Organizing a Move With Kids: Tips and Tricks to Get You Through
Moving into a new home can be an exciting new adventure, but when kids are part of the equation, it may feel overwhelming. From managing packing lists to keeping little ones entertained and happy, there are many moving parts to juggle during this busy time.
The key to any smooth move is staying organized and creating a positive atmosphere for the whole family. With some proper preparation and smart strategy, it’s possible to reduce the stress of an already exciting move. Whether you’re preparing for a local move or heading across provinces, these helpful tips from the moving experts at Apple Self Storage will help you whether you’re moving to a different city or province.
Preparing for a Move With Kids
The first step to a successful experience moving with kids is preparation. Start the process of preparing for a move by creating a budget and timeline for your move. This will help you stay on track and avoid any last-minute surprises. You can involve your kids in the planning process by explaining what will happen and when. Visual calendars, including pictures of your new house, can be a fun way to help younger children understand the moving schedule.
If you’re moving to a different city or province, research your new neighbourhood together. Look for pictures of nearby parks, playgrounds, and schools to build excitement about the move. The more involved they feel, the easier and more natural the transition will be for them.
Tips for Packing for a Move
Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of any move, especially when you’ve got piles of toys, blankets, and other childhood belongings to deal with. Start by gathering packing supplies like boxes, tape, Bubble Wrap, and labels. Then, create a checklist of what needs to be packed room by room and tackle one at a time.
As you go, label each box clearly with its contents so you can retrieve it from storage easily. For kids, let them help pack their own belongings. Giving them a small box to fill with their favourite toys can help them feel in control and allows for easy access if they need to play with one. Don’t forget to pack a special moving day go-bag with essentials like snacks, toys, and extra clothes to keep your little ones happy during the journey.
Keeping Kids Happy While Moving
Keeping kids safe and entertained during a move can make all the difference in a successful experience. Plan ahead by downloading their favourite shows, packing activity books, or setting aside a few new toys as a surprise for moving day. If possible, you can even arrange for family or friends to watch the kids while you work on hauling things in and out.
Teenagers and adult children can help with tasks like packing their own rooms or cleaning out drawers. This helps them feel included and gives them a sense of responsibility. Celebrate any contributions your kids make with small rewards like choosing what’s for dinner or picking the music for the car ride.
Relocation Tips
While moving out of your home is enough to make some kids emotional, relocating to a new city or province adds another dimension to their potential stress. To keep them level, try to maintain a positive attitude throughout the process. Highlight the exciting parts of the move, like planning the layout of their new room or exploring the neighbourhood. If they’re sad about moving away from their friends, try to get a phone number or email address from the parents so they can stay in touch.
Advice for Moving to a Different City
When moving to a new city, spend some time exploring the area before you relocate to get your kids excited about their new life. Find local parks, libraries, and family-friendly activities your kids will be excited to check out. Joining online community groups can also help you meet other families in the area before you arrive.
Advice for Moving to a Different Province
More planning is involved when moving to a different province, from updating IDs and health cards to registering for new schools. Start gathering documents well in advance and create a folder with all your important paperwork. Talk to your kids about any differences in weather or local customs they might experience to get them excited about their new surroundings.
Unpacking Your New Home
Once you’ve arrived at your new home, prioritize unpacking the kids’ rooms first to satisfy their excitement. This will help them feel settled and create a familiar space in the middle of the chaos. Let them participate in setting up their own rooms, whether it’s choosing where to put their toys or helping to arrange their furniture.
Maintaining a sense of routine is key during this transition. Stick to familiar bedtimes, meals, and playtimes to create a sense of normalcy. Unpack essential rooms like the kitchen and bathroom next, and tackle the rest of the house gradually to avoid overwhelming your kids.
Renting Storage for Your Move
Renting a self storage unit can be a game-changer when moving with kids. A storage unit provides a secure place to keep nonessential items out of the way, helping to create a clutter-free environment in both your old and new homes. Store seasonal items, extra furniture, and boxes of belongings you don’t need immediately so you can focus on the essentials.
Manage Your Move With Apple Self Storage
Moving with kids is easier when your home is clutter-free. Apple Self Storage offers many sizes of secure storage units to help you stay organized during the transition. Whether you need temporary storage for boxes of clothes or a long-term unit for things you’re not planning to move in right away, we’re here to make your move as smooth as possible.
Get started today! Find an Apple Self Storage facility near you and handle your move with precision. You can also explore our list of frequently asked questions and blog to learn more.