This post is sponsored by ABRAMS Books. All opinions are my own.
It’s hard to believe that we’ve lived in our current home for almost 3 years now. When we moved, we were a family of 6 and let me tell you, it was not the easiest thing to do! Moving is hard enough but when you add in a couple of kids, plus a dog and a cat, it gets even more difficult. Today I wanted to take some time to share my best moving tips for families. These are things that I learned along the way that I believe will help you too!
Moving Tips for Families
Read Books Together About Moving and Home Improvement
A great way to prep kids for a move and the inevitable home improvement projects that come with it is to read books together about moving and home improvement. If you go to the library, you can check them out for free!
Maggie and Jacob recently read the newest book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, . It’s a great, fun story about home improvement and the possibility of moving. Keep reading to learn more about this hilarious new book from Jeff Kinney!
You Don’t Have to Spend a Lot of Money on Boxes
Did you know you can typically get FREE boxes at your local grocery store? Either call or stop in and request that they save boxes for you. Pro tip – ask specifically for egg boxes. They are built extra strong to hold the eggs and most have handles built into them too! Egg boxes are such a great size for moving. Of course, grocery stores have lots of different sizes of boxes and it’s nice to have a variety.
Splurge on Paper Products and Plastic Cutlery
I’m typically not one to use disposable plates and cutlery, but when you’re moving, it’s SO handy to keep these on hand. You will be so busy and don’t have time to wash extra dishes (plus you are going to want to pack them too and might not find them right away to unpack). Having plenty of these on hand will help alleviate stress during the move.
Pack a Suitcase for the First Night
Pack a suitcase that holds a change of clothes and pajamas for each member of the family. That way if you don’t get a chance to unpack all of the boxes, it won’t be a big deal. This is one of my absolute must-do moving tips for families. You’ll be so glad you did this!
Pack a Necessities Bag or Box
Just like the suitcase for clothes, you want another bag or a box that holds all of your necessities. Things like deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, medications, and any other things you’ll need. If you pack it in a box, make sure you keep it somewhere where you can access it quickly and easily.
I packed diapers, wipes, and basic cleaning supplies in our box, along with some DVDs to watch a movie with the kids that night and our television remote so it wouldn’t get lost. Oh, I also packed my favorite chai drink so I’d be sure to have my caffeine in the morning. If you’re a coffee drinker, you may want to put your coffee maker in your box!
Plan for a “Sleepover” that First Night
There’s nothing more exciting and memorable to kids than to move into a new home and all have one huge sleepover on the floor together! Not only is this such a fun thing for kids, it removes the pressure of having to have all of the beds set up and made before you go to bed. Trust me, after a day of moving boxes and furniture, there’s a good chance you won’t have the energy to prep beds for everyone. Pack your pillows and sleeping bags somewhere you can access them easily. Don’t have sleeping bags? Just throw a few blankets down on the floor.
Remember That This is an Emotional Time
It can be hard for adults to leave a home and place they love. It can sometimes be even harder for children. Be patient with them as they adjust. Remind them of the fun memories you’re going to make at the new house when they seem sad.
Prepare Kids Ahead of Time
Don’t wait until your house is listed on Redfin before you let your kids know you are moving. Talk about it often and answer any questions they may have. Help them understand that they won’t be coming back to their old house but that they will make lots of wonderful new memories at the new home.
Make It Fun Whenever Possible
Moving is a lot of work, but there are ways to make it fun! Kids love to help, so include them whenever possible. You can also make it fun for them by just having conversations about the hopes and dreams they have for their next bedroom. Jacob is really into all things Egyptian right now, so he is hoping we will be able to make some change to his bedroom to make it Egyptian-like. Maggie loves animals and loves to share about her dreams for an underwater-themed room.
Another way you can make it fun for them is to let them decorate the moving boxes. This will keep them busy while you work on other tasks!
In Wrecking Ball, Book 14 of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series—from #1 international bestselling author Jeff Kinney—an unexpected inheritance gives Greg Heffley’s family a chance to make big changes to their house. But they soon find that home improvement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Once the walls come down, all sorts of problems start to crop up. Rotten wood, toxic mold, unwelcome critters, and something even more sinister all make Greg and his family wonder if the renovations are worth the trouble. When the dust finally settles, will the Heffleys be able to stay . . . or will they need to get out of town?
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball, is in stores now. It would make a perfect stocking stuffer or a book to read during holiday travels. It’s recommended for readers ages 8-12. You can order it on Amazon. I hope this post with moving tips for families helps your family during your upcoming move!
Are you also selling your home? If so, you may find this post about keeping your home “showing-ready” with kids quite helpful as well!
Dana Rodriguez
Tuesday 28th of January 2020
Moving is SUCH a project. You have some great tips to help make it run a little smoother.
alice f
Sunday 1st of December 2019
Moving is such a pain in the neck! Just like everyone else, I absolutely hate moving. These are a great tips for a smoother moving experience.
Sarah L
Sunday 1st of December 2019
Very good tips. I like having the kids decorate their own boxes.
Lauryn R
Friday 29th of November 2019
These are fantastic tips for moving as a family, thank you so much for sharing! We have moved so many times and are getting ready to again at the beginning of the year. I have had my oldest daughter decorate the boxes in the past and I definitely plan on letting all three do the same this time! It keeps them happy and occupied.
Mia Rose
Thursday 28th of November 2019
What good ideas to help with moving and how very important to remember that it is an emotional time for kids and adults so everyone may have to be extra patient.