Packing Your Child’s Room
One of the most troublesome rooms in the house to pack is the kid’s room. If you have two or three kids, you could be in even more trouble! Moving with kids can be a challenge, particularly with younger children who cannot help with packing. Older kids may feel upset or bitter about the move.
Getting the Kids On Board
The first step is to make sure the kids are agreeable with the move. They may not like it and may not look forward to it. However, they need to get to the point where they accept it is happening. Short distance moves are generally easier on children, since they will be close to their old friends. Long distance moving requires a bit more convincing on the part of the parents. Talk with the children about the fun things the new area offers and explain why it is a better place to live. Once they are on board with the idea, moving proceeds smoothly most of the time.
Make it Fun
Adults know that moving is no fun. It’s a lot of work. Kids don’t have to know that though. Make it as fun as possible for the kids and they will be much happier lending a hand. If the kids are old enough, give them special responsibilities for the move. Packing their toys could be one, labeling boxes could be another. It depends on the child’s age and level of involvement during the move.
Donations
Chances are you will have quite a bit to donate. Children grow out of clothes quickly. Donate all of the items that are now too small for your child to wear. Old toys and games your child no longer plays with are great donation items as well. Before packing up items for donation, talk with the kids about what they feel comfortable giving away. They may already be upset because of the move and might not feel like donating. Tell your children about kids who are not fortunate enough to have nice things. Explain to them the importance of charity. Most children are willing to give and donate.
The Essential Items
During the move, everything is in boxes and hard to get to for the first couple of days. Pack a box of “must have” items. These will be the first boxes you open. They should include clothes, shoes, and a few favorite items for your kids. Adults should have one of these boxes ready to go too.
Packing Up
Pack the rest of the room. Toys your child only plays with occasionally can go into boxes a week or two before the move. Again, talk with your children about the toys that are okay to pack away and let them help pack. You do not want to have to dig through a box to find an action figure two days after taping the box shut. The same is true of out of season clothing. Packing early means less work as the move draws near.
