Moving is a huge deal, especially for kids. Even if you’re just moving to the next neighbourhood over, it can be an overwhelming time for children who may have become attached to their home, their rooms, their neighbours, and their friends. The actual moving process itself can also be chaotic as you have to literally pack up your entire life, ship it to a brand new home you’ve never lived in, then start anew. No matter how old your kids are, this can be a tough time for them, but there are things you clan do to ease the transition and make the move a smooth one.

Pack Your Children’s Things Last

Kids tend to want to have instant access to their belongings, including their toys, blankets, and other things that they’re attached to. If you pack them first, they’ll be pawing at you for them. Rather than having your kids go through all the boxes that are already packed looking for their stuff, you might as well save that for last-minute packing.

Unpack Your Children’s Things First

For the same reason that you should consider packing your kids’ things last, you should also consider unpacking them first once you get to your new home. They’ll be really anxious to access their belongings, so make it easier on you and them by unpacking their items before anything else. This will also give you a chance to set up their space right away so that they can settle in much quicker. This will help them feel comfortable and more at home as they get familiar with the new place.

Give Them Play a Role in the Moving Process

Your kids were likely not a part of the decision-making process to sell the home and move, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be part of the packing and moving process. Considering how difficult this move might be for them, helping them to play an active role in packing and moving can really help them feel some level of control over the entire situation. They can make smaller decisions such as which boxes to pack their belongings in or how to furnish and decorate their new room.

Get Rid of the Junk

Moving all your kids’ things is a big job, but you don’t necessarily have to move everything. There are likely many things that have accumulated over the years that are no longer used. Use this opportunity to get rid of things that are just collecting dust rather than packing them all up and storing them in your new home. This will make the move a lot easier.

The Bottom Line

Regardless of how organized you are on moving day, having kids can complicate things if you aren’t adequately prepared. Consider the above tips to keep your kids entertained during your move to help reduce their frustrations, and don’t be afraid to ask for help the challenges as they come, and take each obstacle in stride. And as always, entrust the moving process to the professional in this industry to help make the process much easier and less stressful for you!