You’ve probably heard by now that it’s a seller’s market and it’s a good time to cash in your equity and find a new home (you can check out a net proceeds calculator to see how much you could get). The thought of moving to a new abode is exciting but if you’re selling a home with children, it can be challenging if you have young kids.
We have some tips that’ll help you pack up and move with kids as easily as possible.
1. Include the kids
Moving to a new house is going to be a big change for the kids and if they’re younger, they can get overwhelmed very easily. That’s why you’ll want to talk to them and explain what’s going on. Tell them why you’re moving and what new adventures they’ll have in the new neighborhood. For instance, by choosing to move into one of those Hallmark Homes Group houses, your kids can get access to the best parks in PA to spend their time in, which can easily convince them to want to move. However, having spent a considerable amount of time in the present house, it is normal to have a sentiment attached to it. If they get emotional, let them express those feelings. It’ll be much easier for you during the next few weeks (or months) if you know what your kids are feeling and you can comfort them accordingly. Moreover, while buying the house, consider what are the necessities for your kids to get adapted to the new neighborhood easily. You can use Apartment Locator Service or a realtor to find a house close to the part, school, and other amenities that can help your kids make new friends.
2. Turn packing into a game
Packing is one of those tasks that no one really likes to do. If you don’t like going through stuff and putting it into boxes, just imagine what your kids feel! So how do you make packing something the kids will want to do? Turn it into a game!
Examples of packing games can include:
- Race to see who can put all of the red stuffed animals into a box
- Play ‘Simon Says’ and tell them to pack up various items
- Play ‘I Spy’ and have the kids pack items until they find the item you’re “spying”
- Create a scavenger hunt list and have them pack said items on the list
Alternatively, you could hire Local Movers to pack and move all of your belongings at once. That way, you won’t have to worry about properly packing everything so that nothing gets damaged on the way. Professional movers know the ins and outs of moving like the back of their hands. They arrive as a group, with the experience needed to get you from one door to the next on time.
Now, in some situations, you may need to find packing boxes and other supplies. If you’d prefer to pack on your own and you don’t find it a hassle, then you can take this approach. In any case, many moving companies offer materials in the form of boxes, but you can also source them from local stores or online retailers. While gathering boxes, don’t forget other essential items like packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers for labeling. You might also consider specialized containers for fragile items or wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes.
When it comes to professional movers, they have certain expertise that you may lack, like getting your furniture through that narrow doorway much faster than you can! They have the tools and techniques to handle awkward items, from disassembling bed frames to safely transporting large appliances. Moreover, they can provide valuable advice on how to organize your belongings for the most efficient unpacking process at your new home. So you could give it a shot and experience the convenience and peace of mind that comes with professional moving services!
3. Take advantage of bedtime
For the days you just don’t feel like turning everything into a game, use the time they’re asleep (or in school/day care) or playing with friends to pack stuff. When you’re able to pack without the kids in your hair, you’ll be able to pack items in an organized manner. You don’t have to worry about your kids throwing just anything in any box. You also don’t have to worry about your little ones getting into trouble while packing!
4. Colored duct tape is a lifesaver
As you’re packing up your entire house, you’re bound to have a whole lot of boxes! You could write on the box which room goes where, but who really wants to spend looking around all of the boxes to find which boxes go to the kids room? You can simplify the whole unpacking process by asking the kids what color (or pattern) duct tape they like. You’ll then use that tape to seal up the boxes for each kid using their preferred tape.
You can also use this method for all rooms in the house and each room will have its own color. Then when you are ready to unpack, go around the rooms and put a piece of tape on the door (or door jam) that you used for that room’s boxes. You’ll then want to have the kids match the boxes to the tape. It’s a fun way to keep the kids entertained while getting things done!
5. Keep the tissues on hand
Generational priorities aside, you can bet that almost every member of the household will have some sad moments throughout the process of packing and moving. Children, in particular, are most likely to have a difficult time leaving – especially if that’s the only home they know. Plus, that’s where their friends are. So you’ll want to be prepared. Have tissues on hand or other items that will bring comfort to them, such as a favorite toy.
Moving to a new house is going to be an exciting, but scary, event for your kids – especially if they’re young. However, these five tips should help keep them calm and helpful, and help you to keep your sanity!
