To help them feel more at ease and to even enjoy the process of packing their room (yes, it’s possible), follow these simple packing tips for kids.
Packing Tips for Kids
Prepare them for the move
Moving is a stressful experience for anyone, but kids can take it especially hard since they have no control over what is happening. Ease their stress by keeping them in the loop. Explain why you are moving, what the timeline is, and what they can expect. Also, get them excited by showing them the new home and exploring their new community so they will feel more at home when moving day comes rather than dreading the entire process.
Get fun supplies
For kids, simple things like customizing their moving boxes will make a big difference. Take them to an office supply and craft store to get fun things like stickers, markers, and colorful packing tape. Let them draw on their moving boxes and even personalize their inventory list. Turning the packing process into a creative activity rather than a chore will make your kids much more excited about it.
Help them declutter
Before packing, it’s important to go through their belongings first. Sit down with them and help them go through everything to decide what to keep and what to get rid of. Decluttering will save on supplies and truck space, but be sure to let them know that taking less with them means there will be more room for new stuff, too. This will help them not think of what they get rid of as a loss. Divide everything into three piles: keep, toss, and donate. If you decide to sell some items in a garage sale, let them keep the money so they can go shopping for their new room.
Start planning their new space
Get the dimensions of their new room and create a floor plan, so they can start planning how they will set up their new room. This will help build up their excitement for the new place. Pick out paint colors, plan some fun DIY projects, and plan to take before and after pictures so they can share the big transformation with their friends.
Put together an essentials box
Every member of the family should have their own essentials box, which is packed with items they will want the first night in the new home. This can include comfort items such as a teddy bear or blanket, something to keep them entertained, prescriptions, toiletries, a change of clothes, etc. Label it clearly and if you have room, transfer it in your own vehicle so there is easy to access to what’s inside.
Make it as enjoyable as possible
While packing isn’t generally considered “fun,” it can be made a more enjoyable experience with the right attitude and some creativity. Play music, decorate the boxes, make a game of the process, offer to go to your child’s favorite restaurant once their room is packed – anything to make the process of packing and moving a better experience. Not only will your kids appreciate it, but you’ll enjoy it more, too.