Published: August 01, 2023

Making Moving Fun for Kids

Moving to a new home can be an exciting but challenging experience, especially for children. The thought of leaving familiar surroundings and friends behind can be daunting. However, with a little creativity and planning, you can turn the moving process into a fun and memorable adventure. In this blog, we’ll explore some strategies to make moving enjoyable and help your children embrace the journey with enthusiasm.

Involve Kids in the Decision-Making Process: Engage your children from the start by involving them in the decision-making process. Ask for their input on selecting the new home or choosing their bedroom colors. This involvement gives them a sense of ownership and control over the move, making it an exciting prospect rather than something imposed upon them.

Create a Moving Countdown: To build anticipation and make the process more manageable, create a moving countdown. Use a large calendar or make a colorful chart, marking each day as you approach the moving date. Encourage your kids to participate by crossing off days or adding stickers. This visual aid helps children understand the timeline and gives them something to look forward to.

Turn Packing Into a Game: Packing can seem tedious, but you can transform it into an enjoyable game. Set challenges, such as packing their toys or clothes within a certain timeframe. Offer small rewards or treats for completing tasks, motivating them to stay engaged and enthusiastic. You can also let them decorate their own moving boxes with markers and stickers, adding a personal touch to their belongings.

Organize a Yard Sale or Donate Unwanted Items: Before the move, involve your children in sorting through their belongings. Encourage them to identify toys, clothes, or books they no longer need. Organize a yard sale where they can sell their items and earn some pocket money. Alternatively, donate their unused items to a local charity. This process teaches them about decluttering and the joy of giving and eases the transition to a new home.

Research the New Area: Spend time exploring the new neighborhood online or plan a visit before the move. Show your children pictures, videos, or maps of parks, playgrounds, and fun attractions nearby. Highlight exciting features like ice cream shops, libraries, and sports facilities. This familiarization will create a sense of adventure and help them anticipate the positive aspects of their new surroundings.

Pack a Special Moving Day Bag: Ask your children to pack a unique bag filled with their favorite toys, books, or snacks. This bag will provide comfort and entertainment during the journey and transition to the new home. Including a small disposable camera or a notebook allows them to document the moving experience, capturing memories along the way.

Throw a Farewell Party: Organize a farewell party or playdate for your child and their friends before leaving. This gives them an opportunity to say goodbye and create lasting memories with their peers. Provide disposable cameras or friendship journals for them to exchange contact information and capture memories they can look back on.

Plan a Fun Family Road Trip: If the move involves a long car journey, plan an exciting road trip with pit stops at interesting landmarks or attractions. Research fun facts about the places you’ll pass through and share them with your kids. Incorporate games like “I Spy” or a scavenger hunt along the way to keep them entertained and engaged.

Moving doesn’t have to be a stressful experience for children. By involving them in the process, turning tasks into games, and emphasizing the positive aspects of the move, you can transform relocation into an adventure. These strategies will not only make moving fun for your kids but also create lasting memories and help them adapt to their new home with excitement and enthusiasm.

For help with moving, visit UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Northeast Kansas or call (785) 465-4727.