Keeping kids sound and safe while moving
Just when you though your moves are complicated enough, the next level of complexity is here. You’re now moving with your children. With children, a move can become infinitely more complex. Before you swipe or click on the back button on your web browser, I’m not here to scare you away from you next move or reading further. Instead, in this article, I will share tips and advice for packing it up with kids in tow.
Besides the standard procedures of connecting/disconnecting utilities (don’t worry we have this covered too, you’ve got to juggle all this while you drop off and pick up your children, working out your logistics to and from work. It could definitely be an experience that you won’t look forward to, if you’re juggling things on your own. Not to mention, that you won’t be able to put 100% into moving on the day of the move (let’s hope the movers will be late), because you’re too busy chasing your little ones, making sure that they are kept safe.
Based on my experience as a removalist, I know having children running up and down during the move isn’t ideal from a safety perspective. Children will always be children, so it’s up to you to make sure the move goes smoothly and safely. That’s why I am giving you five tips on how to engage your little ones in the moving to keep them occupied, keeping things entertaining, as well as tips on how to handle your children during the actual move.
Getting kids excited to help
- Let them pack their stuff: If you have kids two years and more, include them in the packing of their belongings. The secret is to keep it interesting. Make it a game by telling them they can choose ten toys which they can play with until you move. Include the children in picking which toys need to take a rest in boxes for a few weeks. At a younger age, children grow attached to certain objects, whether it’s a comfort blanket or a few different toys. Children will always pick their favourite comfort toys, so you won’t have to stress and worry about which toys to pick. With comfort toys in their vicinity, your children will likely to remain calmer and this will help immensely with your move.
- Assign them the labelling task: Let your children’s imagination run wild! Have them think of creative ways to make the label stand out. Perhaps with coloured markers and stencilled drawings. Just a tip, labelling with tapes instead of writing directly on boxes, you can store and reuse them for later.
- Let the children choose their new room: There’s something about a well-constructed dwelling. Encourage your kids to contribute towards what their room should look like. Children are innately imaginative, so without a doubt, they will come up with a great look for their new room. Of course, you don’t have to carry out every little plan they come up with, but children will be delighted to know their voice was heard and was reflected.
- Help from grandparents / other extended family: If the help is available, it will always come handy. What grandparents don’t like spending time with their grandchildren? It’s a triple win! You make some time to focus on packing and moving, grandparents are happy to have your kids around and the children get to escape their daily routine for a change.
- Plan your move on a school day: Here is an idea- if you haven’t got any help available (more often than not) you can always schedule your move on a school day or when they are at childcare. Not only weekday rates are cheaper, but you also have less to worry about on the day of the move.
It may sound daunting for you to juggle your commitments at work, pack and manage your children’s schedule all at once, but if you are able to involve the children and create fun little experiences, you and your family will have a much easier time moving to your new home.
Moving wit children? Easy Peasy!
Our friendly removalists, my skilled colleagues, will do everything to make your move as smooth as possible. If your children need cheering up, we’ll put work aside and assist you. Nothing’s more important than happy kids! We’ve moved so many families and it’s not occasional that the kids were around. Check a few more pictures from moving jobs where we received great assistance from children. Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your moving with us!
