Moving is an exciting, busy time for the whole family. Whether you are relocating across town or to the other side of the country, moving can become a daunting task quickly. Having children and pets not only increases the number of belongings to pack and relocate, but you have to keep track of pets, try to motivate your kids and teens to help pack and organize. This can become a challenge all on its own. Finding ways to lower the amount of time and stress that goes into a move is essential. To make your move go more smoothly, here are some tips for moving with kids and pets.
Tips For Moving With Kids
Make To-Do Lists
The first thing you should do when moving with kids is to delegate simple tasks for them to do. Giving your children a list of things that they need to do will help them stay focused on the job at hand, allowing you to focus on the bigger picture. Some tasks that kids could handle on their own may be:
- Cleaning/organizing closets and toys
- Going through items for donation
- Packing items from their bedroom
- Cleaning/organizing the pantry or refrigerator
Start Early
One of the best tips for moving with kids and pets is to start the organizing and packing processes earlier than you think you may need to. This will help ensure that you stay organized and on schedule.
Make A Plan
If you and your children will be out of your regular routines for the week leading up to moving, creating a set plan and schedule can make the transition easier. Things to consider when making a moving week schedule:
- Plan out what meals will be eaten throughout the day and after the move
- Hire a babysitter for moving day if needed
- Create a packing plan and discuss it with the whole family
- Work out transportation for all family members
Create A “Last Minute” Bag For Everyone
Creating a last-minute bag allows is one of the most helpful tips for moving with kids and pets because it allows you to focus on getting the rest of your home packed and moved. When packing your last-minute bag, make sure to pack all essentials you may need on moving day and the first night staying in your new home. These could include:
- Medication
- First Aid Kit
- Personal Papers (records for home sale, school, doctors, etc.)
- Expensive Jewelry
- Toothbrushes & Toothpaste
- Toiletries
- Towels & Washcloths
- A Change Of Clothing
- Alarm Clock
- Coffee Pot and Coffee Supplies
- Chargers For Electronics
Color Coding and Labeling
Making a system for color coding and labeling boxes will make the packing and unpacking processes more efficient. Giving each family member a color to put on moving boxes will help you, and your movers know where they belong in the new home. Telling your kids that their clothes go in the yellow boxes and toys go in the green boxes, for example, will make it easy for them to follow directions. Labeling each set of items in the color-coded boxes such as sweaters, books, and toys will help you stay organized when unpacking rooms.
Tips For Moving With Pets
Making a move easy on your family pet is always important. Dogs and cats can become stressed out and uncomfortable with just the packing process. When it comes to moving day, you may have lots of people coming in and out of your home, causing your dog anxiety which may make them bark or try to run away. Cats may try to hide from you or want to bolt out of the front door at the first chance they get.
Pack A “Last Minute” Pet Bag
Pack a bag for your pet to make the transition easier and more comfortable. Packing their food, litter, treats, toys, and their favorite bed or blanket can make them feel more at ease while you focus on packing or unpacking your belongings.
Hire A Pet Sitter
With all the action that moving requires, having your pet not in the home on moving day will reduce stress for the animal and yourself. Not having to worry about a barking dog, a sneaky cat, or your feathery friend escaping will allow you to keep doors and gates open, making moving large or heavy items more accessible. If you’re unable to remove them from the house or if you think that will cause more stress, choose a room to keep them in during the move. Give them water, toys, and their favorite comforts to keep them calm and avoid anyone escaping.
Contact Your Veterinarian
If you are moving out of your current area, contact your vet for new vet recommendations and records/prescriptions. Keeping all smaller pets such as guinea pigs, hamsters, and reptiles in their cages away from the commotion will lessen the stress on them. If your family has a pet fish, transporting them in a bag for a short distance is okay, but if relocating a far distance, the movement can harm the fish, so it may be best to find them a new home with someone before you move.
Ready For The Move?
S&M Moving Systems combine knowledge and expertise to provide you with award-winning service and solutions. When you trust S&M Moving for your next residential move, you’ll see why families have trusted us in relocating their families for more than 100 years. Visit our website today to request a quote!