Moving with Kids Checklist
If you recently got a job in a new city, congratulations—you’re officially moving! Once you find the perfect house for your family, it’s time to start planning the move. In times of transition, there’s a lot to think about, especially if you have kids.
To help make sure the move goes smoothly for the youngest members of your family, Georgetown Moving and Storage Company has put together this moving with kids checklist, which you can combine with our regular moving checklist to ensure nothing slips through the cracks!
We provide packing, moving, and storage services in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas. Call us today at (703) 889-8899 for more information on how to move efficiently with kids!
Eight Weeks Before You Move
- Talk to your kids: As soon as you find out you’re moving, call a family meeting. Explain the situation to your kids, listen to their concerns, and answer their questions. This will alleviate any underlying tension, help to reduce stress for the entire family, and create the feeling that this decision is more of a group consensus.
- Pick a school: Call the school and begin the process of enrolling your children. Changing schools is usually easier if you move in the summer, but you should be able to transfer records any time of year.
- Obtain medical records: Call your doctor, dentist, and optometrist to request copies of family records. If they prefer to transfer information directly to your new provider, sign the necessary release forms.
Four Weeks Before You Move
- Arrange for childcare: It’s less stressful for everyone if young children are out of the house on moving day.
- Downsize: Have your children go through their possessions and choose their favorites to keep. Old toys, outgrown clothes, and other items should be sold, donated, or given to friends as goodbye presents. This will make your load lighter and will allow for more of a fresh start once you get to your new home.
Two Weeks Before You Move
- Throw a farewell party: Treat it like a birthday party but instead of gifts, ask your children’s friends to write down their favorite memories to place in a scrapbook.
- Get your children excited about the move: Let them plan the layout and paint color of their new room so they know it will have a personal touch. The more you involve your children in the moving process, the more excited and cooperative they will be.
- Research your new city: Find out what parks, attractions, and kid-friendly activities are available in your new city and neighborhood.
A Few Days Before You Move
- Pack a “day of” box: Your “day of” box should contain vital things you’ll need leading up to the move and immediately when you arrive at your new home. Encourage your kids to pack a “day of” box for themselves with their favorite toys and comfort items. This box stays in the car with your children so they can have easy access to anything they need, and they can unpack it first.
- Say goodbye to your city: Eat at the family’s favorite restaurant and visit special places for the last time before heading out of town.
- Stock up on snacks: Treat moving day like a road trip with all the snacks, drinks, and other essentials the family will need.
On Moving Day
- Ask older kids to help: If any of your children are teenagers, they can be a big help on moving day. Ask for assistance with organizing, packing, and unpacking once you arrive at your new home.
- Get help disassembling furniture: Packing a crib, toddler bed, and bunk beds can be tricky. Let our experts disassemble these furniture items, move them to your new home, and reassemble them in the proper bedrooms.
- Look through the house one final time: Make sure the moving truck doesn’t leave until you’re certain everything is loaded up.
Choose Georgetown Moving and Storage Company
With help from our team of professional, licensed, and insured movers—moving with kids can be easier than you ever imagined. Having a positive attitude and being prepared for all stages of the moving process can make the journey much more enjoyable for your entire family. Plus, when you trust Georgetown, you don’t have to do it alone! We have years of experience when it comes to both local and long-distance moves, and our team of experts can offer advice and assistance along the way.
Contact us today to schedule moving services to or from Washington, DC, Virginia, or Maryland!
