Moving with an entire family in tow is never an easy task. But there is one thing that can make a move easier: having your kids help with age-appropriate moving tasks. However, getting your kids to be willing to help with this can be a challenge. But with the right tasks and the right environment, you can get your kids on board with helping make your move easier.
To help you see how this can be done, here are three tips for getting your kids to help with a family move.
Have Them Pack Some Of Their Own Things
For young kids, helping with things that seem new to them is likely something they already like doing. When moving, you can take advantage of this to get your kids to help with packing.
For toddlers and older kids, you can and should encourage them to pack some of their own things. As long as you have containers for them to put their things in, you can ask them to pack up their toys, games, clothes, and more from their rooms and other play areas. And, as you have them begin packing their own things, consider asking them to put things into a separate box that they don’t wear or play with anymore. This way, they can help you with downsizing, too.
Don’t Forget About Their Need For Play
Simply telling your kids to do something related to moving may come with whining and protests. So to really get them into helping with moving and packing tasks, you need to remember that they want to play.
If you can turn moving and packing tasks into games, like by using a timer or making it feel like part of pretend play, you may find that your kids are much more willing to help for a longer period of time. And, if you can make them feel like they’re just playing while they’re helping, it will also help to keep them out of your hair for longer so you can get more of your tasks done.
Give Them Other Moving Tasks
While there are some tasks that you aren’t going to want your kids to help too much with, like loading and unloading the truck of heavy items, there are plenty of things that your kids, even young ones, can help with.
Aside from packing, your kids can help with cleaning, organizing, and preparing for your move to your new home or city. You can have them run around the house checking for garbage that has been left, collecting toys that might have been left outside, and packing snacks for your trip to your new place.
If you’re wanting your kids to help more with your upcoming move than they have in the past, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you see how this can be done.
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