The Ultimate Guide to Moving with Kids

Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet challenging experience, especially when you have kids. Since children thrive on routine and familiarity, a move can disrupt their sense of stability and cause anxiety and stress for everyone. However, with careful planning and involvement, you can transform the moving process into a positive and engaging adventure for the whole family.

Involving the Kids in the Move

Although it can be tempting to keep your kids on the sidelines during a move, involving them from the start can prove beneficial. Here are a few ideas you can implement that will not only empower your kids, but will also provide them the opportunity to play an important role in the move as well:

1. Communicate clearly. Before embarking on the move, sit down with your children and explain the reasons behind the move and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Encourage them to share their thoughts, concerns, and expectations. Involving them in the decision-making process can make them feel valued and more receptive to the idea of moving.
2. Let them participate. Assign age-appropriate tasks to your kids, making them active participants in the moving process. Younger children can help pack their toys and books, while older kids can assist with sorting and organizing their belongings. This involvement not only lightens your workload but also gives your children a sense of responsibility and ownership. 
3. Create a moving timeline. Develop a visual timeline with your kids, outlining the various stages of the move. This can be a fun project involving stickers, markers and colorful drawings. Display the timeline prominently, so your children can track the progress and understand what to expect as the moving day approaches. Cross off the days as time passes and steps are accomplished. 
4. Let them have a say in their new room planning and decor. Allow your kids to participate in planning their new rooms. Let them choose the color scheme, pick out decorations, and even assist in measuring furniture and deciding where items should go. This involvement helps them feel connected to their new space and fosters a sense of excitement. 

Keeping Kids Engaged Away from the Move

While it's essential to involve children in the moving process, there may be times when you need to keep them engaged away from the move. Whether it's on moving day or during the unpacking and settling-in phase, there are various strategies to keep your kids entertained and happy while giving you the time and space to handle the logistics.

1. Arrange for childcare. On the actual moving day, consider arranging for childcare. Enlist the help of family, friends or professional babysitters to keep an eye on your children while you focus on the logistics of the move. This ensures their safety and allows you to concentrate on the move without distractions.
2. Create a "moving day kit”. Prepare a special moving day kit for each child. Include their favorite toys, books, snacks and activities to keep them entertained and engaged during the move. This kit can be their go-to source of comfort and distraction, ensuring a smoother transition. 
3. Provide creative projects. Set up creative projects or art stations for your kids to work on while you unpack and settle in. Provide them with art supplies, craft kits or coloring books to keep them occupied and engaged. Not only does this keep them entertained, but it also encourages their creativity and helps them feel at home in their new space.
4. Make it fun! Consider taking occasional breaks from the move and spend some time having fun. As you transition from one house to the next, splurge a little and book a hotel with a pool so everyone can relax. For older kids and teens, you could create a scavenger hunt in the new neighborhood so they can acclimate to their surroundings and maybe even make a few friends along the way. 

As you embark on your moving journey, remember that involving your kids in the process and keeping them engaged away from the move can make all the difference. There will undoubtedly be challenges along the way, but with patience, creativity, and a positive attitude, you can turn it into a rewarding experience for everyone.

Good luck with your move and may your new home be filled with love, laughter and happy memories for years to come!

To enlist the team at, women-owned, Mission 2 Organize to assist you and your family with your next move, visit www.Mission2Organize.com or call 773-830-4070. They will pack, unpack, and even handle your entire move from start to finish! It pays to call in the experts.

Since 2010, clients have called upon Mission 2 Organize to handle such tasks as home organizing, decluttering, digital organizing, packing and unpacking, as well as executive assistant services and beyond. Team M2O works with clients seeking to create a more peaceful environment in their homes, better manage their time, and move with less stress and more order.

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