Kids and Pets: Tips for a Stress-Free Move

Moving to a new home is an joyful experience, especially if you have little ones and animal companions to share in the thrill! Your kids and animal companions are creatures of habit and ensuring a smooth transition should be your top priority during your move process. Long distance moving companies will tell you the same thing: preparation is key. The more organized you are in the beginning of your move, the more adjusted and happy your kids and pets will be. Before your local movers start loading up, take a moment to plan out a moving plan that will work for everyone, and keep the whole family satisfied during your upcoming transition!

Kids

1. Involve Your Children in the Process

One great way to the best ways to make your kids get comfortable with the move is to involve them in the planning process. Let them help with packing, or give them the duty of packing their belongings. You can also involve them in the preparation process by letting them pick the color scheme for their new living spaces or pick out the design of their new spaces. This will give them more control of the situation and help them get excited about the move.

2. Keep a Familiar Routine

One of the biggest the biggest challenges of moving with kids is maintaining a sense of normalcy. To help your kids feel more at ease, attempt to maintain a consistent routine as much as possible. For example, you can still read a bedtime story, enjoy their favorite film, or have a meal together every night. Keeping a familiar routine will help your kids feel more at ease and less stressed about the move.

3. Pack a "Moving Kit" for Your Kids

Packing a "moving kit" for your children can also make the transition easier. This kit should include toys they love, books, and games, as well as a spare outfits and toiletries. Having a moving kit can provide comfort and security. If the long distance movers need a few days to get to your destination, this kit can also give them fun diversions while travelling to your new place! If your local moving company is just headed across Pittsburgh, this kit can keep little ones busy while the truck gets packed up or delivered into your new home.

4. Take a Tour of Your New Neighborhood

Prior to you move, bring your kids on a stroll of your new neighborhood. This can help them adjust to the new area and make the move less stressful. You can also look up fun activities and places to visit in your new town, like local parks, outdoor space, nature reserves, playgrounds, and museums, to help your kids feel more enthusiastic about the move. Encourage your kids to create a schedule to plan out some fun activities to serve as a distraction during the move planning process.

5. Talk About What to Expect

Talking your kids through the process of the move can help them feel more at ease about the process. Before your long distance movers arrive, explain to your kids what they will see. They’ll see their toys being moved onto a big truck, but it’s just for now. Watch videos explaining how movers pack and unload the trucks, so kids know where their items are going, and when to expect them back.

6. Seek Outside Help

In conclusion, if your kids are having a difficult time settling in to the move, think about seeking the guidance of a trained professional. A therapist can help your kids process their thoughts and help them adjust to their new surroundings. They can also provide you with practical tips on how to help your kids adjust and make the transition as seamless as possible. Sometimes a respected instructor or close relative can be a fantastic outside helpful ally for kids to hang out with, talk through their feelings and build their confidence about the upcoming move.

Pets

1. Familiarize Your Pets with the Moving Boxes

Your furry friends can become worried when they see boxes and other unfamiliar items around the house. To help them adjust to the new environment, start familiarizing the boxes a few weeks before the move. Let your pets check out the boxes so they become comfortable around them. Feline friends love a great box!

2. Keep Your Pets Routine as Normal as Possible

Just like kids, furry friends also need a sense of normalcy during the move. Try to keep their routine as close to normal as possible, including feeding schedules, walks, and playtime. This will help your pets feel comfortable during the move and mitigate their anxiety levels.

3. Plan Ahead for Transportation

If you’re using a long distance moving company, you need to consider your pets' needs during the move. If you're driving, make sure to have a relaxing place for them in the car. If you are taking a plane, be sure you have all the necessary documentation and research the rules for flying with pets. Even if local movers are taking you across Pittsburgh, a conversation with your pet’s vet before your move can help be sure your pets are happy and comfortable throughout the transition.

4. Update Your Pets' Identification

Prior to the move, make sure your pets' ID is up-to-date, including their tags, microchips, and any other means of identification. This will ensure that they can be returned to you if they get lost during the move.

5. Find Pet-Friendly Accommodations

If you're moving to a new city and your cross-country movers need a few hours to make the trip, make sure to look into pet-friendly rentals, like accommodations that welcome pets, house rentals or pet daycare services. Having a relaxing and peaceful place to rest and relax during the trip will keep your beloved pets happy after a lengthy travel! If you have a short gap between homes while using local movers, asking a pal, family member or neighbour to watch your pets throughout the move can also be a good plan for keeping pets comfortable and happy.

6. Give Your Pets Plenty of Attention and Love

In conclusion, be sure to give your pets lots of affection and attention during the move. Take time to be with them, play with them, and provide them with plenty of affection. This will help ease their transition into the new home.

At Corrigan Moving Systems, we strive to take care of everyone in your household; fur babies and children included! We recognize we aren’t moving items from point A to point B, we’re moving lives. Entrusting us with that task is not something we take lightly. Contact us today to book your free in-home quote and see why families have trusted Corrigan for over 90 years.