By TopMovingCompanies.com Staff
Packing, hiring movers and obtaining boxes are the norm when moving. Adding young children with a boundless amount of energy and your limited nerves may seem like a recipe for disaster. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. With some careful planning and organization – you and your little one can have a smooth moving day experience, here’s how:
1. Enlist a Friend or Family Member:
Most likely your child has a friend (or if you are very lucky a Grandparent) that lives nearby. Explain your situation to the child’s parents and ask them if they could watch your child for a few hours over a designated period of time. You might even want to swap hours: she watches your child for three hours to pack; while you watch hers when she does the grocery shopping, etc. Once you establish this agreement, make a schedule for yourself where you use them time to devise a packing plan, call and meet with moving companies or an opportunity to obtain boxes – whatever you decide to do, use you’re (child-free) time very wisely.
2. Pack Together:
Although your little one is a lot smaller and may not be able to understand directions, you can still work together to make them a part of the process. Packing boxes with their toys might be the best bet, since they can shove (soft) animals and toys in boxes without worrying about them being broken. When they have packed up their belongings, allow them to be as creative as possible – drawing over boxes, making doodles, etc. Not only will you know that it is there items, but it will allow them to express themselves. You should also have them pick out a special moving day outfit and essentials they will need on the road such as a favorite book, stuffed animal or crayons and paper.
3. Talk to Them:
Toddlers understand a lot and the fact that you and you’re family are moving may cause them to be anxious and fearful – resulting in fits or worse! As soon as you find out about the move, talk to your child about their exciting new neighborhood and describe all the fun people the will meet and all of the exciting things they will be able to do. You can also start by reading to them. There are numerous moving day books on the market for children. We recommend, “I Want to Go Home” by Sarah Roberts and “I’m Moving” by Fred Rodgers. You may also want to show them pictures of their new house—describing how their room will be decorated and highlight key points like a bigger room, more space, etc.
4. Moving Day:
On moving day, try to keep your child’s routine as similar as possible – taking time to eat and nap. Of course, much of this will be done on the road (whether by car or plane). Be sure that the have their favorite items with them, as well as sufficient snacks, liquids and diapers.
The tribulations of moving affects everyone – regardless of how old you are. For younger children, change is often considered scary and something that they have difficult understanding. When you know you are moving, be sure to communicate this with your young child and break the moving news to them (early on). This will enable them to process the information, accept it and be just as excited as you are.