How To Make Moving Day Less Stressful For Your Kids

Did you know that 27.1 million Americans moved last year? That’s about 8.4% of Americans. Another source says one in 10 children between the ages of one and 14 move annually.

Even if you hire the right moving company, moving day will be at least a little bit stressful. Your house will be a bevy of activity as the workers carry things from your home to the truck. And, of course, they’ll have to unload the truck and bring stuff into your new home.

One thing that you should never forget when planning your moving day is how to ensure your kids are well taken care of amidst all the activity. Your kids will need help getting through the day, and there are some things you can do to ensure that moving day is less stressful for them.

Choosing the right moving company will make a big difference. The movers will do the heavy lifting and handle the logistics, which will be a load off your mind. Even so, here’s a look at some things you can do to help your kids get through — and maybe even enjoy — moving day.

Let Them Know Ahead of Time

One of the worst things you can do is leave your children out of the loop. When planning a move, share as much information as they can reasonably process. You can take them to the new house ahead of time to show them where the family will be moving.

Another good idea is to let them see the neighborhood. You can take them to the park, the school they’ll be attending, and other places that will interest them. This is one way to prepare them.

When packing up ahead of the move, let your kids help. They can assist with packing up their toys, clothes, and any other items. You can reduce the impact that moving will have on them by packing their stuff last and unloading their stuff first. You can even have a calendar on the fridge to help them keep track of when they’ll be moving.

Keep Them Occupied and Out of Harm’s Way

Is there a spare room in your home where they can hang while the movers are working throughout the house? If so, you can let your kids stay in that room. Ensure they have adequate supervision, fun activities that they’ll enjoy, healthy snacks and drinks, and access to washroom facilities.

You don’t want your kids wandering around while the movers are working. It can be a dangerous situation for the workers and your kids. If you have pets, you’ll want to be mindful by ensuring that they’re not left wandering around on moving day.

If you don’t have a space in your home for your kids to stay, you might want to ask someone you trust to babysit. Whether a family member, a neighbor, or someone else you trust, you can drop your kids off at the home of someone who’ll be able to care for them. After the moving truck is loaded, you can pick up your kids before heading to your new home.

Stick to the Routine

Children need routine. Try to keep up with as many of your kids’ routines as possible on moving day. If they go to bed at a certain time, ensure that they get to sleep on time the first night you move into your new home. Do they typically get a bedtime snack and a bedtime story or two? Don’t skip them. Do you normally order out on certain days of the week?

If the moving day falls on one of those days, then do your best to honor this routine so that there’s normalcy. Sticking to the routine as best as possible will make it easier for your kids to adjust.

Moving day doesn’t have to be complicated. It’ll be easier when you hire the right moving company. But that doesn’t mean that your kids don’t require special attention on the big day. The tips above will help you and your kids get through moving day. They may even enjoy it.