We moved in March of 2018 as we had outgrown our 1500 sq ft home that we had lived in for 5+ years. It was an emotional time as this was the home that I had brought both boys home to and spent a lot of time updating it.

However, when we found our almost perfect home, we knew it would be better for the boys with more kids in the neighborhood, separate bedrooms, and more. The only thing it was missing was a fireplace, and a few other things could make it perfect in time.

Offer Accepted:

When we accepted an offer on our home, it was time to start cleaning things out, starting from the top down. One thing I never realized is how much stuff I held on to, but that could be because I never saw it. I never thought our house looked cluttered, or no one had ever said anything like that before to me.

That said, I started with the attic and then worked from one side of the house to the other. I went through all the boxes upon boxes that were up there, and I couldn’t believe it, but I even found old boxes of items from the previous owners before. I threw away trashcans full of old decorations, donated books and clothes, and so much more. It felt so good to purge the unnecessary items, almost like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

The things I learned from this move with my 1 and 2-year-old boys were priceless. It made the move less stressful by doing the following.

Here are my tips and tricks to surviving a move with Kids:

1. 1. Talk to your kids and let them know what is going on. You may be surprised how much it will help them understand what is going on. Also, allow them to help you with filling the boxes like put stuffed animals in here, crayons and coloring books there, etc.
   2. Allow the kids to decorate or color on the boxes while you are packing things. I had the boys put specific stickers on individual boxes like a game. They enjoyed it a lot!
   3. We camped out on mattresses on the floor the night before the closing day was a huge hit that even a year later, both boys still remember. However, it did take some time before the boys eventually settled down to go to sleep.
   4. Eat pizza on the floor either the night before or moving day and call it a picnic. Now we do this monthly ever since!
   5. Do not mess up the routine that you have already established. It may take longer to unpack, but a well-rested toddler and momma is a happy one.
   6. On the day of moving, I recommend having a babysitter or some form of the caregiver so you can focus on necessities to unpack and safety.
      1. It will allow you to help get all the furniture without worrying about a child sneaking out. (Mine kept trying to go outside while I was unpacking the kitchen.)
      2. Putting away all cleaning products so they can’t be ingested.
      3. Over outlets, if needed, and make sure child locks are in place.
      4. Put up any window cords or treatments.
   7. Pack your child’s clothes and toys last and unpack first. That way, you can make your kids comfortable while they adjust to the new home. Also, they would have access to there toys and can put them in their new homes while you are unpacking other items.
   8. Clearly label all boxes because you don’t want at bedtime to have to go through them all to find your child’s nighttime security blanket or a special stuffed animal.
   9. Have a moving day essentials box or bag. I packed ours with pajamas for all, first aid kit, cleaning supplies, coffee, water, cereal bars, medications, and bathroom toiletries.
   10. Remain CALM. If you are stressed, everyone around you will be including the children as they can pick up on your emotions.

Did you ever move with twins or with kids? I would love to hear your experience on the matter and what worked best for you.

Sincerely,