How To Survive Moving House With A Toddler: 11 Tips!

Moving house is stressful enough without worrying about a toddler running around and getting in your way. But with a little planning and organisation, it is possible! This blog post will provide 11 tips for moving with toddlers or children of any age. If you follow these tips, your move will go much more smoothly!

11 Tips For Moving House With Kids In Tow

Prepare your children for the house move.

It is crucial to involve children in the moving home process as much as possible for them to feel comfortable and excited about the change.

Here are some ways you can do this:

Talk to them about the move well in advance. This will give them time to adjust to the idea and ask any questions they may have.
Show them pictures or videos of the new house and neighbourhood.
Plan their new bedroom to get them excited.
Reassure them that nothing will be forgotten in the move.
Make a special moving day box with their favourite toys.
Explore what will happen on moving day and before, such as packing up their toys and clothes into boxes.
Make a moving day activity pack for them to keep them occupied. This box could include colouring books, crayons, puzzles, small toys, etc.

Accept some help from family and friends.

Moving day will be hectic, so accept additional help from family and friends. They can assist with packing, unpacking, cooking, and whatever else is required. Most importantly, they can provide some childcare. At some point, you may need a little respite from your toddler.

Get your toddler’s approval for moving.

This may seem like a silly tip, but it is important to get your toddler’s approval for the big move. If they are old enough, explain what will happen and why. Focus on the positives of moving house, such as getting a new bedroom, being closer to family and friends, or having a park or a bigger garden for them to play in. Whatever it is, find something positive to say.

Focus on the positives of moving house, such as getting a new bedroom, being closer to family and friends

Get them involved in the moving process.

While it is important to accept help from others, it is also crucial to keep your toddler involved in the moving process. This will help them feel more comfortable with the change.

Here are some ways you can do this:

Let them help pack their own toys and clothes into boxes. Even if it’s just one box, it will keep them occupied for a little while!
Let them carry their favourite items on moving day. It may help relieve some anxiety to have some of their favourite things close at hand.
Let them help unpack their things in their new room.
Explore new playing grounds as soon as possible. Hopefully, it will allow kids to adjust and make new friends.

Keep your toddler’s routine as normal as possible.

During such a chaotic time, keeping your toddler’s routine as normal as possible is important. This means keeping mealtimes, nap times, and bedtimes the same as usual. It may be difficult to do this when moving house, as the excitement will build up in your toddler, but it is important to try. A smooth move is what you are looking for. A tired and cranky toddler is the last thing you need on moving day!

Stock up on healthy food before and after you move.

The saucepans and cooking utensils are packed, the fridge is empty, and you have no idea when you’ll be able to eat healthily next. In this situation, It’s easy to start eating junk food. (I know I did!). If you can, spend some time stocking up on healthy snacks and pre-prepare some healthy meals before and after you move. It will save you from eating unhealthy takeaways, and your waistline will thank you for it!

spend some time stocking up on healthy snacks and pre-prepare some healthy meals before and after you move. It will save you from eating unhealthy takeaways, and your waistline will thank you for it!

Take plenty of breaks when packing.

Start the packing process early to avoid any last-minute rushing around. And most importantly, take plenty of breaks! Packing can be tiring, both physically and mentally. It is important to take some time for yourself to relax and de-stress.

Pack your kids’ room last.

Box it up last, but unpack it first. Get their room ready first! Continuity is key for young children who need routine. By boxing it up last, they will still have toys to play with, and their daily routine won’t be interrupted as much. When you arrive at your new house, unpack their room first, so they feel settled as soon as possible.

Create an ‘open first’ box or boxes.

An ‘open first’ box is a lifesaver when moving house with kids. This is a box (or boxes) that contains all the items you will need to be able to function for the first few hours or days in your new house. You don’t need to unpack everything on arriva

Some essential items for your ‘open first’ box(es):

Toilet paper
Hand soap
Towels
Bed sheets
Snacks and drinks
Nappies and wipes
Medications
Toys and books to keep your kids occupied.

Have a moving day plan and stick to it.

On moving day, there will be a lot of people coming in and out of your house. It can be helpful to have a moving day plan, so everyone knows what needs to be done and when. This will help the move go smoothly and avoid any last-minute rushing around. Have a checklist and a moving timeline to help you stay on track.

Have a special moving day treat.

Moving day is a big day for your little one! They will be excited, anxious, and probably a little bit scared. A special moving day treat will help them feel better about the whole process. It doesn’t have to be anything big or expensive, just something that will put a smile on their face.

Say goodbye to the old place and hello to the new place.

Before you leave, take some time with your toddler to say goodbye to the old home. They will be sad to leave their home, even if they are excited about moving to a new area. If you take the time to say goodbye, it will help them process their emotions and transition to their new home.

Conclusion

Moving can be a stressful experience at any age, but moving house with young children can make it feel even more daunting, but it is possible! By following these top tips, leaving the old house, you can make moving day a lot less stressful for you and your toddler.

FAQ

How long does it take a toddler to adjust to a new home?

It can take a few days, weeks, or perhaps longer for a toddler to adjust to their new home. Each child is different. It will also depend on other factors, such as age, distance from their old home, and friends or family. How much change is involved in the move will impact their transition period. Be patient and understanding, and provide plenty of love and support. Help your toddler adjust by getting them back into a routine as soon as possible.

How do I get my toddler to sleep in a new place?

It can often be difficult at first. They will still be excited or nervous and usually full of beans from the move. New bedrooms bring new sounds and smells that will make most toddlers a little uneasy. So it’s important to stick to their usual bedtime routine. Prepare their room first and fill it with their favourite things. This will help them feel comfortable and safe in their new surroundings.

What is the worst age to move a child?

There is no definitive answer, as each child is different and will respond to moving house in their own way. Moving a toddler will have a different effect than moving a teenager, who may be settled in school and have a close group of friends. Your child’s personality will play a role in how they cope with moving house. Are they introverted or outgoing type? Is it likely to make them anxious? These are questions you should ask yourself before deciding to move house.