Moving Long Distance With Kids

Long-distance moving represents quite a hassle, especially if you have kids. Besides keeping a moving inventory, packing, loading, and unloading, you’d want to keep your young ones entertained to focus properly on the whole moving process. Kids don’t have the same toleration as adults, especially when sitting in the car for hours. Accordingly, we made a list of things to have in mind while moving long-distance with your youngsters.

Informing Your Kids the Right Way

Preparing your children for moving is the essential part of the whole procedure, especially if your old home is the only house they’ve known. Let’s face it – even adults tend to get attached to places in a sentimental sense, so, understandably, your young ones need some extra time to understand what’s going on.

While breaking the news to them be prepared for tears and drama. We recommend bringing up a positive attitude and acknowledge their fears and feelings. Why? Well, this way, it will be way easier for them to accept that they are moving instead of merely informing them on the news.

A Positive Attitude

Throwing a farewell party will be highly beneficial for the whole family s primarily for your young ones. Also, take a couple of photos of your old home and make time for the last memorable moments the kids will cherish for a long time.

Packing

The vital part of the moving process is packing. Try to make packing fun and an adventurous project which will positively motivate your kids.

Besides being involved, you will keep them busy and entertained, which is a good diversion from seeing their boxes get packed away (pack their boxes last). Also, if your youngsters are old enough to read and write consider “hiring” them for labeling or even drawing on the boxes.

If your family or friends live nearby, they can help by watching the kids and keeping them happy and busy.

Some prefer to hire babysitters, especially if no close relatives live nearby.

Toys and Snacks

Before hitting the road, don’t forget to pack a lot of snacks including apple slices, fresh snacks, dried fruit, nuts, etc. as long as you avoid chocolate and chips since they can melt into the vehicle’s seats. So, pick finger food since it is the best snack option for long-distance traveling.

Furthermore, pack some of your kids’ favorite toys like coloring books, snuggle buddies, and stuffed animals to keep them entertained.

Older kids might enjoy books, movies, or educational apps.

Prepare the car seats with a lot of cushions and blankets since youngsters enjoy comfort as much as adults do while keeping them warm and cozy.

Avoid Arguments

Childers like those are we there yet questions which can be quite frustrating and annoying for grown-ups. Avoid raising your tone or any arguments by investing in technology or indulging in various fun activities, including trivia games, sing-a-longs, and electronic games.

It is important to avoid any arguments as kids tend to react badly in these situations because of tiredness and stress.

Plan Your Route

Since you are already on the road, consider planning out a traveling route that will be fun for the whole family. Theme parks, national parks, historical and geological sites are great places to stop by alongside visiting cities on the way you’ve never seen before. Don’t make the mistake of making the trip dull and boring as kids react badly to this specific (adult) environment.

Don’t forget to take a lot of pictures and videos to capture and memorize this moving trip while prepping your kids for a new home in a positive way.

Essentials

Besides packing water and food consider packing a change of clothes, especially if you are traveling during summertime with extra changes and sleeping pajamas just in case. Also, don’t forget to bring toothbrushes, baby wipes, hand sanitizers, and disposable bags.

Feeling fresh might not seem essential, but comfort will help the whole family feel nice during the trip.

Keep the vehicle speed optimal as going too fast or flexing on curves can result in vomiting as kids have a pretty sensitive stomach.

Unpacking

Upon arriving, let your kids explore and get to know their new home how they like it while you start unpacking after the move is over. It is advised to unpack essential first as you’ll be needing them very soon. Don’t rush as there is no need to unpack everything the first day you arrive. Instead, give yourself and your kids time to accommodate and blend into the new surroundings. Let your kids explore the new neighborhood while keeping them company.

Blending In

If you by any chance move during summer when there is no school, get your kids involved in innovative and fun activities where they can meet new friends and blend in easier.

Let your kids take part in designing your new home, which will help them adapt to your new home.

Although things in the new home will certainly be different try to involve familiar routines since usual rules and actions can be quite comforting not only for your kids but for the whole family.

Summary

All in all, moving long-distance with your kids can represent quite a challenge, especially if we are talking about very young children. To make sure that the whole trip and moving process flows easily follow the aforementioned steps including preparing and informing your kids, maintaining a positive attitude, involving them in packing, bringing toys, essentials, and snacks, and planning out a fun travel route.

Don’t forget to avoid stress and arguments. Upon arriving, try to include your kids in the whole unpacking process and let them roam around the new house and the new neighborhood. If you arent too tired, keep them company and make it a family thing. It is important for the kids to blend in, so try to indulge them in numerous fun activities as a way to help them make new friends.

Please, don’t forget to share your experiences and let us know what you think in the comment section.