We’ve moved to a new house several times now and have moved to a new house twice whilst pregnant and once with a toddler running around. (Sounds like so much even just writing it!) Moving to a new house is stressful at the best of times, let alone when you have a little one running around. Everything suddenly seems to have so much more urgency and feels like it needs to be done quickly when kids are around! So how can you make it that little bit easier? Here are a few of my tops tips.
Childcare
It might seem obvious, but if possible, ask someone to look after your kids. Even if it’s just for a few hours while the removals are happening. Ask pre-school if they can have an extra couple of hours, book an after school club or ask friends and family that you trust. It’s just to keep them out of the way while the big move is happening. It can be hard enough to move the sofa out of a small space without a small person running around. Another top tip is to do the big move whilst they are at school. It gives you a bit more breathing space for all those last-minute things. If you’re moving far away, ask someone to pick them up for you. Sometimes, the overall best thing is to just have them out of the way for a little while.
Technology
Some people would call technology a form of childcare too! Don’t be afraid or feel guilty for getting the iPad, tablet or phone out for a while. If they watch Peppa Pig for a couple of hours while you sort out the final details of moving house, it really isn’t the end of the world. You have to do what works for you. Like I said, moving house is one of the most stressful things anyone can do, so make it easy for yourself by relying on the everyday things that can help. With no added guilt.
Get Them Involved
If there’s no way of getting your kids looked after (by a person or technology) there’s only one thing to do. That gets them involved. Give them a small section to pack up, in an already empty room, or give them some labelling to do. It can be their own belongings that you’ll keep with you and move in the car. But give them a little task to do to keep them busy for 30 minutes while the big removals take place. You’ll be surprised at how entertained little ones can be when they think they have a big, grown-up job to do! It’s really quite amazing!
The good thing is, if you use a great domestic removals company, they’ll be used to kids running around and they’ll have experience of what it’s like when a family moves home. (Kids refusing to get off the sofa or laying on the ground so no one can get past!) They’ll understand what it’s like and will take that into consideration while carrying out the job. So take that into account when choosing your removal company!
Overall, all you can really do is to be as prepared as possible. Load up the kids favourite snacks, get small activities on hand that they like doing and if all else fails, a little bit of bribery can go a long way. Have you seen how quickly a 4-year-old will pick up his toys if he thinks a new train set could be on the horizon? It’s like magic!
