Moving house is already a difficult task and a lot to deal with, and having kids along with you can make it even harder. The good part is that you don’t have to do everything perfectly. A few things done before the move can make things easy.
Start Preparing Before the Boxes Come Out
Sometimes it is easier for the kids to handle the change when they know what is going to happen. So don’t keep it a surprise for them, and talk to them about it early. Tell them about the new house and what will be changed. If you are moving far from your current location, tell them about the location change or that the school that they will be going to will also be changed.
For younger children, even simple things can help. Let them know where their new bed will be. Older children may have more questions, especially when they have to leave their friends behind.
Let Them Have a Say in Some Things
They can help sort their books or pick a box for their personal things. If they are old enough, they can even label their own box.
It also gives you a chance to work out what they actually want to take.
Kids collect a lot of things. Broken toys, old school projects, clothes that no longer fit and random things they have not touched in months can easily fill several boxes. You do not have to take all of it to the new house.
Keep a Separate Bag for the Kids
Pack a separate bag for kids. This may sound simple, but when you are at your new house, you will have multiple boxes around you. You don’t have to search every box and make it difficult for you and your kids, so try keeping it separate and make it easier for yourself and the kids. The same applies to adults; try to keep the basic things closer to you.
Moving Day Is Probably Not the Day to Keep Children Under Your Feet
On a moving day, the house could become very busy, so if the kids are staying home, make sure you keep them busy, or you just give them a separate space where they can be comfortable. There will be too much going on in the house; people will be entering, taking all the belongings, there will be sound and strangers, so make sure they are away from the busy space.
This is also something worth discussing with your house movers Melbourne team before the move. Tell them if there are children at home and make sure everyone knows which areas need to stay clear.
Do Not Pack Everything You Use Until the Last Minute
Parents know how quickly plans can change when children are involved. Try to keep some simple food ready or atleast plan where you will get something to eat. Keep water, snacks and other essentials nearby.
Think About the New House Before the Truck Arrives
One thing parents sometimes forget is that the moving job does not end when the truck reaches the new address. Check the lift timings, parking permissions and access to the building beforehand.
Tell your house movers Melbourne about these things before they arrive. It is much easier to deal with access issues beforehand than when the truck is already outside.
Get Your Child's Room Usable First
You should not try to unpack the entire house on the first night. Get your basics done right. Unpack a few favourite clothes and toys.
Once their room feels familiar, you can slowly work through the rest of the house.
The kitchen and living room can wait for a while.
Keep the Normal Routine Where You Can
Whenever you move to a new place or a house, things are different, and change takes time. So if the kids are feeling strange, let them feel it and it's completely normal. Don’t force them to love the new place immediately. Try keeping the other routine normal and regular; keep the same food on the same plates, as that could help too.
Melbourne Can Make Moving Day a Little Unpredictable
If you have ever moved across Melbourne, one really unpredictable thing is traffic. A professional house movers Melbourne team can take care of the physical part of the move, but you will still need some time for things like handing over keys, checking the new property and getting your family settled.
What About the First Night?
Focus on what your family needs that night. Get the beds ready. Find pyjamas and toiletries. Have something easy to eat. Charge your phones. Keep some water nearby.
Getting Help Can Take Some Pressure Off
There is already a lot to manage when you are moving with children. Packing, organising school and childcare, changing your address and getting everyone ready can take up most of your time.
You do not necessarily have to handle the physical move yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make moving house easier for my children?
Make them busy; let them choose what they need in their room. This will help them to adapt faster and will make moving easier.
Can House Movers Melbourne help when moving with children?
Yes. House Movers Melbourne can handle the move while you are moving with children. We take care of things end-to-end so that you can give your children more attention.