They say to never work with both animals and children… but here at A Swift Move, we like a challenge, so why not throw a house move into the mix as well.
Any kind of house move is considered stressful, with the additional needs of children and pets only making the process more challenging – not to mention time-consuming as you find ways of minimising the upset and preparing for all eventualities.
In this blog, we’re sharing our advice on how to ensure a smooth moving process, from approaching the topic with kids, to packing, navigating the logistics of moving day, and settling your family into your new home. First things first, how to explain the realities of a house move to kids and prepare both them and your pets for moving day.
Preparing for moving day with kids and pets
The smoothest moves are always those that have been carefully planned out and prepped for – engaging and acknowledging the feelings of all those involved, including younger family members and pets.
When moving house, children in particular will have questions and will likely be confused or even upset at the prospect of leaving their familiar surroundings – which is why honesty is so important. Framing the move as an exciting adventure is one way to elevate their spirits while finding ways of connecting their existing friends with their new surroundings will be especially important for older children with established connections and friendship groups.
Preparing the move with pets is easier in a sense, without the same emotional upset and need to explain the situation. However, we do recommend getting them checked before moving to ensure optimum health and spend time packing everything that they need to be comfortable and to feel safe in their new home as soon as you arrive.
Packing tips for families with kids and pets
One of the best ways to manage the packing process with kids in particular is to give them some sense of responsibility. Ask them to pack a bag for themselves that they will keep on them throughout moving day, choosing their favourite toys and the things that they don’t want to be boxed up. This will give them something to keep them busy while you pack and will also play a role in ensuring that their favourite toys are kept safe from being boxed up.
It’s incredibly important for parents to create a checklist of the items they will need both on moving day and in the days after, to alleviate the stress of sifting through multiple boxes to find your child’s pyjamas, school uniform, homework books, and other things. Keep every day and regularly used items as accessible as possible, and clearly label other boxes so that you know what you will find where.
The same is true for your pets, with our advice being to pack both a travel bag with food, bowls, a lead, and other must-haves, while clearly labelling their other accessories in your moving boxes. In addition to their possessions, you also need to consider how best to transport pets in a way which is as safe and comfortable for them as possible. For long-distance moves, talk to your vet to ask their advice on managing and controlling the journey for your pets, and where possible always keep them with you.
Finally, when you arrive at your new home, you want both your pets and your children to feel like they are in a safe space with all their main possessions available to them. This will instil a sense of calm and belonging and will minimise the uncertainty, by creating an air of familiarity throughout the home.
How to handle your first few days in your new home
Retaining a sense of normality through routine is important as you settle into your new home. Giving kids the food that they expect, asking them to complete the same tasks and chores, and granting them the same privileges will all keep their days as normal as possible.
Similarly, keep your routine consistent for pets – although we recommend keeping them inside for a period after moving, and chaperoning them when outside to ensure that they are safe and do not wander too far or panic in their new surroundings.
Another thing you can do as a family, with children and pets in tow, is to make exploring your new area a whole family adventure. Go on days out where you walk and explore the local parks, picking up treats along the way and uncovering the secrets of your new local area with no real end goal or destination. The more you can do to make moving fun, and to spend time getting to know the area as a family, the smoother the transition into a new home will be.
The benefit of working with a moving company
If the whole concept of moving house makes you feel overwhelmed and more than a little stressed, then why not reach out to a professional moving company for support. With access to physical strength and the experience which enables us to pack a moving van securely and safely, transporting your possessions from your old property to your new family home, our team make the moving process not only easier but more enjoyable for your whole family.
Safe in the knowledge that we can handle the majority of your furnishings and possessions, the beauty of partnering with an experienced moving company is that you can focus all your energy on your family, including pets and children, ensuring that they feel comfortable throughout the process. All you need are a few overnight bags and valuable possessions that you wish to keep in your own vehicle, while we take care of the rest – meeting you on the doorstep of your brand-new home.
For more information on moving house, and direct advice relating to your move – be it around the corner or all the way across the country – get in touch with A Swift Move today.
