Whether you’re preparing to move into your dream home or staging your current one for sale, we understand just how daunting the idea of packing up can be, especially when small children are involved. The real estate agents at Bee Realty Corp excel at buying and selling properties in and around Volusia, Seminole, and Marion counties. Over the years, they’ve also learned a thing or two about how to make both processes as smooth as possible, including how to pack up your home quickly and efficiently while catering to the needs of your little ones.
Read on to learn more about mastering the art of a stress-free move with a toddler in tow.
Homeowner Tips: 10 Tips For Packing Up a Home When You Have a Toddler
Packing up to move while keeping a toddler happy and engaged is no easy feat. You need to maintain safety, anticipate emotional responses, and find ways to keep them occupied when most of their belongings are in boxes. These ten practical suggestions are designed to transform your moving experience into an organized, efficient, and even enjoyable family effort.
- Start Early
Children are highly sensitive to upsets in their environment, so gradual changes are better than sudden ones. Begin your packing process well in advance. Toddlers thrive on routine, and a rushed packing process can disrupt their familiar patterns. Create a detailed schedule that splits tasks into manageable chunks. Giving your child simple jobs like sorting their toys can make the process smoother and help them understand and cope with the upcoming change. Explain each step, use a visual calendar, and keep their day-to-day activities as consistent as possible. Additional guidance and reassurance during packing can help alleviate any anxiety they might be feeling.
- Create a Kid-Friendly Packing Kit
Give your child their own “packing kit.” Include washable markers, colorful stickers, and lightweight, safe packing materials and encourage them to decorate and label the boxes holding their belongings. Making them a part of the process and presenting them with a playful way to contribute gives them a sense of control and can be a fun, creative outlet that makes the moving process less intimidating and more engaging. It also opens up a window of opportunity for talking about the move in a positive light, lessening any feelings they might have about being left out.
- Pack Their Room Last and Unpack First
Make your child’s room one of the last you pack. It maintains a sense of familiarity and ensures they have their comfort items until the last moment. Once the boxes are delivered to your new home, be sure to set up their room as quickly as possible. Seeing their toys, clothes, and favorite bedding can provide enormous comfort and a sense of continuity. If your child’s tolerance for change is low, consider arranging the new room similarly to the old one, at least initially, to ease the transition. This continuity will help them adjust more quickly to their new surroundings, giving them a safe and familiar space to retreat to during the typical upheaval unpacking brings.
- Maintain Their Familiar Routine
Children find comfort in daily schedules and habits, so try to keep their customary activities as consistent as possible. Plan to pack during naptime or when your child’s engaged in independent play. If their daily morning or nighttime routines involve story time or a favorite breakfast, avoid letting the move disrupt them. Like adults, kids like consistency in their daily lives, particularly when everything seems so chaotic. Small rituals like bedtime stories or morning cuddles can be reassuring and provide a sense of normalcy. Preserving these moments during the packing process can make a significant difference in how your child copes with the move as a whole.
- Involve Them in Decision-Making
Even small decisions can empower a toddler and help reduce any feelings of helplessness. Allow your child to make simple choices like which color boxes will hold their toys or which plush toy they’ll be allowed to carry with them. This involvement can go a long way in helping them feel valued and part of the process. Weave the move into daily discussions, focusing on positive aspects like a bigger room, a nearby park, or the new friends they might meet. By including them in these choices, you’ll also encourage a sense of independence and foster decision-making skills.
- Create a Moving Day Kit
Prepare a special bag or backpack for moving day, filling it with essentials and favorite items like snacks, a change of clothes, toys, and books. Knowing “their” bag puts everything they need or want within easy reach can reduce stress and anxiety. Consider including a few new toys or books to surprise them and keep them engaged during the actual move. A bonus to giving your child their moving day bag is that it’s also a practical way to ensure your toddler’s needs are met without having to search through packed boxes once you arrive at your new home.
- Hire or Ask for Help
Hiring professional movers is a great way to get things packed up and ready to go quickly. It also gives you more time to spend with your toddler. If you’re doing most of the packing yourself, don’t be shy about asking friends and family to pitch in. The extra hands can speed up the process, whether they get to work stuffing boxes alongside you or take your toddler to the park for some swing and slide time. The goal is to reduce the move’s overall impact on your child’s routine and environment. The less time they spend around the upheaval aspect of moving, the easier the transition will be for them. Moreover, having trusted people they love around can create a supportive atmosphere for both of you.
- Familiarize Them With the New Neighborhood
If your new home is relatively close, consider visiting the area to show your child some of the places they’ll soon be enjoying, like parks or playgrounds. If a physical visit isn’t feasible, head online and find pictures or stories about the new community to build excitement. Many children have a fear of the unknown, so familiarizing them with their new environment can significantly reduce their move-related anxiety. It also gives them something to look forward to, shifting their focus to the move’s positive aspects.
- Set Up a Safe Play Area
When packing up a household of belongings, it’s easy to get caught up in the job at hand. Avoid mishaps by setting up a designated safe area for your child to play in while you pack and unpack. This can be as simple as putting their toys in a corner that’s far away from moving hazards, keeping them entertained and away from potential accidents while you focus on moving tasks.
- Stay Positive and Patient
Your outlook on the move can greatly influence your child’s perception. Try to remain positive and patient, acknowledging your toddler’s feelings and reassuring them when fears bubble to the surface. Remember, even minor changes can be overwhelming for small children. They rely on the adults in their lives for their emotional cues, so look for ways to celebrate small milestones in the moving process, making it a shared, positive experience. Your calm and positive demeanor can comfort them while teaching them to approach new situations with curiosity and optimism.
Let Bee Realty Corp Help Streamline Your Move with a Toddler
Moving with a toddler can be challenging, but the process can be much more manageable if you plan far ahead and stay organized and patient.
At Bee Realty Corp, we understand the complexities of buying or selling a home, particularly when caring for small children. Our experienced agents are committed to making your entire real estate experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. We provide personalized services that cater to your unique needs, ensuring every aspect of your home buying or selling journey is handled with professionalism and care. From flexible scheduling to providing expert advice, we’re here to support you—and your toddler—every step of the way!
Contact us online or call 386-279-7522 to get more helpful homeowner tips, schedule a consultation, or learn more about buying and selling a home in Volusia County.
