Moving With Kids

I thought vacationing with baby is difficult between packing for everyone, arranging nap time, feedings, and everything else. Boy oh boy try moving an entire house! As we began packing items from our temporary apartment to move into the home we just bought, I'm not sure if it's the shake-up in atmosphere that sparks baby's uneasiness and fussiness, but I've got my hands full. Fortunately, we hired movers, but I'm not sure they can keep up with my helpful busy bee. Although she has her moments of confusion, as though she's trying to figure out what is going on, she's also very curious. She is trying to push and pull boxes. She's helping carry items in the house, picking up trash and wiping clean items when she finds tissue or towels. It's the cutest thing I've seen, but boy is it a task trying to keep her out of the way of everyone. Although a move for kids can be disruptive, I've found a few tips to help make the transition easier.

1. Spread the move out over a few days. Some would disagree and say get it all out of the way, but that never happens, especially with baby in tow. We hired movers who packed and moved us, but there were still things that needed to be done around the old apartment. Trying to do that in one day is not only exhausting for parents, but more exhausting for baby. Try to spread the move out, to allow baby to get used to the new surroundings, gradually. 
2. Organize everything. I'm not keen on lists, but my husband sure is. Labeling boxes and making a list of tasks as either a to-do list or items you can delegate makes things much easier, and allows things to get done more efficiently and timely. This also ensures you don't forget anything. 
3. Enlist babysitters. Whether family, friends, or hired sitters, anything that will allows the freedom to get things done without interruption goes a long way, because anyone that's moved with toddlers knows that unpacking in 15 minute intervals is no bueno! Movers are helpful, but unpacking and positioning items exactly where you want them, requires a bit more time. My mom's visiting to allow me that extra time needed to unpack, organize, and she can spend quality time with the munchkin. Getting a place unpacked uninterrupted allows you to make that house a home.
4. Purge. This is probably my favorite, and my husband knows I cannot stand hoarding. I've certainly got a few items myself that could be tossed, but I'm no stranger to getting rid of junk, and if it's not junk and simply taking up space where useful items could rest, then I get rid of it.  My philosophy: If you haven't used it in the last 9 months; if you wouldn't notice that I threw it away or gave it to Goodwill; if it's collecting dust, then we don't need it. Have a garage sale, sell it on Craigslist, give it away, donate it, just don't take it with you to junk up the new home. 
5. Ask for help. This goes without explanation.
6. Allow your kid(s) to help. This is the best way to try and keep them out of the way. Give them a few markers to "label" i.e. draw on boxes, or a broom to sweep will keep them busy. Anything to keep them occupied, will help buy the little bit of time needed to get things done. 

Thanks for reading. 

-OzzyMommy

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