Moving is easily one of the most stressful parts of life. So, how could it get any worse? Well, throw some kids or pets (or both!) into the mix, and there's so much more to account for.
If you have an impending move with kids or pets on the horizon, don't worry! We're here with some of our best tips for moving with your babies, whether they're fuzzy or not.
The best thing you can do for yourself is to come up with a solid game plan. Because we don't know your exact situation, such as how old your children are, how many pets you have, or whether you have a cat or dog, we can't tell you exactly what to do. That said, these tips serve as good starting points for coming up with a moving plan!
7 Tips for Moving with Pets or Kids
1. Time the Move Right (If You Can)
You might not always have control over when you move. For example, you could be moving out because your lease is up or maybe you've been closing on a house for 4-6 months and finally get to move on.
If the circumstances are completely out of your control, you can skip to the next tip. We recommend making sure the move doesn't happen on top of any other major life changes for your kids or pets.
Sometimes, it's difficult for children to deal with big life changes. Circumstances such as a death in the family, parents going through a divorce, or starting at a new school are all huge changes in their lives. If you pile a move on top of it, it could be too much for them.
When it comes to pets, a move is always going to be stressful. Just make sure you aren't timing your move around the same time you gained (or lost) another pet. Cats are especially sensitive to big life changes, and they need time to adjust.
The point we're trying to make here is: think about how all of the members of your household are faring if there have been any major changes recently. Delaying your move six months to a year could be the respite they need to properly adapt to the next big change.
2. Thoroughly Research Your New Neighborhood
Kids love to ask questions, don't they? Well, imagine how many questions they're going to have when you tell them they're moving!
Here's what you should know about your new area before telling your kids:
Where the closest parks are
How close their school will be, especially if they're switching to a new school
Where the closest libraries, walking trails, and attractions are
Older children could be excited to research their new house and neighborhood on their own, which is always a good sign!
If your children have specific interests, find some related hidden gems in your new area you can tell them about to get them excited. For example, is there a cool Lego store nearby? Or a giant arcade?
Your pets, on the other hand, can't be as inquisitive as young minds. Regardless, you should still research:
Where the closest vets are (including emergency vets)
Which pets store you'll be able to shop at (this matters more if you purchase some type of specialty food)
Where the closest dog parks are
3. Have a Conversation With Your Kids About the Move
Children can be wary of change. Especially when it's something they don't fully understand.
Have an honest (yet age-appropriate) conversation with them, making sure to cover:
Why you have to move
Where you're moving to
Exciting new things in the area you're moving to (as discovered in tip #2!)
Young children will probably ask things like what will happen to their toys, while older kids are usually worried about their school and friends.
If the move is far enough away where they have to change schools, highlighting exciting, new things is extremely important. Focus on the positive differences between your current area versus your new area.
4. Emphasize Any Similarities
Change is scary because it's unknown. So, even though you want to make sure your children are excited for the move, it's also helpful to talk about what won't change.
Here are a few examples:
Does your kid love going to the library? Tell them how there's a library that's even closer, and you will take them there all the time!
Do you have another child who is a huge sports fan? Let them know that you'll still be close enough to go to local baseball games together.
Have you always hosted a specific holiday your kids love taking part in? Let them know you'll still be the host next year, and your traditions will stay the same.
For your pets, it's important to establish a new, similar, "home base" when you move. Set up a room with their favorite bedding, toys, and treats.
This is especially important when you're moving with cats, as they seek comfort and familiarity in new and unknown places. Make sure they have their own room, with safe places to hide (like moving boxes!) and a litter box, as well as any of their favorite toys, blankets, or beds.
5. Make a Plan for Moving Day
Moving day is always going to be stressful for you, your kids, and your pets.
The only way you can alleviate some stress is to have a solid plan. Here's what we recommend.
Either come up with ways your kids can be safely involved with moving OR keep them out of the house by having them stay with family or friends on moving day.
It might be best to just have them stay somewhere else altogether, and pick them back up once everything is moved in.
6. Secure Your Pets in a Room
The same goes for pets. You don't want to have your pets loose in your house while you're moving boxes and furniture in and out – the last thing you need on moving day is a lost cat!
You can either:
Board your pets at a pet hotel for the day OR
Keep them enclosed in one room while everything is moved out
We recommend the second option, as it's usually the least amount of stress for your fur babies (especially when it comes to cats). If your dogs have a doggie daycare they love going to, that's a great option. However, keeping them confined in one room at least keeps them with you, and keeps them in their own space for as long as possible.
Animals can get stressed out with lots of change and loud noises, so make sure you're spending time with them, comforting them, and giving them all the treats they deserve!
Keep your animals confined to one room with plenty of food, water, toys, blankets, a litter box, and anything else they might need. Also, put a clear sign on the door to keep it closed just in case any movers attempt to enter the room.
6. Hire Movers
Even if you're physically capable of packing and moving everything yourself, hiring movers is almost always worth it.
They know how to get everything out of your old house and into your new one as quickly and efficiently as possible. All you'll need to do is supervise while they do all the heavy listing. Plus, you'll have energy to unpack everything!
The amount of stress hiring movers can save you is often well worth the money it costs. Not to mention, the physical toll it can take.
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