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This is a collaborative post.
Moving house is stressful enough when it’s just you to worry about. Throw a toddler into the mix and all of a sudden you are trying to organise your whole life while someone demands a banana, changes their mind about the banana and then bursts into tears because you have packed their favourite spoon.
Of course, moving with little ones is totally manageable, but there are a few surprises nobody really prepares you for. Knowing what to expect can make the whole thing much less daunting.
Packing Takes Longer Than You Think
Remember the time you had a whole afternoon to rummage through cupboards without interruption? Those days might be far off. Toddlers are fantastic at unpacking things you’ve just packed, crawling into empty boxes and disappearing with the packing tape. Instead of trying to fight the chaos, try tackling one small area at a time, preferably during naps or after bedtime.
It’s also handy to sort out your packing supplies ahead of time. If you have some strong boxes, tape and bubble wrap roll to hand, you can easily wrap up your breakables in your spare moments. Just make sure to keep packaging materials away from little hands, though, especially anything that could be a choking or suffocation hazard.
Your Toddler Might Not Be So Excited
You might be fantasising about a bigger garden or finally having enough storage space, but your toddler is probably not as excited. Young children depend on familiarity, and seeing their home slowly disappear into cardboard boxes can be unsettling. They might appear perfectly happy at first, but as moving day gets closer, you might see more clinginess, trouble sleeping, or unexpected tantrums.
Speaking about the move in simple, positive terms can help. Show them pictures of their new bedroom, tell them what will be happening and reassure them that their favourite toys are coming too.
Moving Day Needs A New Plan
Here’s something people don’t always admit: a house full of boxes and open doors and people carrying heavy furniture isn’t very toddler-friendly. If possible, get your little one out of the house on moving day with a trusted family member or friend. You’ll have some familiar company while you concentrate on safely getting everything from one place to the other. If childcare isn’t available, create a supervised area away from the busiest parts of the house, with familiar toys, snacks and lots of activities to keep them entertained.
The First Night Can Be Surprisingly Emotional
It must be great to finally arrive at your new house after weeks of preparation, but your toddler might have other plans, especially regarding bedtime. New surroundings can be hard for children to settle down in, even those who are usually brilliant sleepers. Making sure their bedroom is ready first, with their familiar bedding and favourite cuddly toys, can make a real difference. Also, try to keep up their regular bedtime routine. Familiar stories and a reassuring cuddle can make an unfamiliar bedroom feel safer.
It’s Not Going To Be An Overnight Settlement
Once the boxes are unpacked, you would think everything would get back to normal. The truth is, sometimes it takes toddlers a bit longer to adjust. Take the time to discover the neighbourhood, to find parks nearby, to create new routines without rushing everything.
Above all, don’t stress about creating the perfect home immediately. Your toddler isn’t going to remember whether the curtains matched or how quickly you got the kitchen unpacked. What’s much more important is that they feel safe, loved and comfortable in their new surroundings.