Moving is a big task, but you don't have to tackle it alone. Instead, you can turn it into a family project that encourages some quality time together and makes the whole ordeal a lot more manageable—and maybe even fun.
Here are a few tips to get the entire family involved in the project.
The day before you pack, have a family meeting and discuss the moving tasks that need to be accomplished. Assign jobs to everyone with clear instructions about how to do them. Your kids might enjoy checklists or to-do lists—there's something pretty satisfying about marking something "done," no matter your age! Young children might enjoy helping you label the boxes, or even decorating them with markers or crayons. Create a sense of teamwork, and when it's time to get started...
Packing sounds an awful lot like a chore. Instead of asking (or demanding!) the kids to do it at random in their own time, set aside a day or some blocks of time and have everyone do it together. When you get started, prepare a special drink or treat and order some pizza. Encourage everyone to update each other on progress.
Schedule break times for snacks, and agree that when the job is done, you'll all do something fun together. That might mean going out to dinner, or doing something fun in your new neighborhood! You could even award prizes for getting the most done in a certain time frame or for getting rid of the most unwanted or outgrown items. Speaking of which:
There's no reason to move any items your kids have outgrown. Save the space and time by getting rid of them before you move! Even younger children can decide if they have any toys they don't want anymore. You might choose to donate those unwanted items to children in need, which can be a rewarding process for your kids, too.
If you're having a moving sale, consider letting your children keep the proceeds from their contributions. This might encourage them to get rid of a few more toys and clothes they don't use anymore, and it helps them feel more involved in the process. They might be more willing to help you work the garage sale, too!
Depending upon the age of your kids, you might put them in charge of boxing up their own rooms. Have a quick tutorial on how to pack clothes, awkwardly shaped items, posters, and more. You or the moving company can take care of the large or breakable items.
Work together in the kitchen and other common rooms. Kids can easily box books and other non-breakable items; older children and teens can help you with things like dishes and small appliances. Use the time to chat, or take turns choosing your favorite songs to share with each other.
Make your moving day more manageable yet by enlisting some professional help! Yes, a professional moving company can haul the heavy stuff and load the truck, but A-1 Freeman Moving Group can do more than that: we offer a full range of moving services to best suit your needs. We can provide packing materials, or even pack everything up for you. We don't want to take away from your quality family time, but maybe you'd rather get that at the park, anyway.
Click here to get started on your detailed estimate. We're committed to no-surprise pricing, so you know exactly what you're getting for the cost. This can help you stick to your budget and decide how much of the project you and your family can do on your own and how much you will need the help of a professional moving company.
