Moving with kids presents many difficult tasks and scenarios. But it doesn't have to be boring. Keeping the process fun will help avoid some of the possible stress that can come with moving. Kids need to feel like they are a part of things in order to feel comfortable. Making it fun also helps to alleviate some of the nervousness they may be feeling. Moving is a big deal, especially to kids.
Let the kids help with the search. My older kids have been helping in the hunt for our next new place. They come with me when I go around town looking. They also email me links to potential rentals they look up online. With more than one person searching, it helps save time. It also can be a fun family activity. The kids should be a part of the moving process. If your kids are too young to search properties on their own, let them pull up a chair and join in on the fun while you're doing it. Sometimes we all search together and talk about what would happen if we lived in certain places.
Keep extra boxes for playing. Kids absolutely love playing with boxes. If you don't want then unpacking things or using boxes you have designated to certain items, be prepared with extras. Let them get inside the boxes, construct things with the boxes, decorate the boxes, and more. Since you are packing most of their things, this is an easy way to keep them busy and happy. Besides, many kids will play with boxes longer than more expensive toys anyhow. If you are able, you can play along with them.
Leave out one backpack of goodies. This will serve more than one purpose. A favorite toy should be included in the bag, as well as a mixture of small toys and books. Some suggestions include coloring book and crayons, crossword puzzles and pencil, favorite book, favorite doll or stuffed animal, one-piece puzzle game (like Rubik's Cube), and an etch-a-sketch. You can use this bag for the trip to the new house, as well as a way to have some items accessible to the kids. If you have more than one kid, they should each have their own bag.
Explore the new neighborhood prior to moving. Our family has been taking day trips to the areas we are most likely to move to. This will help us get acquainted with our potential new neighborhood and make the transition easier once it happens. It's also yet another way to let the kids know they are a part of the moving process. Because we love the outdoors, sometimes we take nature walks in the potential areas to get to know the trails. Other times, we may be familiarizing ourselves with the shops and historical landmarks. We also like to walk around the neighborhood to get to know the street layout and get a feel for what it will be like if we move there.
Let the kids decorate their boxes. Oh come on, parents. It's just a box. Does it really matter if the kids color on it? You're just going to recycle it once you move and unpack anyhow. Not only will this activity help you recognize who each box belongs to, but it lets the kids feel like they are a part of the moving process. It also keeps them entertained while you're packing other boxes or moving that heavy sleeper sofa you wish you hadn't bought. Make sure the kids write their names in dark colors. Other than that, give them free reign, even they color the entire box.
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Moving with Kids: Lessons from Sorting & Packing
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