Moving to a new house, condo or apartment can be stressful on its own… don’t let the worries of how your little one will adjust add to that stress. Here are tips on how to make the move for your child easier:
Clearly label your boxes
On moving day, pack up your child’s essentials into one box – favourite blanket, stuffed animal, crib sheet or bed sheet (don’t even wash it), white noise machine if you use one etc. and put that box in your car.
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Unpack your child’s room first
When you get to your new house, unpack the box above. Even if it is the only box you unpack that day, set up your child’s crib or bed for bedtime. If your little one is in a big kid bed, try not to put too many unpacked boxes in the room – or hide them in the closet and have them help you unpack during the day.
Cover the windows
If you are able to plan ahead and have window coverings that work in the new room – excellent! If not, foil (shiny side out) – or use some of the cardboard boxes that you are unpacking and tape them to the window frame (I suggest using painters tape or masking tape) Make it as dark as possible.
Let your child hang out in their new room:
Put a few toys on the floor and let your child hang out in their new room while you get things unpacked. Let them explore and get used to the new room. If your child is old enough, let them help you in deciding how to set up the room, or unpacking their books and toys!
Be consistent with your bedtime routine
Moving can be exhausting, but it is really important to put aside those 30 minutes for your little one’s bedtime routine. Whatever you did in your last house – do it here. A nice calming routine will help them get ready for sleep.
Give them the chance to adjust
The first night or two will be an adjustment. New smells, new sounds etc. Give your little one the chance to adjust to their new environment. If you need to go in and check on them those first few nights, do it. Reassure them that you are there and that it is bedtime and you will be back in the morning. Try not to start any new sleep habits that you don’t want to continue with. If you weren’t rocking to sleep, don’t do it now. If you weren’t laying with your toddler until they fell asleep, you don’t need to do it now.
Your little one is going to do great! Before long, you will be unpacked and all of those boxes will be recycled – or turned into the coolest kid toys – and you can just enjoy your new home.
