11 Easy Tips For Moving House With Kids

Moving day can be tough on kids, saying goodbye to their bedroom, going somewhere new (and a bit scary), plus the day can be long and oh so boring for little movers. So here’s some handy moving tips, hacks and outright bribes every parent should know…

1. Snacks

As all parents know, one of the most devastating weapons of mass distraction in the parenting arsenal are snack bombs. Make sure you’re fully loaded with snacks/treats/drinks/fruit/sweets, whatever it takes to buy peace and harmony can be a big win on what can sometimes be a stressful day for the smaller family members.

2. Teamwork

Packing boxes, decluttering, finding every last piece of Lego scattered around the house (“Where does it all keep coming from?!?”)… If you can keep them involved throughout the whole process, particularly in the build-up, then they’ll feel more invested. It can also make the process seem less frightening to younger kids and hopefully prevent older ones getting bored too quickly.

3. I’m In Charge!

Give each child a specific role to be the boss of; “You’re in charge of making sure the removals crew have drinks.” “You’re in charge of looking after the dog/cat/goldfish.” “You’re in charge of this seemingly empty box that I honestly haven’t filled with nothing just to use a as cheap distraction…”

4. First Things Last

Plan what needs to go on the removal lorry last, so it’s easy to get to first at the other end. TV, kids beds/bedding, curtains, a few familiar, items. Then at the new place, get these basics set up for them as soon as possible to create something familiar and less scary. It will also get them comfortable and settled quicker at the end of a long day.

5. ‘Funny Faced Box’ Game.

Daft but wonderfully harmless. Take one random box and draw a funny face on it, remember to draw it on all sides so it can be seen however it’s stacked. Every time they see the funny face during the move they score a point/get a candy/choose a song for the journey.

6. The Special Box

Give each child a cardboard box to decorate ready to use on moving day. While you’re all busy drawing and colouring, it’s a good time to talk to them about any worries they might have about the move.

7. The Special Box Part II

Get them to pack their special box with some of their most treasured possessions. Get them to help seal and then load it on the truck themselves. At the other end, they can find their box and take it to their room. If they start demanding a tip or talking about ‘the union’, you’ve created a monster.

8. Digital Distractions

Moving day will be boring, so make sure their favourite devices are charged and in easy reach to keep them entertained leaving you free to do other things.

9. Go Visit

Take them to see the new house in the build up to the move, it’ll make the whole experience seem less scary and get them excited about their new bedrooms. It’s what super parents do.

10. I Name This House…

Ask the mini-movers to come up with a name for your new house. Properties with names, sell for more than similar houses without a moniker. It’s one of the quickest and easiest ways to add value to your new home.

And finally…

11. Fast Food Bribery

It’s moving day, no tactics are off the table and if the promise of everyone’s favourite take-away at the end of the day buys unity, then it’s a small price to pay for the greater good.