Kids and Pets: Tips for a Stress-Free Move

Moving to a new home is an thrilling experience, especially if you have kids and pets to share in the excitement! Your kids and animal companions are accustomed to their daily rhythms and ensuring a seamless transition should be your top priority during your move process. Long distance moving companies will recommend the same thing: planning is key. The more organized you are in the beginning of your move, the more adjusted and content your little ones and animal companions will be. Before your local movers start loading up, take a moment to plan out a moving plan that will suit everyone's needs, and keep the whole family content during your upcoming transition!

Kids

1. Involve Your Children in the Process

One of the best ways to make your kids feel more comfortable with the move is to get them in the moving process. Let them assist in packing, or give them the duty of packing their belongings. You can also involve them in the planning process by letting them choose the colors for their new bedrooms or select the design of their rooms. This will make them feel more in control of the situation and help them feel more excited about the move.

2. Keep a Familiar Routine

One of the most significant challenges of moving with kids is keeping a familiar routine. To help your kids feel more at ease, attempt to maintain a consistent routine as much as you can. For example, you can still share a bedtime story, enjoy their favorite film, or have dinner together every night. Keeping a familiar routine will help your kids feel more at ease and less worried about the move.

3. Pack a "Moving Kit" for Your Kids

Packing a "moving kit" for your kids can also make the transition easier. This kit should include their favorite toys, books, and games, as well as a spare outfits and toiletries. Preparing a moving kit can provide comfort and security. If the long distance movers need a few days to drive to your destination, this kit can also provide fun diversions while travelling to your new house! If your local moving company is just headed across Chicago, this kit can keep your kids busy while the truck is being loaded or unloaded into your new home.

4. Take a Tour of Your New Neighborhood

Before you move, take your kids on a walk of your new community. This can help them feel more familiar and make the transition easier. You can also research fun things to do and places to visit in your new city, like local parks, outdoor space, nature reserves, playgrounds, and museums, to help your kids feel more pumped about the move. Encourage your kids to put together a plan to schedule some fun activities to serve as a recess during the move planning process.

5. Talk About What to Expect

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

6. Seek Outside Help

Finally, if your little ones are having a difficult time settling in to the move, think about seeking professional help. A counselor can help your kids work through their feelings and help them get accustomed to their new surroundings. They can also give you practical advice on how to help your kids adjust and make the transition as seamless as possible. Sometimes a reliable teacher or trusted confidant can be a great outside resource for kids to bond 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 packing materials around the house. To help them adapt to the changes, start introducing the boxes a few weeks before the move. Let your pets explore the boxes so they become comfortable around them. Cats love a great box!

2. Keep Your Pets Routine as Normal as Possible

Just like kids, furry friends also need a sense of routine during the move. Try to keep their daily routine as close to normal as possible, including feeding schedules, walks, and playtime. This will help your pets feel more at ease during the move and lessen their stress and anxiety.

3. Plan Ahead for Transportation

If you’re using long distance movers, 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're taking a plane, make sure you have all the required documentation and check out the requirements for flying with pets. Even if local movers are taking you across Chicago, a conversation with your vet before your move can help be sure your pets are adjusting well to the change.

4. Update Your Pets' Identification

Prior to the move, make sure your pets' identification is current, 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 different location and your interstate movers need a few hours to make the trip, make sure to research dog-friendly hotels, like dog-friendly motels, vacation rentals or dog walkers. Having a safe and comfortable place to unwind after a long journey during the trip will keep your beloved pets happy after a lengthy travel! If you have a brief transition period while using local movers, asking a friend, family member or person next door to look after your furry friends throughout the move can also be a good plan for keeping pets comfortable and happy.

6. Give Your Pets Plenty of Attention and Love

Lastly, ensure to show your furry friends ample amounts of love and care during the move. Spend time with them, engage in playtime 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 children 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 lightly. Contact us today to book your complimentary virtual assessment and see why families have trusted Corrigan for over nine decades.