Moving house with kids? Moving to a new home is a major life event, and when children are involved, it adds a whole new layer of planning and stress.
It doesnβt matter if youβre relocating within your suburb or heading interstate; the thought of packing up your current residence can feel daunting. And thatβs before you factor in keeping your kids fed, clean, and doing school runs during the process!
Parents often find themselves worrying theyβll forget something important, like the teddy bear their toddler refuses to sleep without or the school shoes needed for day one in a new school. Thatβs why itβs a good idea to draw up a proper family moving checklist that is focused on the needs of your children.
From comfort items to snacks, and school gear to sanity-savers, this guide will highlight everything that needs to be on it.
Big household items
Before you get stuck into packing the kidsβ gear, itβs worth taking care of the big household items first.
This simple guide on how to move a fridge is a must-read. However, you should also account for the dining table, washing machine, large-screen TV and anything else that might be bulky, heavy, and may require the help of professional removalists.Β
Packing Essentials for Children
With the bigger ticket items taken care of, you can now focus on the kids.
Unfortunately, when youβre surrounded by boxes, tape, and bubble wrap, itβs easy to misplace the things your kids need most. Thatβs why itβs smart to pack a dedicated essentials bag for each child.
This bag should stay with you in your car and not the removal truck. If you are moving with a baby, it will include nappies and wipes for babies, spare clothes, snacks, a water bottle, and any must-have comfort items like a blanket or dummy.
For those relocating with older children, make sure you (or get them to) pack entertainment like colouring books, a tablet with their favourite TV shows downloaded onto it, and a couple of changes of clothes.
Also, donβt forget their toothbrush, any medications, and a few snacks, preferably healthy ones. Having these on hand will make the act of relocating with kids much easier, especially if it involves long drives or a period where you are waiting for furniture to arrive.
Room-by-Room Kid-Friendly Packing Guide
With the essentials bag taken care of, you can focus on the rest of your childrenβs stuff. A good way to do this is to break down the packing task room by room to avoid the chaos of last-minute scrambling.
Their bedroom is as good a place to start as any. Pack your childβs bed linen, favourite pillow, pyjamas, and clothes in a clearly labelled box. If your child uses a nightlight or white noise machine, make sure you pop those in as well. These familiar items help them feel secure on their first couple of nights in the new home.
From the bathroom, youβll need child-friendly toiletries, towels, and any extras they require, like bath toys or a step stool. Having their own soap and shampoo at bath time creates a sense of routine, which can otherwise be comforting during a big change.
The kitchen is one room that can often get overlooked. But itβs important to pack a few of the basics your kids use every day. They should include their favourite sippy cup or plastic plate, cutlery, bibs, and a high chair if needed.
Tips for a Stress-Free Move With Children
One of the best things you can do when moving is to keep the kids involved. Donβt be a control freak!
Instead, let them help pack their own toys or choose what goes in their backpack. Allowing this will give them a sense of participation and make the move feel like an adventure in their eyes.
It is important to try and stick to your usual routines as much as possible, including mealtimes, naps, and bedtime rituals. Predictability is especially important for toddlers who may feel unsettled by all the changes.
Also, try to get them excited about the move as early as possible. Show them the new house if possible, or at least pictures of it and start to prepare artwork or other decorations for their room. If you do this, you are less likely to have to manage resistance from them during moving day, which can seriously ignite your frustration and stress levels.
Donβt Forget School Supplies
If youβre moving during the school term, it is important to pack everything your child needs for school in a separate bag or box. That should include uniforms, shoes, backpacks, lunchboxes, and any stationery theyβll need in the first few days.
Having a separate box or bag for school supplies for the move is vital because it ensures youβre not scrambling the night before your first day at a new school.
Also, be sure to have any paperwork the school might need on hand to make the transition as smooth as possible. The last thing youβll want is to have to furiously search for something in sealed boxes.
Unpack The Kidβs Rooms First
Unpacking in a new home can be just as daunting as the act of packing from your old one, especially with children. However, a clever tactic is to unpack the kidβs room first.
If you do this, youβll create for them a safe and comfortable space where they can play or rest while you sort the rest of the house. It also means they are less likely to get in your way once itβs all set up. Here is how you can go about setting up a boyβs bedroom.
Once their room has been set up, focus on the kitchen. At least that way, you will be able to prepare them meals in a fully functional space when they get hungry.
