Packing and moving your stuff may seem like a breeze compared to tackling your kids’ rooms. However, it doesn’t have to be complicated, and your children may even get excited about this idea if you approach it in the right way from the start. Follow these tips to make the move much easier on yourself and your kids.
Tip #1: Enlist The Help Of Your Kids
Present the big move as though it is a grand adventure for the entire family. That will likely enthrall younger children and make them want to be involved. Follow that up by enlisting your kids’ help in packing their room. That will make things easier on you, and it will make little helpers feel like they are doing important work to help with the move, too.
There are a variety of things that children can do to help with packing and moving their stuff. Depending on the kids, their interest level, and their abilities, you may suggest they do one or more of the following activities:
- Make a list of all their favorite things. Also, make a list of all the stuff they no longer want that can be donated. (Of course, if you are going to be donating stuff, make sure to double check with kids that they wrote things down correctly, so you don’t accidentally throw out a beloved toy they still want.)
- Put together packing boxes with set directions that instruct the kids to use child-friendly scissors, packing tape, and small boxes.
- Placing things they want packed in certain piles that go together. For example, you may ask young children to put their stuffed animals in one pile for easy packing in one box. They may place blocks in another pile and so on.
Think about your kids’ unique preferences, and you may choose to ask for their help in other ways as well.
Tip #2: Encourage Creativity When Labeling Boxes
Moving boxes aren’t exactly meant to be framed in the living room after use. You don’t have to keep your moving boxes looking picture-perfect. When it comes to moving boxes for your kids’ rooms, you may encourage little ones to use it as a canvas for their creativity. What’s even cooler is that you can have them harness that creativity for effectively labeling the boxes. You may want to suggest your kids do the following:
- Draw their depiction of what’s in the box on the top of it.
- Choose color coding for different types of things. For example, all the boxes containing games may be labeled with a purple marker, while stuffed animals may be labeled with a pink marker. Color coding can help you keep things organized, and it can provide added fun for kids.
- Encourage kids to write a clear label on each box that simply sums up what’s inside.
You may also choose to buy things like moving-themed stickers for kids to place on boxes.
Tip #3: Talk About The Move Throughout The Process
Children can get bummed about a move. After all, change can be immensely challenging for people of all ages, and a move threatens to change so much about kids’ lives. If the move is caused by divorce or other major changes in the family dynamics, it’s especially important to talk to your children about the move and encourage them to express their feelings about it.
If your children seem withdrawn or are otherwise having a tough time coping with the move, you may want to ask them open-ended questions to help them open up so you know how they are handling the moving process. Some questions you may ask include:
- Moving can be a lot of fun. Do you have other friends who have moved with their families? If so, how did your friends feel about the move?
- What do you wish that adults understood about how packing and moving is for you?
- What would change about moving if you could?
- What do you like best about moving?
- What do you like least about moving?
Customize the questions to your children’s unique needs.
What Should You Do With Your Kids On Moving Day?
You may be inclined to leave the kids with a sitter on the big day, but with a little imagination and planning you can make moving day a family-friendly event. They might enjoy settling into their new place with their favorite books and toys. We suggest you try some of the following:
- Put together a moving day bag. Avoided the added stress of searching high and low for a specific item. Put together a unique moving day bag for each child stocked with their favorite books, treats, and other familiar items.
- Unpack the kids’ rooms first. Help your children feel at home by making sure to unpack some of their belongings and allowing them to decorate their space a little. This will also help keep them busy for a little while!
Finally, keep in mind that moving can be a joyful experience for the entire family when it’s handled well. Professional movers can help take the pressure off you, so you can stay focused on making fun memories with your family even during the packing and moving processes. When you are ready to start planning your move, contact Carmack Moving & Storage for all your packing, moving, and storage needs.
