Are you moving house with a family full of young children? It can be daunting and overwhelming! With all the planning and organising to be done before you move, it’s easy for packing – one of the most exhausting parts – to fall by the wayside.
But don’t despair; with our top tips on packing when you have little ones in tow, your big move will feel less like a burden and more like an exciting adventure! Even more so when you choose to use our removals and storage company, having specialised in helping families for several years moving home, we are more than confident we can help you with your move.
Moving house can be difficult, but when you have small children who do not understand the process, packing can be even more difficult. Reading our top tips helps you do it in the least stressful way possible. Whether you are searching for removals, storage or packing solutions, we are the company to help you!
Read on for our essential advice on tackling packing when you have small kids.
Why Is It Stressful Moving House With Small Children?
Moving house with children can be a stressful and challenging experience for many families. One of the main reasons for this is the change of routine that it brings. Children are often creatures of habit and prefer stability in their daily lives, so a sudden change to a new home can be difficult for them to adjust to. This disruption to their routine can cause stress and unease.
Another factor contributing to the stress of moving with children is the loss of familiar surroundings. Children may feel a strong attachment to their old home, friends, and school, and the thought of leaving these things behind can be distressing. The process of moving can also disrupt the regular daily routines of children, such as sleeping, eating, and playing, which can be incredibly stressful for young children who rely heavily on routine.
The stress can also be compounded for children moving to a new school. They may have to deal with the stress of adjusting to a new school, making new friends, and adapting to new teachers and classmates. This change can be difficult for children, especially those who are shy or introverted.
Finally, moving to a new home can create a sense of uncertainty for children, especially if they have no idea what to expect in their new neighbourhood. This can cause stress and anxiety, as children may be unsure about the people they will meet and the activities they will have available to them.
Moving house with children can be a complex and stressful experience, but proper planning, preparation, and communication can be managed.
Have A Family Meeting To Discuss The Move
It is advisable to have a family meeting with the children to tell them about the impending move. This meeting provides an opportunity for parents to address any concerns or questions the children may have and help prepare them for the changes ahead.
Having a meeting can also help reduce children’s stress and anxiety. By providing them with information about the new home and neighbourhood, parents can help to mitigate the uncertainty that often comes with a move. Additionally, involving children in the planning and preparation can help them feel more involved and less stressed.
During the meeting, it is essential to listen to the children’s thoughts and feelings and to address any concerns they may have. This can build trust, strengthen the family bond, and make children feel heard and validated.
Meeting with children before moving house is a helpful way to prepare them for the change, reduce stress and uncertainty, and promote open communication and involvement in the process. By doing so, you can help reduce their anxiety about the situation.
Why Not Get Your Children Involved In The Packing Process?
Getting children involved in packing for a house move can be a great way to help reduce their stress and make the transition to a new home more positive and memorable. Here are some tips for getting children involved in the packing process:
Give them age-appropriate tasks: Children of different ages can participate differently, so it’s important to assign appropriate tasks for their age and abilities. For example, younger children can help pack their toys and stuffed animals, while older children can help with more complex tasks such as wrapping fragile items.
Make it a fun activity: Packing can be tiresome, so try to make it more fun for the children by turning it into a game. For example, you can play music, have a packing contest to see who can pack the most items, or provide stickers or markers for the children to decorate their boxes.
Involve them in the decision-making process: Allowing children to decide what they want to bring to the new home and what they want to leave behind can help them feel more in control and reduce stress.
Label boxes together: Labeling them together can help children feel like they are part of the process and make it easier for them to find their belongings once they arrive at the new home.
Give them a sense of ownership: Encouraging children to decorate their boxes or to take responsibility for packing their rooms can help them feel like they have a sense of ownership over the move and can make it a more positive experience.
Involving children in the packing process can reduce stress and make the transition to a new home a more positive and memorable experience.
By giving children age-appropriate tasks and making the process fun and engaging, parents can help to involve their children in the move and create a sense of excitement and anticipation for their new home.
Pack An Essentials Box With Your Children
Having children pack an essentials box for a move can be a great way to give them a sense of ownership and responsibility during the transition to a new home. An essentials box is a box that contains the items that the child will need for the first few days in the new home. Here are some tips for letting children pack an essentials box:
Encourage them to be creative: Encourage children to decorate the box or label it with their name and a special message. This will give them a sense of ownership over the box and help make a move more fun and memorable.
Provide guidance: Children may not know what items to include in their essentials box, so it’s important to provide guidance and help them make the right choices. You could list items together or provide a checklist for them to follow.
Allow them to make decisions: Allowing children to decide what to pack in their essentials box can help them feel more in control and less stressed.
Getting your children involved can experience a less stressful move; giving them an area of the move, such as their belongings, to focus on will help them accept the process.
Contact AVM Storage & Shipping Today For More Information
Moving house can be a challenging experience, especially when you have young children. These simple packing tips and advice are a great way to make your house move smoother and less stressful.
Start early by organising your new home and downsizing pre-move; create an area for belongings that are intended for donation or removal; carefully pack sensitive items, clothing and smaller toys separately; involve your kids in the packing process by assigning them their task at an age-appropriate level; and remember to label boxes.
Ultimately, you’re aiming for a stress-free move that won’t involve any tears – from yourself or your children – so taking one small step at a time is critical! All that’s left to do now is contact AVM Storage And Shipping today to start planning your next big move!
Our team is more than happy to offer you removal services in a range of locations: Brockworth, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Gloucestershire and Stroud.