Moving with kids can be challenging, especially if your kids don’t really want to settle down in a new location. Beyond objections, though, moving with children almost always involves additional planning and preparation, simply because you have more stuff to transport.
At Ace Moving & Warehousing, we understand the struggle of moving when you have a young family. But, after 60+ years facilitating family relocations, we’ve also developed a few tried-and-true tips and tricks that can make the process considerably less stressful. Below, we’re outlining a few simple ways you can execute a safe successful move with your kiddos in tow.
Time Your Move Appropriately
If you have the luxury of deciding when to move, try to time your relocation so that you don’t disrupt your children’s normal schedule too much. Timing is perhaps the most important factor when planning a move with kids, simply because many children aren’t excited about leaving their friends, recreational activities, or school.
Some things to keep in mind: Do you have young children? Will they adjust to a new school or daycare environment without too much objection? If your kids haven’t yet entered traditional school, the timing of your move will be far less impactful than if your children are older.
Are your kids making the transition between junior high and high school? If so, moving during summer break may be ideal since your children are getting ready to enter a new school in the fall anyway. If, however, you have children about to graduate high school, it may be beneficial to allow them to spend their final year with their friends.
Military movers and corporate relocators often run into this tangle with older children since the timetable for these types of relocations typically cannot be altered. If you have a trusted relative in the area, discussing temporary guardianship may be an option if your high school student cannot bear the thought of leaving his or her long-term friends.
Prepare Your Kids for Positive Changes
If your kids aren’t jazzed about moving, sometimes, getting them involved in the process can help turn those melancholy attitudes around. Let your kids pour over photos of your new home and neighborhood and explain all the fun things you’ll get to enjoy in your new location. As well, make a bucket list of fun things to do before you transition out of your current home.
Most importantly, allow your kids to express their feelings — both positive and negative — about the relocation. When your children feel safe expressing their feelings, they’re less likely to suppress pent-up emotions around the move. Often, suppressed emotions lead to unwanted behaviors, both on moving day and after the relocation, which are usually just a call to be heard and respected. Don’t dismiss your kids’ feelings — let them know that you feel sad, too, but that change can be exciting, even if it doesn’t seem that way at first.
Include Your Kids In the Planning & Packing Process
Once your kids adjust to the idea of moving, get them involved in the process! Children love to feel needed and helpful, so consider setting aside simple tasks they can assist you with. Have them help sort through their toys and clothes, let them help you create a moving inventory, and definitely let them practice their artwork on your moving boxes! Just make sure you can still see your labels clearly!
When it comes to planning your move, consider taking your children with you to pick out packing supplies and other moving materials. Make them feel as though they are a big part of the decision! When planning your packing, here are a few fun tips to get your kids involved:
● Start the consolidation process. Room by room, go through the items you rarely (or never) use and make a giant donation pile together. Let your kids know you don’t want to get rid of everything, but that you’re giving away some of your things to families that can really use your help.
● Let kids label. If your children are old enough to write legibly, consider allowing them to help with taping and labeling as you pack boxes.
● Set aside favorites. If your kids have favorite stuffed animals, toys, blankets, or books, sort through these items and have your kids pick out a few they’d like to keep unpacked. Just having a few familiar items within reach can make the travel process more comfortable for your child.
If you’re anticipating a real struggle with DIY packing, consider bringing in the professionals. At Ace Moving & Warehousing, we offer full packing services, partial packing services, and DIY packing with professional-grade moving materials.
We’re here to make your family move as stress free as possible, so if the packing process seems overwhelming with little ones running around, we’re always here to help. Please keep in mind, though, that we cannot pack or transport certain items during your move. For a complete list of non-packable, non-transportable items, check out this resource.
Help Your Child Pack a Special Box
After you’ve had your kids designate their must-have items, consider packing those things in a “super special” box for easy access. Ideally, designate a separate box for each child, so they can keep their favorite items close by during the transition. Essentially, the “super special” box is the same thing as an adult “open first” box — it should contain the things that’ll immediately make your new house feel a bit more like a real home.
Consider Arranging Childcare on Moving Day
If you have young children, consider arranging childcare on the day of your move. Having little ones running around underfoot doesn’t just make the process more chaotic; it presents a considerable safety hazard for everyone involved. If you have a close family member or friend who’s willing to watch your kids, arranging a fun-filled final day can be a great way to help your kids say goodbye.
No Childcare? Pack a Cooler
If you cannot (or don’t want to) arrange childcare on the day of your move, be sure to pack a cooler with snacks and drinks for your kids. Since moving day can be pretty action packed (and your fridge and cupboards will likely be empty) keeping sustenance on hand can help quell hunger-related tantrums without disrupting the workflow.
Hire Professional Movers & Packers
Last but definitely not least, consider hiring professional movers and packers to do the heavy lifting for you. Moving with kids is no easy task, but fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone! At Ace Moving & Warehousing, it’s our goal to make your move as seamless and stress free as possible through our wide variety of moving services, including:
● Furniture movers
● Appliance movers
● Custom crating
● Storage solutions
● On-site planning assistance
● And much more!
Ace Moving & Warehousing: Your Twin Cities Source for Professional Moving Services
Whether you’re getting ready to move across town or across the country, our team at Ace Moving & Warehousing is here to help. Since 1958, we’ve been providing comprehensive moving and storage services for Twin Cities residents, and we’re ready to discuss how we can help you, too! To learn more about our wide variety of professional moving services, give our team a call at 763-755-2045 or fill out our contact form, and a member of our team will reach out to you promptly. For your convenience, you can also request your free, no-obligation quote today!