Moving is stressful enough if you don't have kids, but once small children are added to the equation moving becomes especially complicated. Handling all of the logistics of a move while also providing care, attention, and entertainment for your children requires extra thought and planning. Here are a few tips for moving with small children:
Hire Professional Movers
One of the best things you can do to make a move with kids less stressful is to hire professional movers. Rather than spend days or weeks personally loading, driving, and unloading your belongings all while trying to wrangle your kids at the same time, you can let the movers do most of the work. Professional movers ensure that your belongings are protected, that your move is as quick and efficient as possible, and that you have more time with your children even during this busy time.
Pack Your Kids' Necessities Separately
Packing your kids' necessities separately is key to preventing meltdowns and last minute emergency runs to the store. Items like diapers, changes of clothes, bottles, sippy cups, and a small selection of favorite toys and books should be set aside and packed separately. Keep these items somewhere easy to grab and bring them with you in your vehicle instead of having the movers take them. This will ensure your kids have all their essential comforts from the moment you get to the new house.
Have Childcare for Moving Day
Even with the help of professional movers, moving day will be hectic. You will need to guide the movers, especially when it comes to unloading your belongings. You may need to go back and forth a few times between the old house and the new. Having a trusted babysitter watch your kids for the day will give you peace of mind. They will have a great time with plenty of attention from their babysitter, and you will be able to focus on the move.
Involve Your Children
To help your children understand the move and adapt to their new home, it's important to involve them throughout the process. This may mean making visits to their new neighborhood and school before the move or letting them help plan a goodbye party for their old neighborhood friends. If your children feel included the move will be easier for them to accept.
Following these tips and working with experienced moving companies will help you have a low stress, seamless move, even with small kids in tow.