The thought of moving house can instil a sense of dread, even for people who have moved multiple times in the past. An added worry and responsibility is when you’re moving home with children. Whether they are still babies or in their late teens. There are things you can do to help alleviate these extra stresses. So moving day is seen as an adventure rather than anything to try and avoid.
Be proactive
Leaving things to the last minute is a sure fire way to make your move much more difficult than it needs to be. Especially with kids involved. Younger children may need time to get used to the idea of moving. So make sure they understand the process. This way they won’t start to panic when all of a sudden their belongings are slowly disappearing into boxes.
To make the transition to their new house slightly easier. You could have them pack their own box which contains their important belongings. Such as their favourite toy or medical equipment like an Inhaler. This way when they get to the new property they can open up their box and have everything they need to settle in for the first night.
With the time you have before the day of the move you can try to de-clutter any unneeded items. Children will inevitably grow out of their clothes, stop needing certain furniture and stop playing with old toys. This can free up space in your new house and also reduce the cost of your move. Much of these unwanted items could either be sold or given to your local charity.
For more tips on de-cluttering before your move have a look at our dedicated post.
Child care
For younger kids keeping them pre-occupied and out of the way is the main objective on moving day. Moving on a day the kids will be in school is the ideal scenario. As you can focus solely on your other responsibilities. This isn’t always going to be possible depending on ages and time constraints.
Organising childcare is another option for moving day. Whether that be with a child minder or with a family member/friend. The more you can focus on the move itself the less overall stress for you on the day. Having a friend or a member of the family there to help watch your children while you direct the move can be a great help. This way they can be kept entertained and out of the way your movers. Helping to prevent any delays to the un-load.
Keep them in the loop
Older children and young adults may prefer to pack their own belongings into boxes before they move. They get to feel more involved as they have their own responsibilities before and on moving day! They also might appreciate being able to pack their things in their own particular way. Should they need to access something important, they should be able to find it.
If your younger children are going to be there during the move, then a good way to keep them entertained is to get them involved! There are always plenty of jobs to be done on the day and there will be something for most age groups to help with. Simply getting them involved with the cleaning of the house as rooms are emptied has a multitude of benefits! You get some help, they keep busy and they may even learn some new skills along the way! Although the idea of chores isn’t going to be welcomed by many children. As long as you can try and inject some fun into it, you’ll be making some great memories of the last day in your old house.
In your new home
Once you’re in your new home, there are a few things you can do to help your kids settle in:
- Open up any important boxes that may contain medicine or comforts for your child.
- Let them explore their new house quickly before the work starts to bring in your furniture.
- Get them out playing games in the garden while waiting for the furniture to be delivered.
- Start setting up their new room, get them involved with some of the design aspects and layout of their new space.
- Ensure there is sufficient food at hand as you may not be able to use any cooking utensils till later on in the evening.
If you need help to prepare for your removals in Coventry, or if you want to ask us any questions. Please contact us using the contact us page. Alternatively you can give us a call on 02476 332 889 or email us at info@keeblesremovals.co.uk. Here at Keebles Removals Coventry we have many years of expertise in the removals and storage industry. We will be more than happy to help!