Kids and Pets: Tips for a Stress-Free Move

Moving to a new home is an happiness-inducing experience, especially if you have little ones and animal companions to share in the thrill! Your kids and animal companions are used to their routines and ensuring a seamless transition should be your main focus during your move process. Long distance moving companies will recommend the same thing: preparation is crucial. The more ready you are in the beginning of your move, the better adjusted and happy your kids and pets will be. Before your local movers start loading up, take a moment to plan out a plan that will be beneficial for all, and keep the whole family happy during your upcoming transition!

Kids

1. Involve Your Children in the Process

One great way to the best ways to help your kids get comfortable with the move is to involve them in the moving process. Let them help with packing, or give them the task of packing their own things. You can also involve them in the preparation process by letting them choose the colors for their new living spaces or pick out the layout of their new spaces. This will empower them of the situation and help them feel more excited about the move.

2. Keep a Familiar Routine

One of the biggest challenges of moving with kids is maintaining a sense of normalcy. To help your kids feel more at ease, attempt to keep a regular routine as much as you can. For example, you can still share a bedtime tale, watch their favorite film, or have dinner together every night. Keeping a regular routine will help your kids feel more comfortable and less stressed about the move.

3. Pack a "Moving Kit" for Your Kids

Packing a "moving kit" for your little ones can also help with the move. This kit should include toys, reading materials, and games, as well as a change of clothes and hygiene essentials. Having a moving kit can give them a sense of familiarity. If the long distance moving company needs a few days to drive to your destination, this kit can also give them entertainment while travelling to your new home! If your local moving company is just headed across Cleveland, this kit can keep your kids busy while the truck is being loaded or delivered into your new home.

4. Take a Tour of Your New Neighborhood

Ahead of you move, take your kids on a stroll of your new neighborhood. This can help them get to know their new surroundings and make the transition easier. You can also research 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 pumped about the move. Have your kids to make a plan to schedule some fun activities to serve as a recess during the move planning process.

5. Talk About What to Expect

Communicating your kids through the process of the move can help them feel comfortable about the process. Before your long distance movers arrive, describe to your kids what they’ll see. They will see their toys being transported onto a big truck, but it’s just for a short while. Show videos explaining how movers load and unpack the trucks, so kids know where their items are going, and when they’ll them back.

6. Seek Outside Help

In conclusion, if your little ones are struggling to adjust to the move, consider seeking the guidance of a trained professional. A counselor can help your kids process their thoughts and help them adjust to their new environment. They can also provide you with practical advice on how to help your kids adjust and make the transition as seamless as possible. Sometimes a trusted educator or family friend can be a wonderful outside resource for kids to spend time with, talk through their feelings and build their confidence about the upcoming move.

Pets

1. Familiarize Your Pets with the Moving Boxes

Your four-legged family members can become worried when they see moving boxes around the house. To help them get used to the change, start introducing the boxes a few weeks before the move. Let your pets check out the boxes so they become familiar with them. Feline friends love a great box!

2. Keep Your Pets Routine as Normal as Possible

Just like kids, animal companions also need a sense of familiarity during the move. Try to maintain their schedule as close to normal as possible, including feeding schedules, outdoor walks, and play sessions. This will help your pets feel relaxed during the move and mitigate their stress and anxiety.

3. Plan Ahead for Transportation

If you’re using a long distance moving company, you need to make arrangements for your pets' travel. If you're driving, make sure to have a relaxing place for them in the car. If you are flying, make sure you have all the necessary documentation and check out the requirements for flying with pets. Even if local movers are taking you across Cleveland, a conversation with your veterinarian before your move can ensure your pets are adjusting well to the change.

4. Update Your Pets' Identification

Before the move, make sure your pets' ID is recent, including their ID tags, microchips, and any other forms of ID. This will ensure that they can be returned to you if they get misplaced during the move.

5. Find Pet-Friendly Accommodations

If you're moving to a new place and your interstate movers need a few hours to make the trip, make sure to find pet-friendly rentals, like accommodations that welcome pets, house rentals or pet-sitters. Having a relaxing and peaceful place to unwind after a long journey during the trip will keep your four-legged friends happy after a tiring trip! If you have a brief transition period while using a local moving company, asking a friend, family member or person next door to watch your pets throughout the move can also be a good strategy for keeping pets comfortable and happy.

6. Give Your Pets Plenty of Attention and Love

Lastly, ensure to give your pets plenty of attention and love during the move. Take time to be with them, have fun with them, and provide them with plenty of affection. This will help reduce their stress and anxiety levels.

At Corrigan Moving Systems, we strive to take care of the whole family; fur babies and kids included! We realize 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 for granted. Contact us today to schedule your no-cost in-home quote and see why families have trusted Corrigan for over over nine decades.