11 Easy Tips For Moving House With Kids

Moving day can be tough on kids, saying goodbye to their bedroom, going somewhere new (scary), plus the day can be long and soooo boring for little movers. Here’s some handy moving tips, hacks and (where necessary) bribes to get you through the day.

1. Snacks

As all parents know, the most devastating weapons of mass distraction are snacks. Make sure you’re fully loaded with snacks/treats/drinks/fruit/sweets to create peace and harmony can be a big win on what can sometimes be a stressful day for 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, they’ll feel more invested. It can also make the move seem less frightening to younger kids and prevent older ones getting bored too quickly.

3. I’m In Charge!

Give each child a specific role that they’re boss of;

• “You’re in charge of making sure the removals crew have drinks.”
• “You’re in charge of looking after the guinea pig/hamster/goldfish.”
• “You’re in charge of this ‘special box’, which isn’t just an empty shoe box I’ve taped shut to use as cheap distraction tool because if I leave you in charge of the guinea pig/hamster/goldfish, you’ll drop it.”

4. First Things Last

Plan what should go on the removal lorry last, based on what you’ll need first at the other end. TV, kids beds/bedding, curtains, etc. Then at the new property, you’ll have these handy to set up as soon as possible to get the younger movers settled at the end of a long day.

5. ‘Funny Faced Box’ Game.

Daft but easy. Take one removal 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 sweet/choose the next song.

6. The Special Box

Give each child a removal box to decorate for the move. While you’re all busy drawing and colouring, you can talk to them about moving day, the new house and talk through any worries they might have.

7. The Special Box Part II

Once decorated, they can pack their most treasured possessions into their special box. Then help seal it and load it on the truck on move day. At the other end, they can find their box and take it to their room. If they demand a tip or start muttering about ‘the union’, you just 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 a 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 and a sibling ceasefire, then it’s a small price to pay for the greater good.