With the spring sales season just around the corner, sellers will not only be planning how to maximise the value of their property but also contemplating the practicalities of moving to their next dream home.
There’s a lot to think about, of course, including the physical moving of your possessions and the transfer of utilities to your next home.
For owners with small children, the day of your move can be taxing.
Not only will you have a thousand small decisions to make as the packing gets under way, but you’ll need to keep the kids amused and out of trouble.
But don’t forget it’s an exciting time for all the family.
While you may be looking forward to your new surroundings, and even a new job, your children will also be thinking about the possibilities of attending a new school and making new friends.
And perhaps this will be the first time the children will have their own bedrooms.
Moving home really is a time of change for everyone.
So here are some tips for coping with moving day when you have small children:
Plan ahead – Your children need to be included in the day. Moving to a new home is an exciting moment in their lives, too. This is especially true if you have taken the time to take the children around your new home and asked them for their opinions on it. So, ensure they can play an active part in the adventure.
Snack fest – Let’s confront the biggest reality: A hungry child is the last challenge you need when the boxes are being packed and loaded. With the fridge in the back of the truck and the larder empty, it’s important to have lots of snacks.
Job roles – Assign each child a task on moving day. When you’re packing up, ask them to label their boxes.
Toys on tap – Making sure they have some distractions is a great idea for moments when all the adulting gets boring. Toys, games and puzzles are a God-send in this situation. Create a special bag so each child will have easy access to their favourite toys and books.
Play room – Give them a designated space in the home where they can play so they don’t get under the feet of your packers.
On arrival – It’s a good idea to put their packing boxes on the truck last, as this will mean they come off the truck first. If you can organise this, your children can go straight to their new bedrooms and begin unpacking. With smaller children, help them unpack bedding, and a few favourite toys and books. A familiar and comfortable space can help them feel secure and take the stress off you.
Snap happy – Consider giving your children a camera and ask them to document the day. Later on, they can create some slides to share with everyone after the moving day is over. It will give them a focus.