Moving with kids can seem like an overwhelming task. No matter the size of your family, having children involved means there will be more factors to consider. It’s important to think about how moving homes, neighborhoods, or even states might affect younger family members. From packing up to the day you get settled into your new home, you’ll want to plan the details out ahead of time. Keeping the experience a positive one for everyone is key, so be sure to follow as many kid-friendly moving tips as you can.
Aside from keeping the kids informed, there are a few guidelines to follow before, during and, after your move. It’s all about keeping the move comfortable and stress-free. Here are our suggestions on how to make this transition period as smooth as possible.
Let Them Participate
Your kids will likely have a better moving experience if they feel like they’re part of the action. It’s true that you’ll want to be mindful of the tasks you hand off, but there are several ways to keep them involved. As soon as you’re starting to pack up the family belongings, ask your child what they want to pack. This is a great way to sort items and decide what can be donated or thrown away. Allow the kids to give you a helping hand with labeling or decorating boxes as you go.
If possible, give them a tour of the new house before move-in and let them decide which room will be theirs. This will help them visualize all the new ways they can decorate their new space. Giving them the freedom to plan their paint colors, bedding, and other decor can make this extra exciting.
Take School Into Consideration
Researching school districts is a crucial part of moving your family. You’ll want to make sure you have a clear understanding of the quality of education your child will be receiving in the new community. Remember to think about the time of year you’ll be moving them as well. A summer move is an ideal option to avoid major change during the middle of a school year. Finally, be sure to complete the enrollment process for your child so the timing aligns with your move-in date.
Have a Move-In Day Plan
During move-in, have designated boxes for your child to start unpacking in their room on the first day. This will give them a sense of control over their new space. Include a bag packed especially for the first night, which will include all of the essentials for a good night’s rest. Toiletries, snacks, and entertainment are all things to consider. Good sleep is going to make the rest of your unpacking experience more pleasant.
Plan Around the Kid-Free Time
It will benefit everyone to have the kids with another caretaker for some of the move. Take this time to be intentional with your planning. For example, maybe this is when you’ll move artwork or other fragile items into your home. You may also want to move in larger furniture or anything that could be a safety hazard if the kids are running around. If it’s not possible to have a babysitter for the kids during this time, consider having a special part of the house for them to play or relax. In this case, have their favorite activities ready to keep them entertained.
Make It Fun
At the end of the day, it’s important to keep your move enjoyable. With kids, this could mean turning things into games or competitions. Something as simple as seeing who can clean their space the fastest and get it ready for unpacking can be huge. This is a chance to get creative with incentives and fun rewards.
Once you’re all moved in, look for family-friendly activities in the neighborhood. Checkout local events that will give your kids the chance to meet potential friends. It’s important to take the kids out and familiarize them with all the new opportunities they’ll have within the community.
Hire a White Glove Moving Company
Moving with kids isn’t always easy. With all our kid-friendly moving tips, consider hiring a white glove moving company like Megan’s Moving. We can handle everything from moving your belongings into your new home to setting everything up. Schedule a consultation with one of our moving experts today!