As hard as the moving process can be, it’s almost always made more challenging when kids are in the mix. By bringing children with you where you go (which is certainly a better option than leaving them behind!), factors such as changing schools, packing messes, and a heightened sense of panic all play a role in complicating the move.
As tough as this can be for adults in the picture, the process is almost invariably more difficult for the kids.
Here are some steps to making a move with kids easier:
Prioritize what your kids pack
A great place to start with the packing process when it comes to your kids is to have them set their favorite belongings in one box, not only creating a familiar place for the child but also allowing them to unpack their most precious items all at once.
Unpack and organize their belongings first
Once in your new home, it’s important to unpack your children’s items first. This will help keep them comfortable, out of the way, and maybe even occupied for a good stretch of time.
Include the kids
While it may be tempting to take on the task of moving by yourself, keeping your kids involved in the process will help them feel needed and lift some of the burden off yourself. These types of activities can also be good for building character with kids, which is always a plus!
Tour the neighborhood first
By taking the family out for a drive around the neighborhood before moving, you’ll give both yourself and your kids something to look forward to before the move itself. This is also likely to help keep your children motivated throughout the move, as they can imagine, say, playing soccer on the field near their new house.
Give the kids a break on moving day itself
As mentioned above, it’s important to allow children to feel involved in the moving process itself. That being said, the moving day itself should generally be left up to the parents, ensuring that kids don’t complicate the process or hurt themselves with the materials used in moving items (box cutters, plastic wrap, moving straps, etc.).
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