7 Smart Tips for Moving with a Toddler

Moving to a new home? Congratulations! Now comes the real work! While everyone knows that moving can be tough, it can be especially trying if you have young kids or toddlers to move with, as is true for young families all across the country. Fortunately, moving with a toddler isn’t impossible, and these seven smart tips can make it much easier for everyone involved:

1. Make Sure to Plan Ahead

To make sure that everything runs smoothly on your relocation day, plan ahead to prevent accidents, meltdowns, and delays. In addition to starting to pack as soon as possible, you’ll also want to take steps to help the kids prepare, and plan for roadblocks.

For example, keep your babysitter’s number ready in case your kids need extra attention. You may also choose to leave your toddler with your parents or some friends if you’re short on manpower during the move. This will help you concentrate on the task at hand and give your toddler somewhere quiet and predictable to spend the day. 

2. Prepare Meals and Snacks Accordingly

Having snacks and easy-to-prepare meals on hand during your move is essential to avoid cranky kids. If your child is a picky eater and won’t go for just any meal, be sure to bag serving-sized portions of his or her favorite treat (rice crisps, for example, or Goldfish) before you move. Having this treat on hand helps prevent last-minute trips to the store and can distract your toddler while you work on the move. 

3. Enlist Help for Moving

Not all families can afford full-service moving options. If you have a big household to move, ask your friends or relatives to help. They can offer a hand either with the move (packing boxes and loading the truck, for example) or with your toddler — serving as a stand-in babysitter or bringing their kids over to play while you pack the kitchen. 

4. Keep Your Kids Involved

Let your toddler help in small ways. Give them age-appropriate tasks to help them feel involved during the move. Great options include asking them to put their favorite toys in a bag or pull their clothes out of dresser drawers so you can pack them. Explain why your family is moving and tell them what they can do to contribute.

5. Pack Your Child’s Toys Last

Ask your mover to pack and move your child’s belongings last. Since packing your toddler’s toys can be emotional for the child, you may want to complete this step while they’re sleeping or out of the house. 

6. Make Your New Place “Homey”

Children thrive in comfortable, predictable environments.  The sooner you make your new place more “homey” or cozy, the sooner your child will adjust. Be sure to unpack some of his or her favorite toys or blankets first to make settling in easier. 

7. Celebrate Your Move with The Family

Moving is no easy feat. That said, celebrate this milestone with your family and the people who helped you during the moving process. Not only will this be fun for you, but it will help your toddler recognize your new location as “home,” and associate it with all the people you love. If you’re moving to a new neighborhood, be proactive about meeting your neighbors and finding kids for your toddler to play with ASAP.

While moving with a toddler can feel like a recipe for disaster, these smart tips will help keep the process between the rails.