Moving house can be a fun and exciting event, especially if kids are involved. However, there are always extra complications because children are attached to their familiar environment, school, friends, bedrooms and so on. On the other hand, parents need to organize packing, logistics, transport and many other things.
However, thorough planning and preparations can make the whole process easier for everyone in the family. While professionals will deal with logistics, parents should focus on making kids aware of all changes that are going to happen soon.
Below we will discuss practical Removalists in Brisbane tips starting with weeks before moving day and ending up with tips on how to settle down in a new home.
Why Moving With Kids Is Challenging
Children tend to develop attachment towards their home and surrounding environment.
House move means changes in:
- Room
- School
- Friends
- Neighborhood
- Routines
- Familiar locations
- Family schedule
Young children do not understand the reasons behind the move, while older kids may be worried about their friends or changing schools. Therefore, proper preparations can make the process more predictable.
1. Inform Your Kids About the Move in Advance
Don’t wait until the last moment to announce the move.
Explain everything in simple and understandable terms, depending on their age.
Let them know:
- Reasons for moving
- Where you are moving
- When the move will take place
- What remains the same
- Expectations regarding the new house
Let children ask questions and give answers to them honestly instead of making assumptions.
2. Give Kids a Chance to Be Involved in the Move
Children may feel better if they have an opportunity to be involved in the moving process somehow.
Depending on their age, you can let them:
- Pick which toys to pack first
- Decorate moving boxes
- Pack their belongings
- Arrange books
- Select the stuff for new room
- Make a playlist for moving day
- Help with creating moving checklist
It is important for children to be participants of the process instead of objects that need to be moved somewhere.
3. Visit the New Home Before Moving Day
Take kids to the new property as soon as possible.
Show them:
- Their room
- Kitchen
- Bathrooms
- Garden
- Local parks
- Shops
- Routes to school
If they know what the new environment looks like, it won’t feel strange to them anymore.
Let them picture themselves using their new space.
4. Discuss Your Children’s New Bedroom
The most interesting thing for children about the new home is their bedroom.
Discuss it by asking:
- How will the furniture look like?
- Which of their favourite toys should be placed there?
- Which books?
- Where to place the bedding?
- Decorations?
- Storage?
If possible, let your kids decide some small things about the room.
They could be helpful even with creating a feeling of familiarity.
5. Leave Some Comfortable Things With You
Don’t put all of the favourite stuff of your children into the moving truck.
Take everything that helps them to feel comfortable with you, for example:
- Favourite toy
- Blanket
- Pillow
- Books
- Tablet
- Headphones
- Snacks
- Favourite clothes
For young children, familiar items can be especially helpful while adapting to the new place.
6. Make A Separate Children’s Bag
Make a bag for each child.
Depending on their age, it could include:
- Change of clothes
- Pyjamas
- Toiletries
- Snacks
- Water bottle
- Favourite toy
- Books
- Charger
- Headphones
- Small activities
Do not put the children’s essentials bag among the general moving cargo with you.
7. Do Not Pack Everything at Once
Trying to pack everything at once can make your children stressed out.
Start to pack several weeks before the actual moving day.
At first, you can pack:
- Seasonal clothes
- Books
- Decorations
- Infrequently used toys
- Spare bedding
- Storage areas
Packing everyday things will come later.
8. Let Children Choose What They Want to Take With Them
While moving is an excellent chance to clean up, do not throw away all of the stuff belonging to your children without consulting with them.
Give children appropriate possibilities to manage their belongings.
Say:
“Which toys do you still want to take with us?”
Not:
“We’re getting rid of these old toys.”
Thus, you give children a chance to make choices about their things.
9. Make A “Keep With You” Box
Making a separate box for your children can simplify your moving day dramatically.
It can contain:
- Snacks
- Water
- Toys
- Books
- Games
- Chargers
- Wipes
- Clothing
- Basic toiletries
Label it clearly, so that it wouldn’t get lost among dozens of other boxes.
10. Arrange Childcare for Moving Day
Moving day could have:
- Heavy furniture
- Moving trucks
- Open doors
- Packing materials
- Tools
- Busy hallways
- Constant movement
All these elements can create an unsuitable environment for kids.
If possible, organize childcare for your kids, so they stay with:
- Grandparents
- Relatives
- Friends
- Professional childcare providers
If your kids cannot be away from you during moving, then mark off a safe area away from the moving action.
11. Protect Pets and Children
Both pets and kids can feel stressed during the moving day.
The doors will remain open during the moving process, which means your kids or pets can go outside.
Try to keep your kids and pets far away from:
- Moving trucks
- Loading places
- Stairs
- Heavy furniture
- Packing materials
- Tools
A separate safe area can be helpful for preventing accidents and making it easier for removalists.
12. Hire Removalists
Moving your household on your own while taking care of kids can be pretty tiring.
Professional removalists can handle all these jobs like:
- Loading of furniture
- Transportation
- Unloading
- Furniture handling
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
This can give you more time to look after your kids’ needs.
Agarwal Packers and Movers Australia offers you to relocate your household and provides packing, unpacking, and storage services. (agarwalpackers.com.au)
13. Explain to Kids What Removalists Will Do
Your kids might become nervous or curious when strangers enter your house and start moving furniture around.
Explain to your kids in advance that removalists will help to transport your possessions to a new house.
You can explain to your kids:
- Why do removalists come to your house?
- What items removalists will transport?
- Why furniture should be packed?
- Why boxes should be loaded into the truck?
These simple explanations can help to avoid surprises for your kids.
14. Mark Kids’ Boxes Correctly
For example:
Emma – Bedroom
or:
Kids Room – Books & Toys
Removalists will easily find out what room these boxes belong to.
Once you come to the new house, ask removalists to load kids’ boxes to their rooms.
It can be helpful for organizing your kids’ rooms quicker.
15. Stick to Routines as Much As Possible
Many children respond well to routine even in the face of change.
Consider sticking to:
- The same mealtimes
- The usual bedtime routine
- School schedule
- Their favourite activities
- Family traditions
Even smaller routines might help in dealing with the change.
16. Be Prepared for Your First Night
Do not think that on your first day you will be able to unpack the whole house.
Have all the essentials ready for your first night separately.
Keep ready:
- Bedding
- Towels
- Toiletries
- Children’s clothing
- Essentials for the kitchen
- Chargers
- Snacks
- Medication in case of necessity
- Important documents
Having children’s rooms organised for the first night could make the transition easier.
17. Set Up Children’s Rooms First
Once the furniture arrives, think about setting up children’s rooms first.
Prepare:
- Beds
- Bedding
- Their favourite toys
- Night lights
- Clothing
- Books
- Decorations
Having familiar things in the new room will help children feel better.
18. Plan School Arrangements Properly
If your relocation involves switching to another school, start looking for alternatives sooner rather than later.
Depending on the situation, you might need to arrange:
- Enrolment
- School documents
- Uniforms
- Transport arrangements
- School supplies
- Routines
If your children will go to the same school, arrange the new route before moving day.
19. Let the Older Children Stay Connected
The older children will be more likely to worry about saying goodbye to their friends.
Give them a chance to:
- Say farewell properly
- Exchange contact information
- Visit in the future
- Stay connected online if appropriate
- Share their concerns
Do not brush off their worries just because everything else is going smoothly for the family.
20. Bring Things That Will Make a New House Familiar
Even little familiar things can help a lot.
Bring with you things that are dear to the family, such as:
- The furniture the children like
- Family photographs
- Toys
- Books
- Bedding
- Decorations
This is not about making the new place identical to the previous one.
You should make the house look familiar to the family members.
Relocation with Babies and Toddlers
Relocating with very young children needs extra preparation.
Keep Their Routine the Same
Keep the children’s sleeping and feeding routine the same.
Have a Baby Bag Ready
Have ready to take with you:
- Nappies
- Wipes
- Clothing
- Bottles
- Food
- Blankets
- Toys
Protect Them from Potential Risks Associated With Moving
Furniture is heavy and dangerous, while doors may slam shut.
Organise babysitting wherever possible.
Moving with Preschool Children
Preschool children can understand the idea of moving house Removalists in Sydney but may be afraid.
Involve them in:
- Packing
- Planning rooms
- Deciding about decoration
- Checking the new location
Discuss all the issues of the move with the child.
Moving House with Teenagers
More emotional response is expected from teenagers due to school, relationships, and independence.
Give them more decision-making opportunities.
For example, allow them to:
- Decide how to organise their room
- Sort their things
- Learn about the new place
- Contribute to the moving list
Allowing teenagers to have some control is crucial for smoother moving.
How Professional Removalists May Facilitate Moving House with Kids
Professional removalists will do most of the physically challenging work during moving.
Packing
Professional packing will save you time for preparing boxes.
Heavy Furniture
Movers will move large furniture and appliances.
Transportation
The movers will arrange transportation from one property to another.
Unpacking
Some companies will help you to unpack as well.
Storage
If the move takes place at different times, temporary storage can help.
Agarwal Packers and Movers Australia provide packing, unpacking, storage, household moving, and interstate relocation services. (agarwalpackers.com.au)
What to Look For in Removalists when Moving House with Kids
When choosing a removalist, cost shouldn’t be the only factor.
Look for a removalist that provides:
- Experience with household moves
- Quotations
- Packing services
- Storage
- Adequate equipment
- Excellent communication skills
- Flexibility
- Interstate relocation
Ask about the offered services before booking.
Moving House with Kids: Price
Kids’ presence doesn’t normally affect the removalist’s price.
Prices of moving depend on such factors as:
- The size of the household
- The quantity of belongings
- Distance
- Labour costs
- Size of the truck
- Packing
- Property access
- Storage
- Moving date
- Specialty items
A family that lives in a big house will have more possessions compared to a couple who lives in a small apartment.
Therefore, ask for a tailored quotation which is based on your actual needs.
Family Moving Cost Cutting Strategies
Family relocation will increase costs but there are still some methods to manage budget.
Decluttering Prior to Moving
Do not pay for moving those possessions which you do not need anymore.
Packing Non-Essential Items Ahead of Time
Doing so will reduce stress during the final days.
Selling Items Which Are Not Necessary
You may sell unnecessary furniture, toys and equipment and earn extra money.
Checking Removalist Quotes
Do not pick the very first company whose price you heard.
Making a List of What You Need to Move
Let removalists know everything which should be moved.
Things to Do While Moving With Family
Actions To Be Taken Prior to Removalists’ Arrival
- Pack kids’ essentials
- Have all important documents with you
- Take care of pets
- Arrange childcare if needed
- Clear moving paths
- Have valuables in one place
- Verify the removalist booking
Actions to Be Undertaken When Moving
- Keep kids away from moving equipment
- Have all essentials at hand
- Check boxes being loaded
- Maintain snacks and drinks
- Charge phones
Actions to Do When Reaching Your Destination
- Set up kids’ rooms
- Unpack essentials
- Set up bathrooms
- Arrange basic kitchen items
- Check important possessions
- Maintain usual sleeping schedule
Family Moving Checklist
4–8 Weeks Before Relocation
- Inform kids about relocation
- Find out removalists
- Compare quotes
- Declutter
- Plan new bedrooms
- Start packing non-essentials
2–4 Weeks Before Relocation
- Book removalists
- Continue packing
- Label kids’ boxes
- Plan schools
- Arrange childcare if needed
- Plan moving day food
1 Week Before Relocation
- Prepare kids’ essential bags
- Finish packing almost everything
- Verify removalist booking
- Prepare important documents
- Separate valuables
Moving Day
- Protect kids
- Take care of pets
- Have all essentials with you
- Monitor loading process
- Inspect all rooms before departure
First Night
- Prepare kids’ beds
- Unpack toiletries
- Prepare clothes
- Stick to bedtime routine
- Have familiar toys nearby
Why Choose Agarwal Packers and Movers?
Agarwal Packers and Movers Pty. Ltd. offers household relocation services all over Australia.
These services include household removals, relocation interstate, packing, unpacking, storage and other moving services.
According to the company, they have been providing services in the moving industry since 1987.
The families can discuss the size of their households, distance of their move, packing requirements, storage needs and special items when making a quote.
Always check the quote and clarify what is included in it before booking.
Contact Agarwal Packers and Movers
Moving the whole family?
Contact Agarwal Packers and Movers Pty. Ltd. and talk about your household relocation needs and get a quote.
Phone: (+61)-341-089656
Email: [email protected]
ABN: 50 666 699 396
Get a Quote: Agarwal Packers and Movers
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving House With Kids
1. How do I make moving house easier for children?
Inform children about the move in advance, involve them in the process where they can, stick to the same routines and let them have their favorite belongings close by.
2. Should children be present during moving?
Young children may be better off with their family members or in childcare. Even if you decide to bring them, make sure not to let them around the trucks, furniture and moving areas.
3. What should I pack into a kid’s moving bag?
Clothes, toiletries, snacks, drinks, toys, books, chargers and other things that might be needed throughout the moving day.
4. How do I help my child adapt to a new home?
Prepare their bedroom early, put familiar belongings nearby and stick to daily routines like meals and bedtime.
5. Should children help pack?
Yes, they can. The children can help you organize their toys, write down labels on the boxes and choose belongings to take.
6. Do professional removalists pack family belongings?
A number of removalists have professional packing services which can be very convenient for families.
7. How early should I book removalists for a family move?
The best way is to start looking for removalists as soon as you get a date for your move. For those who have strict dates for their lease agreements or schools, it can be very helpful to book in advance.
8. How do I ensure my children are safe during the move?
You should keep them away from the moving truck, any heavy furniture, any tools and any open doors. It will be very helpful to arrange the childcare for children or keep them in a safe place for the time of the move.
9. Is it worth setting up my child’s bedroom first?
It can be very helpful. The child will feel more at home if there is a comfortable room prepared for him/her in advance.
10. Do removalists assist in an interstate family relocation?
Yes, many professional removalists do interstate moves. You should tell about your pickup location, destination, size of the household and packing/unpacking needs for your quote.
Conclusion
Moving with children entails more than just packing boxes and hiring the truck. The children require the time to adjust to the change, be involved where appropriate and keep to the routine.
Parents can make it more convenient for children by doing all the preparation in advance, packing the children’s essentials bags, arranging the childcare for moving day and having the comfortable room ready in the new house.
Also professional removalists can reduce the work of the family during the relocation by packing, loading, transporting, unloading and storing when necessary.
Agarwal Packers and Movers Australia offers its services in household and interstate relocations, packing and unpacking, storage and many other services.
Moving with the family? Please contact Agarwal Packers and Movers to talk about your needs and ask for a quote.