communication open, and encourage your kids to share their feelings with you. Even if your child initially struggles with the move, with time, patience, and support, they’ll eventually feel at home in their new surroundings.
By following these pro tips, you can make your next move with kids a more manageable and even enjoyable experience. While moving with little ones is no easy feat, staying organized, involving your kids in the process, and providing them with the support they need can help turn what might be a stressful situation into a positive family experience.
At My Stack Box we understand the stress the moving process involves and are here to make your move as seamless and stress free as possible. We will first deliver your My Stack Box movable container to your home at the time you want it. You can the take all the time you need to pack up and fill your personal storage container. Our expert team will pick it up when you’re finished. We’ll then deliver your portable storage container to your next destination. You’ll be able to empty it at your leisure. Experience no stress or pressure, the My Stack Box way!
Contact Us today to discuss all you moving and storage needs!