While moving can be a stressful and daunting process, it can be made even more difficult if you have a toddler at home. Along with worrying about arranging and packing your possessions, you also need to take care of keeping your child amused, safe, and occupied. However, you can make the transition much simpler for you and your child with a little bit of planning and preparation.
Planning ahead
When it comes to moving with a toddler, planning ahead is key. Not only will it help to make the moving process less stressful for you, but it will also help your toddler to feel more comfortable and secure. By giving yourself plenty of time to pack and organise your belongings, you can avoid feeling rushed and overwhelmed on moving day.
Preparations for the change
One of the most important things to consider when planning ahead for a move with a toddler is preparing them for the change. This can include:
- Talking to them about the move and answering any questions they may have.
- Showing them pictures of their new home and neighbourhood can help them to visualise the change and feel more excited about it.
- If possible, try to take your toddler to visit the new home before the move so they can become familiar with it.
Creating a moving schedule
Creating a moving schedule that works for both you and your toddler is also essential. As a parent, you already know that your toddler’s schedule and routine are important for their well-being.
Try to schedule the move for a time when your toddler is usually napping or when they have a sitter available to watch them, this will minimise the disruption to their routine. It’s also a good idea to plan for some downtime during the move for your toddler to rest and play.
Consider your toddler’s emotional needs
Planning of your toddler’s schedule is vital, but you should also think about their emotional needs when you travel. This can entail giving them a hand with the packing, letting them help with the decorating of their new room, and making sure to keep their favourite belongings close by as you move. They may feel more confident and enthusiastic about the relocation as a result of these little actions.
Read also: Guide on Renting a Storage Unit
Keeping your toddler entertained and engaged
Keeping your toddler entertained and engaged throughout the moving process is essential for maintaining their well-being and reducing stress for both you and them. Here a few tips on how you can do that.
- One way to do this is by packing a special moving bag with their favourite toys and activities. This can include things like colouring books, stuffed animals, and small games. Having these items on hand will give your toddler something to do while you’re busy packing and loading the moving truck, and will also provide them with a sense of familiarity and comfort during a time of change.
- Another way to keep your toddler engaged during the move is by involving them in the process. Giving them tasks like packing some of their smaller belongings or helping to decorate their new bedroom can help them feel like they are a part of the move and make it more exciting for them. It also helps them to have a sense of ownership of their new space. Allow them to pick out the colors and accessories for their new bedroom, it will make them more excited to move and settle in.
- Planning some entertaining activities for your child during the relocation is also a smart idea. This can be going to a park or playground close to your new house or enjoying a picnic in the backyard, for example. Your toddler will be more involved and enthusiastic about the move if they have something to look forward to, and it will also be a pleasant relief from the stress of packing and moving.
Keeping your toddler safe
When you have a toddler, safety is always the first concern, and moving is no different. Naturally, the safety of your child is your top priority as a parent, yet moving might present new risks and difficulties.
It’s important to childproof the new living environment as much as you can before your toddler moves in. This entails putting up safety gates, covering electrical outlets, and locking up any potentially harmful goods like cleaning supplies or prescription drugs.
Additionally, it’s crucial to keep hazardous objects out of reach while moving. Sharp objects, large boxes, and power tools are examples of this. It’s also a good idea to clearly mark any boxes that contain fragile or dangerous items, so you can keep them away from your toddler.
It’s also essential to keep an eye on your toddler at all times when you move. This calls for constant supervision to prevent them from walking off unattended. It’s better to arrange for someone to monitor your child while you’re busy with the relocation, if at all possible. This could be a hired sitter, a family member, or a friend. Another option is to leave the moving to professionals, which will save you a lot of effort and time, and will also allow you to focus your attention on your toddler without distractions.
To sum up, moving with a toddler might be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can minimise stress for both you and your child during the move by making preparations, keeping them occupied and interested, and guaranteeing their safety.
