Moving from one location to another can be stressful, but when you’re doing it with your kids, the entire experience can get worse. This is especially true if you’ll be moving with toddlers. Aside from scouting for moving companies NYC and choosing which movers NYC to hire, you have to juggle your time and energy to accommodate the move and take care of your kids. Aside from these, you also have to make sure that your kids are actually safe throughout the entire duration of the move. This means that even if you’re packing at home or moving your valuables, they should be safe always.
The safety of your kids while moving should always be a priority when you’re a parent or guardian. When your kids will be injured or hurt while moving, you’ll end up experiencing more stress and paying for more expenses. To steer away from this direction, keep your kids safe while moving by following these tips:
- Sit down with the kids and the entire family.
Moving can be challenging for the kids because on top of the tasks they’ll have to accomplish, they also have to make drastic adjustments in their lifestyle. This means letting go of their friends, and make new ones in the new neighborhood. To ensure that your kids won’t be surprised with this kind of change, talk to them before moving. Once you decided that you’re moving, schedule a family huddle and discuss everything that should be done for the move. You should also use this time to ask for your kid’s concerns and most importantly, you should assure them that everything will be fine.
- Create a plan for the moving day.
You’ll have a lot on your plate on moving day. Even if all of your moving boxes are prepared weeks before the move, you still have to supervise the movers (if you’re planning to hire one), keep track of the condition of your valuables and monitor your kids every now and then. If you don’t want your kids to be hurt or experience anxiety during this day, create a plan. List down all of the things which will happen on moving day, what possible problems can occur and how the family can address all of these. The more prepared the family is for the move, the easier it’ll be for kids.
- Plan a new room for your kids.
Kids will usually be bored or tired whenever the family is moving. Depending on their age, they would usually spend time sitting in one corner, waiting for the move to end. As one way of keeping an eye on their whereabouts and making use of their availability, plan a new room for them. Allow them to pick how they want their rooms to be arranged and what pieces should be bought. You can also let them decorate their room on their own. This can be a great way to show off their creativity while keeping them engaged during the move.
- Assign tasks to them.
Aside from keeping your kids engaged when planning their own rooms, you can also assign safe tasks to them. If you’re planning to hire a professional moving company, instruct your kids to provide water and snacks to the movers. If you’re moving on your own or with the help of friends or family, ask your kids to hold the door for people. Giving these kinds of tasks for your kids can prevent them from going into mishaps and injuries. Plus, your kids will feel appreciated because you’re actually giving them special tasks on moving day.
- Keep your kids’ prized possessions near to them.
Regardless of your kids’ age or gender, they will always have a prized possession which they can’t live without it. It can be their favorite toy, pillow or shirt. If you don’t want your kids to be anxious on moving day, make sure that all of their prized possessions are packed and transported with them. If your kids have their favorite toys, let them play with it on moving day and let them have it when you’re moving from one location to another.
- Keep your kids occupied.
Your kids will have different interests. Some might like to read books while others want to play puzzles. Determine what activities your kids really like doing and prepare these on your moving day. When your kids are occupied, they won’t have the interests to tinker around your moving boxes and cause an accident.
It’s A Learning Process
Moving with kids can be a struggle but with the right strategies, this experience can become fun and life-changing in a positive way. When you know how to properly manage your kid’s behavior, you’ll teach them what to do and not to do when moving. The things they’ll learn in this process can improve the quality of their lives in the long run.
