Moving House with a Baby or Toddler: The Honest Guide

*This is a collaborative guest post

They say moving home is one of the most stressful things you can do in life. But this can be especially the case if you add a baby or toddler to the mix.

Juggling nappies and feedings with packing boxes and administrative tasks can quickly get overwhelming. That’s why, if you are in this boat, you’re probably wondering how to keep the entire process running smoothly.

You’ll no doubt be heartened by the thought that hundreds of families successfully move every year with young children. The key to doing this is a bit of planning and the right mindset.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the whole experience feel much less stressful. Hopefully, you will find it helpful with your move.

What It’s Really Like Moving House with a Baby or Toddler

For babies and toddlers, moving house can be quite disruptive to their nap times and feedings. It can also cause separation anxiety and expose them to a potentially dangerous and disorganised home environment.

As they struggle to understand what is happening, it is not uncommon for toddlers to become a little more clingy and for their emotions to run high. Especially if they can pick up on your stress.

That said, while the process can be chaotic and require military-style organisation, it can also be rewarding. Not least, because you get to watch your child explore a new space and settle into a fresh routine, which hopefully enriches their life further.

When Is the Best Time to Move with Young Children?

There’s no perfect time for moving house with kids, because each child will react differently. However, some windows are easier than others. Especially if you book trusted Muval removalists in Perth to help you with the process.

While you can’t always predict when you’ll need to move, many parents choose to do so at a time when routines are already flexible, such as before a new childcare term or during the summer holidays.

For families with babies, moving whilst they are still at this age can be a bit easier on them, as they are less aware of their surroundings. By contrast, toddlers tend to notice disruptions more, so it might help to plan around their usual routines and stick to set sleep and mealtimes. 

Where possible, you should avoid scheduling the move during major developmental changes, such as toilet training or when you are trying to get them to sleep in their own rooms.

How to Prepare for Moving House with a Baby or Toddler

When you’re moving house with a baby, you need to be super organised. It is also worth starting the process as far in advance of your move as possible. Doing this will reduce your stress levels and help you stay on top of the task.

Before you do anything else, you should take the opportunity to declutter. Moving home is the perfect chance to clear out items you no longer use. Having less clutter also means fewer boxes to pack, move, and unpack, and helps you to create a more organised environment for your child in the new home.

It is worth keeping a simple checklist to help you understand what needs to be done to coordinate your move and stay up to date on your progress. This list can include everything from packing and hiring a removalist to organising childcare for moving day and updating your change-of-address. 

Packing Tips for Moving with Children

When it comes to packing, it pays to be strategic. While the temptation might be to just pack as you go, it is a good idea to work on a room-by-room basis. That said, you should save your child’s room till last.

A good place to start is with the rooms that you don’t use as much. This could be your spare bedroom, study or second bathroom. Adopting this method will help you to focus more easily on what else needs to be done. It can also give you a place to store your packed boxes more safely, so they do not get in the way.

Once the time comes to pack your child’s room, make sure you keep certain comfort items on hand. Having a familiar blanket, sleep essentials or your favourite toy can help your child feel secure, even when everything else is changing.

As you pack, make sure to put clear labels on the boxes that indicate which room in the house they contain items for. This will help you to unpack more quickly and reduce the stress levels of not being able to find something.

How To Manage Moving Day with a Baby or Toddler

Moving day tends to be very chaotic, with people coming and going. Boxes everywhere. And a lot happening all at once. All of which can be difficult to manage with a baby or toddler.

If you have booked a removalist firm, they will do most of the heavy lifting for you (literally!). However, arranging for your child(ren) to be looked after by a friend or relative can be extremely helpful.

Should you not have that option available, it is important to ensure your child is fed, comfortable, and has a safe space to play or watch their screen. It is also a good idea to have a bag of their essentials close by so you’re not searching for items when they need them.

How to Settle Your Baby or Toddler After Moving House

Moving home can be very unsettling for young children. So, you’ll want to do all you can to make sure it is as seamless a process as possible.

One of the best ways to do this is to set up their bedroom as soon as you arrive at your new home. Being in their own space with familiar bedding, toys, books, and clothes will help your toddlers settle in more quickly.

Even on the day you move in, try to keep meals, bath time and bedtime around the same time. This will give them a sense of normalcy during a period of big change. You should also do this if you plan to renovate shortly after moving in.