Moving is a pain even at the best of times.
When you have pets that have no clue what you are doing and kids that may also not have a clue as to what’s happening, the move can be even more difficult. If you are moving long distance, there are even more potential logistics problems that you will have to consider.
However, you can’t just leave your pets or your kids at the old place, so we’ve come up with some tips that will help you to get a better handle on moving with your little ones or your furry little ones.
Sometimes, you will not have much of a choice when it comes to moving across the country.
However, if you are able to plan your moving dates, consider finding times that will make it somewhat easier for the kids in the family.
If they are in the middle of a school year and you could wait until the end of the school year to move, it might be a good idea.
This way, they will at least have some time to adjust to their new location before they have to start school.
You should also take some time to research the new area where you will be moving.
Look for the similarities with the area where you currently live along with some of the differences that will make the new place a fantastic location to live. When you talk with the kids about the move, you can let them know about some of the things that they can expect to be the same, and some of the things that will be fun, exciting, and different. Depending on the age of the children, you will want to approach the move like an adventure.
Make it sound fun and then actually make it fun for them.
While you are doing your research, you should also look up dog parks, veterinarians, and places that are pet friendly. While you won’t have to talk with your pets about your move – or maybe you will – knowing what to expect for the pets when you get there will help to make your life easier.
Kids tend to thrive on routine. They have come to know your current house as their home, and perhaps it has been the only home they have ever known. Moving can be scary for them. In fact, it can even be scary for pets who are uncertain of what’s happening.
With kids, you can give them a bit of agency when it comes to the move. By allowing them to pick out their own room decorations, for example, it can make them feel a bit better about the move. You could even have them choose what you will have for dinner the first night that you move into the new home, whether it is something that you cook or their favorite fast food. They will feel more involved and less like they are just being dragged from one place to another. It will also give them some added comfort.
During the day of the move, you will want to keep your kids occupied. If they are still too small to help with the actual move, you will want to give them some activities that can help them to keep busy. This is not only to keep their mind off the move, but it is to keep them out from under your feet.
Little ones tend to have a lot of questions, and they tend to always be hovering somewhere around your knees. Moving day, when people are moving a lot of boxes around and there is more danger in the home, is not a good place for the kids.
If you have some friends or family that can keep the little ones occupied during this time, that will be the best solution. If you have older children, they could help with the little ones, or you could put them to work helping move.
With your pets, you will want to keep them in a room that has already had everything moved out of it. Close the door and make sure you put a sign on it that tells people to keep that door shut. Keeping them secure in the house is essential, because you don’t want to have a scared pet running away on the last day in the house.
Some pets are good when it comes to getting into the car and going for rides. Some are good at getting into their kennels without a fuss. However, let’s be honest, this is not most pets. Therefore, you will want to take some time to make sure you get them used to traveling in the car or in their kennels for longer and longer periods.
This way, they don’t freak out when moving day comes and you are suddenly trying to shove them into a kennel!
To help make the entire process easier, consider hiring movers. Find and compare moving estimates from several companies and hire a company to take care of some or all of your moving needs for you. When you have a moving company literally doing most of the heavy lifting, it means you can spend more time with your pets and children to keep them calm.
Moving is never simple, but when you utilize the tips that we’ve mentioned here, it can be a bit easier when you are hauling pets and kids along with you.
Take the time to truly prepare for the trip and strive to make the process as smooth as can be for your pets and for your kids.
Spending a little extra time making sure that they are safe and happy will help them to relax and it can also help with your own peace of mind.
