Moving with kids and pets explained

We all know how stressful and frustrating moving can be. This is especially true for small children and pets that don't understand what's going on and why everything is changing. And any of them feeling scared can be a recipe for disaster. Therefore, if you’re planning to move soon, take time to prepare for how the transition will affect the smallest members of your family. You want to plan proactively for moving stress. Which means you don't want to leave anything to chance. For example, you don't want to leave getting a hold of reusable moving bins for the last moment. Remember, both children and pets can sense how you're feeling, and you don't want them to start panicking. So, we've prepared a step-by-step explanation for how to make moving with kids and pets a smooth experience for everyone.

Some general advice for moving with kids and pets

While preparing for the relocation, you'll have to order moving boxes NYC, downsize your household and pack everything up among other things. These tasks tend to take a lot of your time and attention. Thus, don't hesitate to ask for help with your kids and pets who will miss you a lot otherwise. Therefore, getting a sitter to stay/play with your dog and asking someone to watch your kids while you’re preparing everything will make u huge difference. Here are some more tips on how to help your little ones adjust to the idea of moving:

• Practice traveling. It's a bad idea to shock your pets or kids with their first long trip. Instead, take a few smaller trips in the weeks leading up to your move. Also, get them accustomed to sleeping in the car.
• Settle in. Try to return to your normal routine as soon as your move is finished. This will help both your kids and your pets feel more at ease.
• Get a pet checkup at the veterinarian. Pre-move is a great time to do this. Additionally, use the visit to inquire about moving tips for your pet.

Big moving boxes and other moving supplies can be terrific toys both for your kids and pets.

Before moving with kids and pets

In the days leading to the move, you want to begin preparing your kids and pets for the idea of moving. There are a couple of ways to do this, maybe even buying some extra moving storage bins which both little children and animals love to play in.

Kids

As soon as you've decided about the move, talk to your children about it. This will give them time to get used to it and process their feelings. Moreover, let them take part in the preparation. For example, let them pack their belongings or choose the paint colors for their new rooms. If possible, together visit your new neighborhood before moving. And find all the important places for your kids, such as their new school or parks.

Pets

Your pets can't stand traveling in the car? Consider spending a few weeks taking them for short drives so they can adapt to it. On the other hand, if you're traveling by air, find out what your airline's policies about pets are on time. In addition, around one month before the move take your pets to the vet for a checkup.

Moving day

The day of your move is bound to be hectic and stressful. You want to have everything planned ahead for this day. Moving day is the time to pack up those last few moving bins your kids and pets used for playing. But, make sure they have some of their toys at hand.

Playing with their favorite toys will help your kids and pets see the moving day as something fun.

Kids

If your kids are in the house they could slow down the movers or even become emotional about leaving. Hence, consider hiring a babysitter to watch them, or plan an activity for them outside of the house. Be sure to prepare a bag with your kids' favorite items to make the trip interesting for them and have plenty of snacks and songs ready.

Pets

Pets could also distract the movers, so separate them in a spare bedroom or the bathroom for a while. Alternatively, hire a pet sitter to watch them while moving items out of the house. Moreover, take frequent breaks to pay extra attention to your pets and ensure they have plenty of their favorite treats and toys with them.

After moving with kids and pets

Once the move is finalized, there are still some things you should do to help your kids and pets adjust to your new home.

Kids

Unpack your kids' favorite things first, and set up their rooms as soon as possible. If you have family rituals like Friday night movies or taco Tuesdays, stick to them. This will provide stability and familiarity. Also, go for walks in your new neighborhood to learn where everything is. Most importantly, pay attention to your kids and don't ignore them. Do this even while you're busy setting up the new house and they will appreciate it.

Don't forget to pay enough attention to your kids and pets during the whole process.

Pets

Routines are important to pets too. So, keep meal times the same and try to keep the location of their food dishes and beds similar to where they were in the old home. As your pets are adjusting to the new home, keep a close eye on them. This is to ensure they don't try to run back to your old home. Update their collar with tags with your new address and phone number to be sure.

Moving with kids and pets has never been easier

This advice combined with the moving with kids checklist and moving with pets checklist is going to make your relocation a piece of cake. Well, not exactly, but as close to it as possible. Remember to pay enough attention to your kids and pets during the whole process and don't forget to tend to their needs first. Sharing your excitement with them will make moving with kids and pets a positive experience for everyone!