Moving day with children: a practical plan
Arrange who looks after the children, keep their overnight bags with you and plan the handoff while the crew is carrying furniture.
Choose who is looking after the children
Arrange a named adult to supervise while furniture is moving. If possible, plan for them to be away from the loading area. If they stay at home, choose a place outside the route between the rooms and the truck.
Agree on when that adult takes over and how you will reach each other. The person answering the crew’s questions may not be able to supervise children at the same time.
Explain what happens to their things
Tell children where they will spend the day, who will be with them and where they will sleep that night. Let them choose a few belongings to keep in their own bag.
Before moving day, they can help label a box or choose where it goes. Once the crew is lifting furniture, keep children and their toys out of hallways, stairs and the loading area.
Pack a bag for each child
Keep these with the adult caring for them so you do not need to find them in the truck:
- A change of clothes, toiletries and any medication they need.
- Snacks, drinks and the items needed for meals or feeding.
- A favorite toy, comfort item or activity for the wait.
- Nightclothes and familiar bedding for the first evening.
Prepare the room they will use that night
Label the bedroom door to match the boxes. Tell the crew where the bed or larger furniture belongs, then keep children out until the carrying is finished.
Open the bedding and overnight bags before unpacking the rest of the room. Keep meals and bedtime close to their usual routine where practical.