Let’s face it. Moving is stressful, especially if you have kids. 
You have enough on your mind dealing with all the details of your move. Hiring a mover, renting a truck, getting boxes, packing, giving away or selling stuff, setting up utilities and services at your new place – and a whole host of other things you have to get done.
To make it worse, your house is in different stages of disorganization and your schedule is changing daily. Not the ideal situation for kids.
However, here are some things you can do to ensure that your move goes smoothly and your kids don’t go crazy or drive you crazy in the process.
Tips for Moving with Kids
Don’t rush it: Kids need time to adjust to new situations and surroundings. If you have a local move, ask the owners if you can get in the new home a few days earlier and gradually move stuff in. If possible, set up the kid’s rooms first so they feel at home even if the rest of the house is still unpacked. In the end, taking two or three days to move instead of trying to get it all done in one day can remove a lot of stress and tantrums.
Get some help: You have a choice you can either get help with the kids from family, friends and babysitters or you can get help with the move from family, friends and hired helpers. Obviously, free help is best, but you’ll be glad you had some help even if it costs you a few dollars.
Take play breaks: Even if you have helpers, it’s still a good idea to take breaks every few hours and interact with your kids, especially if they are younger. Order a pizza and sit outside and eat together or let them run around and play in the backyard. The move is unsettling to them and they need some extra attention to deal with it. Also, make sure you leave some toys unpacked and a laptop or tablet accessible so the kids can entertain themselves with games, movies or their favorite websites.
Be specific: If you’re kids are older and able to help, make sure to give them specific job assignments – and write it down. This will eliminate sibling rivalries and cries of “his jobs are easier than mine.” Thinking this through a day or two before the move and finding out what each child wants to do can make a big difference the day of the move. If there is an argument you can appeal to the list. Also, consider setting up a reward for a job well done or paying your child an extra allowance for helping out.
Have snack and nap time: Kids need food and sleep to be at their best. So make sure you have a stocked cooler on hand with their favorite drinks and snacks. Also, keep meals on a schedule to keep everyone, including you, in a good mood. Also, don’t be afraid to indulge the kids with some sweet treats as it takes a lot of emotional energy to move. But, don’t go overboard and cause a sugar crash.
Find neighbors fast: Once you get to your new home, get to know your neighbors, especially if they have kids of similar ages. Your kids will have to adjust to new surroundings and probably left some good neighborhood friends behind. They are likely wondering if they will make new friends in the new neighborhood. As they do, they’ll feel much better about the change.
Take care of yourself: Realize you’ll likely be under a lot of stress during your move and something will inevitably go wrong. So be sure to get your rest, eat well, and take some time to be alone. Once you lose it, your kids will follow suit. If you stay calm and collected, odds are better they will too.
Last, but not least, let your kids pick their favorite restaurant and go eat there right after you move in. Turn it into a celebration of the move. This will make your kids happy and give you a break from the mess and clutter of the unpacked boxes. Plus, who wants to cook after a long day of moving.