Keeping your children busy during the move

Posted on 09/04/2024

Moving to a new house can be both exciting and stressful for children. They may go from happily playing in their old home to feeling overwhelmed by the idea of a new place, with its unknowns and unfamiliar sights. To make sure that your relocation goes as smoothly as possible, it's important to keep your children busy during the move.

The following tips can help you occupy your children during the move and ensure their safety before, during, and after the transition.

1. Allow them to Pack Some of Their Belongings:

Letting kids know they have some control over how certain things will be packed gives them an opportunity to personalize the experience. Have them choose items that they want to pack themselves or label boxes together. This is a great way for them to take ownership of the task and give them something to do while packing up their old home.

2. Set Up A Special Moving Day Box:

Help ease your child's stress by creating a special box with items they can use throughout their relocation journey. This could include snacks, books, crayons, coloring pages, toys, activities sheets, travel games, or anything they might need on moving day. Make sure the box is clearly labeled so it doesn't get lost in all the chaos!

3. Find Creative Ways to Keep Them Busy:

Get creative with ways to keep kids entertained while on the move. Play car games like "I spy" or make a scavenger hunt around the house when packing boxes. You could also plan ahead by downloading audio books for long car rides or downloading movies for watching during downtime at your new home.

4. Show Them Around The New Place:

If you are able, take your child(ren) for a walk around their soon-to-be new neighborhood before moving day arrives so they can familiarize themselves with what's around them and feel more comfortable when moving day comes. Also help them identify safe places in case they ever run outside without permission!

5. Get Them Engaged In The Neighbourhood:

Once you move in find ways for your children to get engaged in their new neighbourhood such as signing up for classes or activities at the local community centre or joining clubs and groups with other kids from school age throughout high school years. Socializing will not only help kids feel more at home but will also give them a much needed break from all of the move related anxiety they may be feeling at this time!

6. Don't Forget Some Alone Time:

Moving can be overwhelming for everyone but especially kids who are entering a brand new space and meeting countless people for the first time. Make sure that you carve out those moments where your little one can just relax and enjoy some alone time (whether it is through art, music or even reading) so that he/she feels less pressure to fit into their newfound environment right away!

Moving day doesn't need to be stressful if you adequately prepare yourself and your family beforehand by setting up plans and packing materials ahead of time while at the same time involving children in interesting tasks and letting them explore their new neighbourhood before diving headfirst into change! This will help create an atmosphere of excitement rather than fear which is often what children feel upon relocating somewhere else! Follow these tips carefully and you'll successfully keep your children busy during your big move - making it easier on everybody involved!