Tips to keep kids busy during a move

Packing for a move is one of the most stressful things that you can ever do in your life. Moving with kids can add to that stress, which is why planning out your move with them in mind can only help with the moving process.

Before Packing
• Let your kids know as soon as you can that you’re planning to move. Moving can be very hard for kids, so it’s important to let them know when the move is taking place. They’ll need time to adjust to the idea and plenty of time to say goodbye to friends.

• Before moving try to pack up as much of your kid’s clothes, toys and essentials that you can. It may seem easier to do it later, simply because of the number of their belongings, but kids can have a hard time dealing with the change and may cling to items that are not essential.

• Reserve your moving company at least a month prior to your move (eight weeks during the busy summer moving season) to guarantee availability on your preferred moving day. Once you have your movers selected, you can start to pack up your belongings in anticipation of their arrival. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® will even pack for you, simplifying and streamlining the moving process.

Tips to keep kids busy or involved during the move
• Ask them if they want to participate. Depending on their age, kids can be very helpful with doing smaller tasks to help out with the move. You can assign them to tape boxes, write labels on boxes, or even coordinate an essential items box that you will need on the moving day.

• On the other spectrum, sometimes kids can be a handful during a move, so it may make sense to schedule plans for them while the move is happening. Plan out a day of fun activities away from the move with family, friends or even a babysitter.

• Plan activities that are fun for your kids that don’t interfere with the move. Creating a box of items with colouring books, chalk, a soccer ball, empty boxes or even bubble wrap can help keep your kids entertained during the moving process. An easy addition to that box of items is the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® colouring book, which you can download here.

After the move
• Take a tour of your new neighbourhood with the whole family. Take a walk or ride around on your bikes to scope out the parks and some of the local restaurants in the area.

• If your new home is in the same city invite some of your old neighbours, family or friends to see your new place. This can help your kids feel more comfortable with the move while allowing for ample opportunities to schedule play dates for your children so that they don’t lose contact with their friends.