Between 2019 and 2020, 2.1 million Canadian households moved. This is 13.8% of Canada’s 15 million households. While this process sometimes goes very smoothly, other times, it can cause a lot of headaches.
Moving can be particularly difficult if you have small children around. Toddlers may have a hard time understanding the purpose of a move, and it can be hard for them to undergo a big change all at once.
Fortunately, there are some ways to reduce the stress of relocating with children. Here are seven moving with toddlers tips you should keep in mind to have a stress-free family move in Edmonton, Canada.
1. Communicate
When preparing to move with a toddler, you need to communicate as much as you can. While toddlers may not fully grasp the significance of a move when you first tell them about it, you should do your best to express how things will and won’t change when you move to your new home. Give them a clear picture of what to expect before, during, and after the move, and give them time to understand what you’re saying.
Let them know ahead of time what will happen and prepare them as well as you can. Be sure that your toddler knows that your family life and routine won’t change, but just the location will.
2. Get Extra Help
While it can be tough to find someone to help watch your child, you should try your best during the move. If a family member or friend can help watch your toddler while moving, the process will be much easier. At the very least, try to get at least one full day where you can move without needing to watch your toddler at the same time.
You should also seriously consider hiring a moving company. A moving company can take much of the stress out of moving and can help balance the need to watch your toddler while getting your belongings from Point A to Point B.
3. Show Them Around First
Although it may not always be feasible, it’s a good idea to show your child the new city or town where you’ll be living ahead of the move. Having a fun day in the area with your child can help, as can discussing the move with them while doing so. Consider showing them where they’ll be going to daycare or school or schedule a playdate to help them get to know another child in the area.
Letting your toddler get to know the area can help reduce their anxiety and make them feel more prepared for the transition. They’ll be more excited for the move and may have a lower amount of stress throughout the entire process.
4. Have a Clear Plan
The more you can plan out your moving day with toddlers, the easier it will be. Make sure to create a checklist and think clearly about how everything will proceed. Know where each person in your family will be during the move.
Moving day is a great day to have a babysitter. However, if they must be with you during the move, make sure that it’s as easy as possible for them. Consider allowing them to bring a certain toy or stuffed animal with them and make sure they have plenty of snacks to eat.
Ideally, arrive at your new home well in advance of bedtime. This will help ensure they have time to get to know their new home a bit before they need to go to sleep. It can be tough for a child to sleep in a new house if they haven’t had time to become more familiar with it.
5. Prioritize Safety
Safety should be a top priority during a move, so make sure you do everything you can to take care of your toddler. Be careful leaving them around cleaning supplies, moving boxes, and anything else that could pose a potential hazard. Also, prepare the new home for your toddler before bringing them inside.
Adding baby-proofing features and removing any dangers can help keep your child safe and ensure the transition is smooth. This will also allow them to explore the home freely without you needing to worry about their safety too much.
6. Maintain Your Toddler’s Routine
When transitioning a toddler to a new home, you should aim to keep their schedule as steady as possible. Try to maintain all of their basic day-to-day activities and ensure they go to bed and nap at the same time each day before and after your move.
Once you have moved into your new home, immediately continue the same routine and keep their life flowing as it normally does. This will make it easier for them to get used to their new surroundings. The routine will give them a sense of comfort and safety and will help make the transition easier.
7. Let Them Participate
To make the move go smoother, it’s a great idea to allow your toddler to feel like they’re helping and are a part of the moving process in some way. Get them involved by giving them some simple tasks to accomplish. Allow them to pack a few items themselves or let them help with some other small activities that relate to the move.
Even if they aren’t actually helping, a few tasks can make them feel like they are. It can help build their excitement and allow them to have more fun during the move.
Following These Moving With Toddlers Tips
If you want to have a smooth transition to a new place, consider following these moving with toddlers tips. Communicating with your child, getting extra help, and having a clear plan for moving day can help make the process as easy and painless as possible.
If you’re moving with a toddler in Edmonton, consider hiring professional moving services. With more than 30 years of experience and a dedication to great customer service, Safeway Moving can make your next move a breeze.
Ready to learn more? Get your free moving estimate today and start preparing for your next move.