Moving is one of life’s most stressful events, and adding your little ones to the mix doesn’t make the process any less challenging. Younger children require ongoing supervision while you rush to pack boxes. Older teens give attitude about missing friends and changing schools. 

Is there any way to complete this Herculean task? Eventually, you will get through it — but doing so with your hair intact requires savvy. The following eight tips can help make moving with your kids easier. 

1. Keep Supplies Out of Reach

Have you ever missed while using a toothed roller to tear a piece of strapping tape? It didn’t tickle, did it? 

Moving is full of teetering boxes and sharp objects. Even innocent-looking bubble wrap presents a choking hazard, and a trip to the ER doesn’t reduce your stress load any. 

When you begin packing, do so in a room you rarely use with the doors closed. As you approach M-Day, you should hire a sitter — the added expenditure costs little compared to an Urgent Care trip. 

2. Make a List 

Moving drains your brain cells — it’s like having a thousand open apps on your phone. To stay organized, you need a checklist. 

Approximately six to eight weeks from moving day, sit down and develop a game plan for packing each room of your house. Dedicate a day or two for each room so that you avoid procrastination and last-minute rushes. Highlight critical items from each area of your home — you don’t want to arrive at your destination to find you left your contact case and solution in a neglected medicine cabinet at the old place. 

3. Start Early 

If the pandemic caused you to relocate, you’re not alone. According to Pew Research, nearly a quarter of Americans moved due to COVID-19 or knew someone who did. You might not have as much time as you like to pack in such instances — don’t let that prevent you from getting to stepping. 

The earlier you start, the more time you have to notice things you might otherwise overlook. It also gives you time to earn a few bucks by selling unwanted items instead of posting a Craigslist “curb alert.” 

4. Get Savage With Sorting

If you ever fantasized about becoming minimalist, moving is your shot, baby. Get savage when you start cleaning out your closets by asking yourself hard questions — are you ever going to fit back into those size-2 jeans? 

As you pack each room, ask yourself the following two questions about each object you touch:

·      Have I used this in the past year? You don’t want to chuck the blender you use for daily smoothies, but if you never made homemade taco salad shells, do you need that scalloped maker?

·      Does it have sentimental value? Maybe you’ll never squeeze back into your wedding gown — but few people would advise parting with it if you’re still happily married. 

5. Let Your Kids Help You

Now is the ideal time to teach your kids about altruism. If you want them to pare down their toy collection, start by discussing children who could use them. Even toddlers get less possessive if they feel inspired to help others. 

Teens and older kids might dig the minimalist craze, too. Why not share your plans — but give them the choice of how crazy to go with sorting? Their efficiency may make you jealous. 

6. Or Get Them Out of the House

To say it’s challenging to pack delicate stemware with a pair of 2-year-old twins twining through your ankles is a bit of an understatement. Hello, in-laws — remember how you have been asking about spending more time with the kiddos? 

Lean on your support network. Call your fellow playdate moms and ask if one can take your toddler for the afternoon while you pack plates. 

7. Discuss Issues Before the Big Day 

You don’t want an ongoing family conflict to taint the vibe of your new place. As much as possible, try to resolve any hard feelings before departure. Expect children to feel upset about changing schools, and if possible, allay fears by arranging for a tour before you hit the road. 

While made-for-TV movies often depict kids picking their bedrooms with excitement, real-life parents know that the matter can lead to fights. If you can visit the new pad in advance, do so. Otherwise, share a floor plan and let your children choose their rooms before arrival. 

8. Hire Help on Moving Day 

Your partner’s muscles rival Dwayne Johnson’s, and you’re a competitive powerlifter. It doesn’t matter. If you have children, all the Herculean strength in the world won’t preclude the need for assistance on moving day. 

Even if you handle the heavy lifting, hire a sitter to watch the kids. If you don’t know anyone in your new location, screen and interview an applicant before departure. While you might not feel 100% confident about leaving them alone with your children, their answers should make you feel comfortable that they’re competent enough to keep the littles out of harm’s way. 

Make Moving With Children Easier and Less Stressful With These Tips 

Moving is stressful, and doing so with kids can make anyone go full tilt. However, the eight tips above can help make the process easier and less stressful.