Expert Tips For Moving With Kids

Moving house can be stressful and it does not make the process any easier when you have little ones to look after throughout the moving journey. From packing up their belongings to introducing them to a new space and managing moving day, it can be challenging to move with kids. At Loxon Storage, we have been helping Australians move for decades. In this article, we reveal our expert tips for moving with kids - from packing to moving day and beyond, be sure to read on!

Planning & Preparation

When moving with children, preparation is key. It is important to plan and organise your move as far in advance as possible. This can help you put together a moving-day schedule and allocate ample time for decluttering and packing before the move. We recommend putting this together far in advance to reduce confusion and stress as the date draws near.

A moving timeline is a great way to keep your schedule on track and can be a saving grace come moving day. A simple hand-drawn moving schedule featuring packing schedules, important dates, contacts and tasks can simplify the process and reduce any stress.

Loxon Tip: You can also create a digital schedule in your online calendar or use a free Canva template. This allows you to easily share your moving schedule with partners, family and friends to get everyone on the same page.

Once your schedule has been put together, it is time to involve your children in the moving process. Sitting them down for a simple conversation and explaining to them what they can expect for the move is an easy way to get them on board. This can also give your children a chance to ask questions and help them feel included and less anxious throughout the moving process.

Organising & Packing

In a couple of weeks prior to your move, it is time to start decluttering, organising and packing. When doing this, it is important to let your children help with packing their rooms and shared spaces. This can give them a sense of belonging and ownership over their own space and their personal items. Parents can guide their children throughout the packing process by providing them with advice on sorting through belongings and putting items into keep, donate or storage piles.

Loxon Tip: Make this a fun and enjoyable process by putting on music, taking dance breaks and keeping your little ones on track where needed.

After all items have been sorted, label each box and keep your children’s moving boxes prioritised for easy access throughout the transit journey. This ensures their belongings are on hand for moving day in case of any emergencies.

Loxon Tip: If you have spare time available, make labelling boxes a fun afternoon activity and allow your little ones to colour in their own labels.

Another way to prepare for moving with children is packing an essentials box with key items your children may need on moving day. This could include items such as their favourite toys, non-perishable snacks, blankets, clothing, nightlight, activities, games and more. Keep this on hand on the moving day to ensure your child feels safe and comfortable.

Making The Move

In the week before moving day, review your moving schedule and consider how your children will be involved throughout the day. A great option for moving day is to book your children into daycare or leave them with family and friends. This keeps them away from the hustle and bustle of moving boxes, objects and other hazards that might be around. If this is not an option for you and your children will be with you on moving day, there are a couple of easy ways to manage your move with kids.

Loxon Tip: We recommend keeping your children entertained and stationary to avoid them getting in the way whilst you are trying to move. This could involve pre-downloading movies or TV shows the night before and setting up a corner with pillows, blankets and a tablet or iPhone they can use.

Turning moving day into a fun and exciting time where your children can watch their favourite shows and prevent them from running amuck whilst you are managing your move. Alternatively, setting up puzzles, board games, card games or even a simple pen and paper can keep your little ones off screens and entertained for hours.

Adjusting To A New Space

Once you have completed your move and are in the new space, it is important to bring your children in and show them around the property. Whether you want to surprise them with their rooms set up already for an easy transition or involve them in unpacking and setting up their room, the option is up to you!

Loxon Tip: To help your children feel settled into their space, we recommend unpacking your little ones rooms as a priority.

After your children have explored their new home and are feeling comfortable in the space, it is time to introduce them to their new neighbourhood. Make a day out of it and take them to the local park and amenities and finish the tour with a brunch or meal at a local eatery. This can make the moving transition exciting and less intimidating for your children.

In the coming week, we recommend establishing a consistent routine to help your children adjust to the new environment. This includes regular morning and evening routines based on the new environment that lays out what your children can expect.

For example, if you have moved further away from childcare or work, this could result in an earlier wake-up time and earlier bedtime to accommodate for this. Alternatively, if you live closer to your children’s school this could involve walking to and from school in the mornings and afternoons. This can help children adjust to a new environment and space.

How can self-storage help when moving with kids?

Throughout your moving journey with children, self-storage is a great way to take away the stress of moving everything at once and can be helpful in a variety of ways.

Temporary Storage Solutions

If your family is renovating, downsizing or needs additional space whilst moving, self-storage units are a great and affordable option for storage. With clean and affordable units in a variety of sizes, you can find the perfect option to suit your needs.

Seasonal Storage Solutions

Outside of helping throughout a move, self-storage can be used to store seasonal items or belongings that are not always needed. This includes cars, boats, motorbikes, caravans, water sports, winter sports gear, surfboards and any other belongings that do not fit into your new space.

Flexible Storage Solutions

Loxon Storage offers flexible short-term contracts enabling you to cancel or extend your contract at any time. Whether you only need your storage unit throughout the moving process or want to pursue an ongoing contract to store seasonal items, Loxon Storage is your trusted local storage provider.

How To Move House With Kids Summary:

1. Create a moving schedule and timeline
2. Have a discussion with your children to set expectations for the move
3. Pack up your home
4. Move
5. Introduce them to their new neighbourhood
6. Keep a consistent schedule to ease the transition

Tips for Moving With Kids Summary:

1. Create a moving schedule and timeline
2. Have a discussion with your children to set expectations for the move
3. Involve children in sorting belongings into keep, donate or throw
4. Involve children in packing their belongings
5. Create an 'essentials box' for each child with important items to have on hand for moving
6. Prepare entertainment for the move such as movies, games and books
7. Unpack your children's room first to ease the transition
8. Introduce your children to the neighbourhood
9. Keep a consistent schedule and routine

About The Author:

Loxon Storage is a family business that has been operating in the storage industry for decades and has extensive experience in all things storage. Since opening, Loxon Storage has always been a trusted source for any storage topic including how to navigate moving with children . Learn more about Loxon Storage by visiting our About Us page.