Guide To Moving With Children
In 2013, an average of 13.7% of families with children chose to relocate, making this population one of the highest percentages of movers. It is an exciting time but also an incredibly stressful process, and adding a newborn into the mix only worsens the situation.
But with careful planning and preparation, including packing and establishing a plan for childcare, parents can minimize stress when moving to a new home. Convenience and efficiency will be essential for parents of young children looking to transition easily.
Before the Move
Research is critical to a successful move. From finding reliable movers to preparing for downsizing, there are steps to take before packing a box.
Find the Best Medical Care
Look for doctors who specialize in infant care and can provide the best care for your baby. You can do this by:
- Getting a referral from your current pediatrician: Schedule a visit with your child's doctor and get the necessary vaccinations, prescriptions, and other medical care. You must also update your child's medical records and get a referral to change doctors.
- Asking friends and family: Once your child receives medical clearance, gather information on any specialists you may need in the new town and ensure your child's medical insurance is accepted. Then use online resources or ask family and friends for help. Their first-hand experience will be valuable when deciding the best healthcare provider for your child.
Plan the Best Route
If you are moving a considerable distance, planning the best route that fits your interests and needs is crucial in making the process easier.
- Make reservations ahead of time: Getting the right accommodations for families with baby-friendly amenities such as cribs and changing tables can be challenging. So booking ahead of time is essential to secure these features.
- Plan for convenient stops: Make regular stops with access to restrooms, food, and a chance for everyone to stretch their legs. These pit stops will be a lifesaver when your child is having a hard time during long trips.
- Expect the unexpected: Moving with a baby is unpredictable, and you must be prepared for anything. Pack extra supplies like diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, snacks, and toys just in case of delays or detours.
- The goal is to make your move as safe and easy for your child as possible. Planning allows parents to make the process comfortable, fun, and educational for their children.
Downsize to Save Time and Stress
Downsizing can reduce the time spent packing and allow you to purchase new items that best suit your new home. It will also save you the hassle of packing and unpacking items that no longer fit your lifestyle.
- Essentials come first: Sort items into piles and hold onto the essentials like cribs, car seats, and strollers. Move items that have sentimental value or are challenging to replace after settling into your new home.
- Donate or sell unwanted items: Purging items you no longer need will save space and money. Donate most of your gently used items or hold a yard sale.
Although it can be hard to let go of items that may have been with you for many years, creating a fresh start will be worth it.
Find the Best Movers
With a new bundle of joy, it's crucial to ensure the adjustment to your home is stress-free, and it all starts with finding the right moving company. There are many options out there just waiting for you to find them.
- Full-service mover: Make your relocation easy by hiring the professional help of full-service movers. These professionals will pack and ship everything efficiently and even lend a hand when unpacking at your new home. No matter how large or small the move, they will ensure that your belongings reach their destination in one piece.
- Self-service: If you cannot hire a professional service, consider renting a truck and using self-service. Although this can save you money, it will require more time and energy, which is already stretched thin with a baby in tow.
- You-pack-they-ship: If you are short on time and resources, packing yourself is a great option. You can order boxes and packing materials online and have them shipped to your door. A moving company will pick up the boxes and deliver them safely to your new home once they are ready.
The right mover will make your life easier and the process faster, so research your options and select the best fit for your needs.
Find Childcare for Moving Day
Moving with a baby can be particularly challenging. With extra help, it could quickly become manageable. Secure childcare or a babysitter on the day of your move to give you the peace of mind of knowing that your little one is safe while allowing all hands on deck to pack belongings.
- Enlist family and friends: Reach out for help from those closest to you and give them a chance to lend support during this time and bond with your child. It will also allow you to spend quality time and say goodbye before you leave.
- Hire a babysitter or daycare: A babysitter or daycare is a great way to provide child care when you cannot during moving day. Ensure they have everything necessary, from supplies to info on any special needs your little one may require.
Moving is stressful for any family, but ensuring your child is appropriately cared for should be a top priority. With these helpful tips, parents can stay composed and know their baby will remain safe and secure.
Vehicle Maintenance
Vehicle maintenance is paramount when embarking on a new adventure with your little one. Before hitting the road and moving to that next exciting place in life, double-check that any car used for long trips has passed inspection to provide peace of mind when it's time to hit the road.
- Schedule a tune-up: A basic tune-up will keep your car's engine running smoothly, so you can travel with ease and confidence.
- Check tires and brakes: No one wants to navigate a treacherous journey with an infant in tow, so give your vehicle some extra TLC before leaving. Ensure those brakes can handle the unexpected bumps ahead, that oil is topped-off, and that tires pass inspection.
- Pack an emergency kit: Having an emergency kit on hand can be crucial. Ensure your family prepares with essential first-aid items, a handy flashlight to guide you through the dark, and plenty of nourishing food and water for the little one. It's often the most straightforward provisions that make all the difference.
With these must-haves, your family can make their journey confidently, guaranteeing a safe arrival at your new home.
Sorting and Packing Supplies
Achieve a stress-free move with a child through careful planning and organization. Preparing in advance is vital to stay calm when it comes time for the move.
- Organize by room: Separate all the items into different categories based on where they will go in your new home. Categorizing your items will help you quickly label and sort all the boxes.
- Transporting large and valuable items: Master the art of packing by effectively organizing and sorting your belongings. Begin with gathering all necessary supplies, then transport bulky items first and valuable items last. Shipping furniture can be quickly done by hiring a service specializing in moving large items.
- Label everything: Clearly label each box with the room it belongs in and a brief description of its contents. Labeling the boxes will help make unpacking much easier once you arrive at your new home.
- Get movers to pack and move large items: If you need to move large appliances or furniture, consider getting professional movers to handle them. The extra assistance will be worth it in the end.
- Carefully ship art and antiques: If you have any valuable art, collectibles, or antiques that need to be shipped, use a professional delivery service. They will ensure that your items are handled carefully and arrive at their destination safely.
Packing and shipping can be painstaking, but ensuring your belongings reach their intended destination is worth the hassle. With careful preparation of supplies, you'll start in your new home with all your familiar items.
Packing for the Baby
When packing for a baby, comfort is key. Having the essentials for the journey, like diapers, wipes, clothes, and blankets, will help ensure your little one's move goes as smoothly as possible. If nursing isn't an option during travel time, add extra bottles and formula, so your precious bundle of joy can meet all their nutritional needs.
Additionally, bringing your baby's favorite toy to entertain them during the drive or flight will help ease their anxiety. It is also a good idea to bring snacks and a few of their favorite books. Remember that the move may be stressful for your baby, so make them feel comfortable during the trip.
During the Move
Creating a secure, gentle space for your baby to investigate and become familiar with their new home can be essential, especially when transitioning. Let these helpful hints guide you in making a move easier for your little one:
- Providing entertainment: Provide your child with activities and toys so they can explore without getting bored or overwhelmed. Having books and a blanket ready for them is also a good idea.
- Unpack the nursery first: Set up the nursery first so your little one can adjust quickly and easily. Hang decorations, assemble furniture, and lay out their bedding to create a relaxing space for your child.
- Keep hazardous items out of reach: Make sure all potentially dangerous things are out of reach. This includes keeping electrical cords and outlets covered, sharp objects away from the floor, and any hazardous materials locked up.
- Baby-proof your home: Do a thorough baby-proofing of your home. This includes anchoring furniture to the wall, locking cabinets and drawers, and covering outlets.
- Test Alarms: Safeguard your family by checking that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work. Also, upgrade your security system with motion-sensing lights or surveillance cameras for extra peace of mind.
Making your home baby-proof and accommodating is an integral part of the move. With all the preparations for packing and shipping, it's easy to forget your baby's needs. Taking the time to be mindful of their comfort during this adjustment will help make the entire process much smoother for your family.
After the Move
After you settle into your new home, establishing a familiar routine for your child can help them feel comfortable in a different environment. Incorporate essential aspects of their previous life, such as having an enjoyable bath time ritual or reading stories together before bedtime.
Developing a network of reliable childcare providers, medical professionals, and friendships assures parents that their baby is cared for with utmost safety, even in their absence.
Remember to be patient and understanding with your little one during the transition. Moving can be complicated for anyone, but it is incredibly challenging for young children who may not understand why things are changing. So take steps to make the transition easier and keep a positive attitude.
