I am a mother of 2 small children and just completed a move myself. I know planning a move can be difficult but planning a move with small children can be overwhelming. Now that you made the decision to move, the best way to approach it is to take it to step by step and not look at the whole picture and cannot stress enough, to be prepared. Whether you are moving out of province or just down the street, children are never thrilled by such an event regardless of their age. They leave friends behind and leave what is familiar to them such as schools and neighborhoods for new unfamiliar territory. Do your best to be patient and understanding. Your attitude about moving and let your children share in the experience will influence their feelings. Help make “moving with children” as stress-free as possible by taking these extra steps and making your move fun and exciting.
Be enthusiastic about the move. If you are excited, your children will be excited too! Explain the moving process to your children and what exactly will happen. Read some age-appropriate books about moving together or make a memory board.
Ask for at least 2 hours notice before showings, to give you plenty of time for a quick tidy up and to get you and your kids out the door.
Have an empty drawer or an empty bin in every single room. That way when you get a call that you have a showing you can put things in the drawer or bin. This just makes it easy to throw things in and go.
To-go bag for kids–Keep your diaper bag stocked full of snacks, juice, a few toys, and anything you will need, ready to leave at any time of day with just a moment’s notice.
Oven dinner! Dinner cleanup is hard when your kitchen needs to remain picture perfect for a showing at any moment.
Involve your children in the buying process, ask for their opinions about new homes. Invite them to check out the community and explore kid-friendly activities. You can also bring them along for house-hunting trips.
Go through your children’s toys and get rid of or donate anything that is not played with. Pack up most of the toys you are keeping and put them into storage. Plan a yard sale and let your children keep the money from their items sold, so they can buy new toys or items for their new room.
Encourage your child to pack their own belongings in their room and allow your child to color their own boxes to create excitement and involvement in the moving process. It is also a good idea to label boxes clearly, so you can find things quickly.
Maintain a routine schedule up to the day of the move. This helps reduce stress and help eliminate uncertainty about the move.
Pack a backpack or overnight bag. Keep books, blankets, toys, snacks, extra clothes, and special activities to keep your child entertained.
