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Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming part of life. Add kids to the mix and it can become even more hectic. But if you find yourself getting ready to move this fall with kiddos there are ways to mitigate that extra stress. Here are 5 ways to help your move with kids go smoother. 

Tell your kids as soon as possible about the upcoming move. Discuss it when they want to and answer their questions as they come up. They can sense when something is going on, so fill them in and let them feel included in the process. If your kids are older, they might need more information to feel safe and confident. For example, let them know the exact date, what to expect in the days leading up to the move and whether or not they’ll be sharing a room. All this helps to mentally and emotionally prepare them for a big change. And of course, help them navigate those big emotions that will inevitably arise. They might be scared but not have the words for it. Use books or TV clips or other tools to help reassure them that their feelings are valid and help teach them how to cope with those big feelings. 

Inevitably, moving day can sneak up on the best of us. We find ourselves scrubbing the floor frantically or throwing the last items haphazardly into boxes. To try to prevent this scene start earlier than you think you need to. You can start by packing up items you hardly use and you can even do this task weeks in advance. If you finish packing a room the week before your move, go ahead and deep clean in there and keep it off limits to save time. 

Of course, not everything will go according to the plan. However, coming up with a detailed plan will at least help keep everyone on track and moving in the right general direction. Come up with a meal plan for the week before the move. Create to do lists for each member of the family (kids included). It helps even younger children feel useful and that they are a part of the action. Let them color on the packed boxes even just to keep their hands busy for a while. Let them know what car they’ll be riding in. And keep as many other normal routines in place such as meal times and nap times. This helps alleviate their anxiety a bit. 

Pack a duffle bag or backpack for each member of the family. Use this bag for the last night in your old place and first night in your new place. Pack changes of clothes, basic toiletries, favorite toys and comforting stuffed animals. 

After move-in day, it will be an adjustment period. Give yourself and your kids however much time it takes. Be patient and don’t rush them to move on quickly. It depends on each child as well as the situation as to how quickly they will adjust and feel comfortable in their new home. 

And as always, let us know how we can help with your storage needs as you move!