What to Pack First When Moving With Kids – Guide to Family Friendly Moving

Moving can feel like a strategic game, especially when kids are part of the equation. You’ve got open boxes dotting the floor, tape guns in hand, and a mission to keep everything organized without stirring up too much chaos. So, how should you proceed?

The key is to have order—deciding what to pack first can set the tone for an efficient move and keep your family’s stress levels at a minimum.

While the urge might be strong to tackle everything in sight, starting with seasonal clothing, spare linens, and those holiday decorations can give you a head start without disrupting daily life.

Curious about more family-friendly moving strategies? Keep reading to uncover essential tips on what to pack first when moving with children.

Putting Children’s Needs First

Imagine it’s move-in day—you’ve got the movers in one ear, a to-do list in hand, and oh, your little one needs their favorite teddy to nap. To prevent the scramble, pack an essentials box for each child. 

Essentials Box and Timing

This isn’t just any box; it’s a treasure chest filled with their favorite snacks, the coziest PJs, and the toy that always makes everything okay. When you unpack it, you’re instantly armed with all the comforts of home.

Now let’s talk about timing. Your kiddo has a routine, right? Well, moving day shouldn’t upend that. Schedule your packing when it least affects naptime or playtime. The trick is to pack while they sleep or are focused on an activity. 

By incorporating little strategies like using color-coded packing cubes, you’re not only organizing—you’re creating a fun, interactive experience. Plus, this approach cuts down on the chaos, setting the stage for a smoother transition for your entire family.

Family Common Areas

When you begin to tackle the common areas of your home, like the living room and family room, a little foresight can go a long way. Start by decluttering; if there are items you haven’t used in months, it’s time to say goodbye. This step not only eases your load but also simplifies your packing process.

Dissemble and Protect Fragile Items

Then, focus on disassembling large furniture. Those shelves and entertainment systems should be broken down to prevent damage. Pack similar items together—books with books, DVDs with DVDs—it’ll save you a headache later. Books are heavy, so use smaller boxes for them to keep the load manageable.

Protect your fragile items with bubble wrap and packing paper—decor calls for tender love and care. Remember, your TVs and electronics are delicate; if you’ve kept the original packaging, now’s the time to use it. If not, wrap and pack them upright and provide padding.

Organize With Labeling

Label each box clearly, perhaps with a color-coding system. You want to know exactly where things belong in your new space. Create an “essentials” box for items like remote controls and chargers; you’re going to need those on day one.

Lastly, think about the kiddos: leave out a game or book until the very end. It’s a sweet distraction while you sort everything out. 

And those area rugs? Roll them up tight, secure with straps or tape, and they’re good to go. 

With a bit of planning, your family’s common areas can be packed up efficiently, leaving you ready and raring for this exciting new chapter.

Setting Up a Temporary Play Area

In the whirl of moving boxes and new spaces, your kids need a spot where they can feel at ease and entertained. 

Step 1. Pick a Spot and Unpack

First off, pick a spot—a corner in the living room or part of their bedroom can transform into an instant play zone. Importantly, make this happen swiftly; unpack beloved toys and books to foster a sense of normalcy.

Getting the play area ready means bringing a slice of the old home into the new; use familiar furniture like their favorite beanbag or that pint-sized art table. 

It’s not just about play; it’s about comfort too. Tuck in their cherished teddy bear or a soft blanket to offer comfort and a sense of security during this transition time.

Step 2. Organize the Play Area By Zones

Remember to organize by zones. Carving out specific spots for reading, arts, and building can keep activities organized and interesting. Utilize anything from colorful rugs to a strip of tape to mark these areas. And to keep the fun going, why not introduce a mix of their classic favorites along with a couple of new surprises?

Safety is paramount, so a quick run-through is crucial to childproof the space. Round off sharp corners and secure any wobbly furniture. And if there’s an area that’s out of bounds, a safety gate can be your best friend here.

Step 3. Leave Empty Spaces for Play

Lastly, offer the kids a place where their imaginations can soar. Leave room for them to build forts and play pretend—simple items like boxes and sheets can become castles and capes in their creative little worlds.

Use Self Storage for a Seamless Move

When you’re moving with kids, it can feel like your home is brimming with more toys and clothes than you could possibly pack. That’s where Maple Leaf Storage steps in to make your transition smoother. 

By stowing non-essential items, you create a clearer, safer space for both packing and keeping your little ones out of the moving-day fray.

Self Storage Benefits for Families

• Decluttering is a breeze when you’ve got extra space. Store out-of-season clothes or rarely used items to make your home look tidy for potential buyers.
• Reduced chaos on moving day means fewer safety hazards and less stress for everyone.

When you’re entrusting your belongings to self-storage, you want to be confident they’re secure and readily accessible. Maple Leaf Self Storage offers climate-controlled units to protect your sentimental and valuable items from extreme weather, which is especially useful when you’re moving between seasons.

We also have multiple locations. Whether you’re in Calgary or the Vancouver area, convenience is key. Maple Leaf has 15 locations, making it easy to access your items.

Remember, utilizing self storage is like pressing the easy button for your move. The less you have to navigate around on the big day, the smoother it’ll all go, and the quicker you’ll be setting up your new family nest.

What to Unpack First When Moving With Children

Moving with kids requires a thoughtful approach to packing. Prioritizing their comfort can transform a challenging experience into an adventure. Here are some key points to remember:

• Remember to pack a family essentials box, keeping crucial items like medications, chargers, and favorite toys within easy reach.
• Creating a stable environment during the move is vital. Maintaining routines and providing familiar objects can help your children adjust.
• For items not immediately needed, consider using secure storage solutions to declutter and ease the transition. If you’re in need of extra space, look into options like renting a storage locker to keep your possessions safe.

Finally, balance the positives and challenges of moving. It’s not just transporting items; it’s setting the stage for new memories. Stay ahead with a solid plan and don’t hesitate to seek out family-friendly storage solutions to make your move as smooth as possible. 

If the process feels overwhelming, contacting a storage expert could provide the additional efficiency you need for a stress-free relocation.