Moving houses is a significant life event that can be exciting and overwhelming, especially when children are involved. The chaos of packing, the emotional farewells to friends and neighbourhoods and the uncertainty of a new environment can be a lot for children to handle. However, this transition doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right approach and the help of removalists, moving house with kids can be a smooth and even enjoyable journey for the whole family.
This article explores the strategies and tips for making your move as stress-free as possible for you and your children. From having them involved in the moving process to ensuring they feel at home in their new environment, we’ll guide you through the steps for a seamless transition.
How To Prepare Kids For Moving Houses
Preparing kids for moving houses involves a blend of practical planning, emotional support and engagement throughout the process.
Here are some things to do to prepare your kids for moving houses.
Tell them about the move
Start by talking to your kids about the move as soon as possible. The more time they have to process the news and come to terms with moving, the easier it’ll be for them on moving day. You should also help them understand everything about the move, such as why you’re moving, when you’re moving, how they can stay in contact with friends and what their new room is like. Giving your kids ample time to process the change is better than leaving it to the last minute and stressing them out.
Take them to see your new house
Once you have told your children about the move, the next thing to do is show them the new house and neighbourhood. This will help them feel some familiarity with moving day, making it more comfortable for them and reducing their anxiety.
Encourage them to go through their belongings
If you’re hoping to declutter and reduce the number of items you’ll take to the new house, it’s a great idea to encourage your children to go through their belongings a few weeks before moving day. By doing this, you’ll be able to donate, sell or throw away the things they no longer want, making it easier to pack the rest of their belongings for the new house. However, if you have young children, it’s best to go through their rooms well in advance of the move in case you have many things you want to get rid of.
Keep routines consistent
Try to keep your children’s routines as consistent as possible before and after the move. Familiar routines with eating, bedtime and playtime can provide a sense of security amidst all of the changes.
Create a moving day to-do list
Sit down with your kids and make a moving day to-do list. Some items on the list may include packing their personal items or labelling boxes for their rooms. Providing them with responsibilities on the day of your move can give them a sense of purpose and make moving houses feel like a team effort.
How To Pack Your House With Young Children
Packing your house when you have young children can seem like a daunting task. However, with some planning and creativity, it can become manageable and even stress-free. Here is how to pack a house to move with young children.
Start early and declutter
Begin your packing process weeks in advance. Use this time to declutter, involving your children in deciding which toys and clothes they want to keep and which they can donate. This will reduce the load and teach them lessons about letting go of things and donating them to people in need.
Leverage nap times
Capitalise on times when your children are sleeping to pack delicate items or important documents. Concentration and peace are crucial when packing these items.
Hire removalists
For larger items and furniture, hiring professional removalists can be a game-changer. They can handle the heavy lifting and logistics, allowing you to focus on your family and the finer details of the move.
Let them help
Allowing your children to help you pack will give them a sense of purpose and will even lighten the load for you. For example, you could get them to pack up items that don’t break easily, such as blankets and pillows.
Pack their things last
Don’t pack up toys that your children play with until a day or two before the big move, as it’ll give them something to play with while the house is getting packed up. When you do pack up their toys, assure them that they’ll be able to play with them as soon as you arrive at the new house.
Taking Care of Your Kids on Moving Day
The big day is finally here, but with removalists and family members helping you load all of your belongings into the truck, what can you do with your kids?
Have someone look after them for the day
It’s a good idea to have a friend or family member look after your children for the day so they are out of the way when the house is full of people moving your belongings.
Create a moving day safe room
If no one can look after your kids on moving day, the next best thing to do is to create a moving day safe room. Put the kids in one of the empty rooms with everything they need, such as an iPad or laptop, food, books, and their favourite toys. With all of their favourite things, they’ll be kept occupied for a few hours. Let them know that you’ve told the removalists that the room is off-limits. This will allow them to feel more settled and comfortable while all of the action is taking place around the rest of the house.
Go for a walk
If lots of people are helping you with the big move, take turns taking the kids for a walk. By doing this, you give your kids the opportunity to walk around your neighbourhood one last time and discover your new one.
Stress-Free Home Removals with Ready Movers
Moving houses is a stressful yet exciting part of anyone’s life, but it can be difficult with children involved. While strategies and moving house tips to help children can significantly ease the process, the ultimate stress reliever is professional assistance. Ready Movers is your go-to choice for home removalists. Whether you’re moving to the other side of town or across the country, our main priority is to ensure a hassle and stress-free move. Contact us today to get a quote for the big move.
