Moving days are always a little chaotic. Throw in some kids who may be wound up or emotional at the idea of going to a new home and leaving their familiar one. The task can then start to feel a little crazy-making.
The whole process can feel taxing and overwhelming, but luckily, the stress can be managed.
Here's our guide to moving with kids, with practical tips to help you and your family get through moving day with less stress and meltdowns.
Just like with any big event (especially with kids in tow), planning ahead is crucial and will save you tons of headaches and guesswork.
Ideally, start planning your move at least 6–8 weeks in advance. This gives you enough time to manage logistics without feeling rushed, and to prepare your children emotionally and practically for the move.
Summer break is usually the most family-friendly time to move, especially if you're switching school districts. This timing helps minimize disruptions to your child’s school year and gives them a few weeks to adjust before starting at a new school.
Late June to August is ideal.
It's also the busiest moving season, so you'll want to plan early.
The first thing you can do is create a moving day schedule for your family. Incorporate meals, snacks, naps and a bit of playtime for your children.
While it seems counterintuitive to add even more activity to an already jam-packed schedule, these little time-outs will benefit both your children and you (adults need breaks too!).
The last thing you want is a hungry, cranky child to deal with while you are trying to oversee everything.
When packing your kids’ rooms, involve them every step of the way. Here are three fun ways to do so:
Here are some things you can include:
As soon as you decide you are moving house, let your kids know. How you talk to your kids about moving can shape their entire experience. The more time they have to digest the news mentally, the easier it will be for them.
It's likely your kid will feel emotional and anxious about the prospect of moving. It means that they'll be leaving their familiar routines, surroundings and neighbourhood friends. Luckily, there are ways to help them cope with the change.
To ensure that other areas of life aren’t affected, such as school performance, help them feel resourced and supported.
One of the most practical ways to reduce stress on moving day is to hire a babysitter to take the kids away for the day.
Even just having a sitter come and take the kids away for a few hours is worth the investment for simplifying moving day and adding a little peace of mind.
Ask close friends or family to come over on moving day and supervise the youngsters while you run around. You can also arrange for an extended playdate at a friend’s house.
If you're managing the move solo, this is one of the top moving tips for single parents—accepting help can turn a stressful day into a manageable one.
The main thing about kids and moving day is that you want to keep your kids safely entertained and out of your hair.
Offer some options for them to choose from, such as:
You can also set up a “kids zone” somewhere away from the action. If the weather is nice, they can set up outside with a kids' table in the shade or on a picnic blanket.
Consistency is key. It's important to keep certain routines as consistent as possible, especially nap, meal and bedtime.
Even the most organised and prepared families deal with surprises throughout the moving day. Toys get lost, kids get tired and have tantrums, and delays happen. Keep a cool head and take things one step at a time, prioritizing breaks and regular high-protein snacks.
If you normalize the idea that things may get a little crazy and that it's ok, you won’t feel as overwhelmed in the moment. Try to stay flexible and remember to approach the whole mission with a sense of humour.
Whether you’re partnered or managing alone, flexibility is one of the most underrated tips for moving with kids.
Parenting is not an easy job, and moving day is rarely free of hiccups and stress.
Once you have moved in, check in with your kids often to see how they are doing. Start taking frequent walks around the neighbourhood, so that they can get a visual sense of their surroundings.
Have them take note of any cool parks nearby, and make sure to visit a toy store or ice cream shop if you can find one. Spend a lot of time at the playgrounds. This will help your kids meet other neighbourhood children and start to create a local network of friends.
Moving is overwhelming for everyone, especially for children who are more vulnerable to feelings of anxiety or worry. There are ways to manage the emotions and even make moving fun. With the right direction and mindset, moving with kids can be manageable.
Make your family's move smooth, safe, and stress-free by booking a reliable moving company through Wise Move. You can find and book trusted, vetted movers across Canada all in one place. This means you can spend less time stressing and more time settling your family into your new home
Wise Move is a platform, where people find moving companies and independent movers. Our platform is the first of its kind in Canada, cost-effective and user-reviewed service providers with just a few short steps. Founded back in 2017, our focus has always been on making moving as simple and as effortless as possible for both customers and the professionals they rely on.
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