Relocating to a new city can be challenging as it is, but add in some children or babies to the mix, and you have the recipe for a nightmare and a headache on the side. There are many aspects to consider and take care of if you have young children, that it can all be overwhelming. If you are considering making a move with young children, here are a few practical and easy packing and moving tips that might make it all a wee bit easier.
1. Advance Preparation is key
Before you begin packing in earnest, go around the hose and make a list of things in order of their use and importance. Consider what you want to take to the new house and stuff you want to leave. With children, there are always things they have outgrown that should be donated or discarded. Moving is a good opportunity to de-clutter your home and get rid of any things your children won’t use and won’t notice missing.
2. Don’t pack the children’s things in advance
While you should prepare for the packing in advance, avoid packing the children’s toys and things until the very end. This is because young children and babies are creatures of habit. They can get stressed by the changing layouts of the house as any change in their surroundings is unsettling. Additionally, if you pack stuff up too soon, the basic supplies needed for you to keep your baby happy and cared for, might not be available on hand. As adults, you might thrive on takeout, but you will need the basic kitchen utensils to make sure you can prepare meals for your baby.
3. Hire professional packers and movers
Professional movers can be the greatest help under normal circumstances but are nothing short of a lifesaver when children are involved. Having children underfoot makes it rather difficult to focus on packing properly. Last year, I moved to Los Angeles with my two children in tow, a task made all the more easier because while the hassle was handled by movers LA was explored by my children and me. This worked out well as I got to spend some quality time with the kids while the packers took care of the unloading.
4.Pack your children’s things yourself
Children like their things. Even if you are hiring professionals to pack up everything else, try and pack your children’s stuff yourself. Clearly label the boxes that contain their clothes, toys, and other essentials. Prepare a separate bag with at least one weeks’ worth of supplies for your children, like snacks, their favourite toys, diapers and games. Do not pack this bag in with the other boxes leaving with the moving truck. This means that in case of any postponement, your child won’t face any difficulties.
5. Arrange for help babysitting on moving day
Moving day is always chaotic. Since you will have a million and one things on your plate, try to enlist the help of friends or family to babysit your children. Ideally the kids should be able to go to their home. If you don’t have such support, hire a reliable babysitter. You will be able to handle everything if you are secure in the knowledge that your kids are safe and being cared for by a reliable person.
In a nutshell, your move can be smooth and easy with a little bit of advance thought and planning.
