On top of everything else going on in our lives, we are moving to a new house in a week! Everything has been completely chaotic, but today we really started doing some serious packing and taking things down from the walls. It's time to prepare Ethan for the first big change that he's going to encounter, moving away from the only house he's ever known. It's a big step, and I hope that we do it well, it is all a part of his Personal, Social and Emotional Development, and I'm hoping that by keeping him a part of the process he will be ready for the change.
Today we packed boxes, and put things away and talked a lot about the new house. I also took a bit of time out to sit down at the computer with Ethan and look at some photos of the new house. I pointed out the room that will be his room, and listed all of his things from here that we would put in it. I also pointed out the kitchen, garden, bathroom, etc. The room that he was most interested in was the bathroom, he kept asking to see that picture again. I think because he could see the bathtub in there, and I said that he would have his baths in that tub it seemed more real (rather than looking at unfurnished rooms). He kept saying 'where Ethan have bath?' and then when I showed him the photo again, he really sweetly said 'Ethan have bath with ducks, there' pointing at the picture.
I would love any tips on moving with a toddler, any other ways to prepare him or things that we should do on the day to keep busy, stay out of the way, etc. Please share your experiences :)
34 comments
We had not done it before! Wish I could help!
ReplyDeleteThanks :)
DeleteOh have never moved a toddler....but good luck! x
ReplyDeleteThanks :)
DeleteWe moved 6 months ago with a 1 and 3 year old. Despite reading books and talking about it they didn't care at all. We decided to let them be involved in the process and they enjoyed packing and unpacking and took it all in their stride. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThat's good to hear, so far he does enjoy helping with the packing, I'm sure that he'll love unpacking!
DeleteAll I would suggest is trying to get his new room in to order as soon as you can. We moved with an 18 month old and he was fine. Good luck with the move
ReplyDeleteThanks, we will try and set things up for him as soon as we can :)
DeleteWe've moved a lot! I just had a post with some tips about a week ago if it's any use to you: http://intheplayroom.co.uk/2014/01/01/moving-house-with-young-children/ but I think what you are doing is good talking to him plenty about the move so he is prepared, and hopefully it will all go smoothly! I never had any major problems moving mine, they adapt soon enough! good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks, your post is great, lots of good tips :)
DeleteWe moved when my youngest was 4 and he and his sister made a video of our old house before we moved to say goodbye to it. They went around every room and filmed it and they liked watching the film once we'd moved.
ReplyDeleteI love that idea! How sweet to see them in their old house, we'll definitely try to fit that in :)
DeleteI think he will be fine, we moved loads as a child and me and my siblings all loved it tbh! good luck! xx
ReplyDeleteGood point, I moved loads as well growing up, I guess I just worry a lot ;)
DeleteGosh sounds like you have lots happening! Best of luck with the move. We moved before POD was born so don't have any tips but I guess ensuring he has his own space will be exciting and help him settle quicker. Hope it goes alright :)
ReplyDeleteWe certainly do! Just looking forward to being settled into the new place, then I can focus on Ethan and baby :)
DeleteI would say just make it an adventure for him. Get him to help unpacking boxes and sorting out his room when you arrive. We moved twice in the space of 6 months when our Ethan was 3/4 and was surprised how well he coped!
ReplyDeleteThat's a good idea, once most of his stuff is in his room I might just lock us both in there so we can start to set it up together :)
DeleteGive him an empty box to play with when you are unpacking, but don't forget he is in there lol!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, lol ;)
DeleteI've never moved with a toddler and don't envy you the task. Good luck - I'm sure you'll make it an experience to remember :-) x
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteI found it best to get their bedrooms set up first so they have somewhere familiar stright away x
ReplyDeleteThat makes sense, thanks :)
DeleteLike Cass said, I would say the bedroom for him would be the first one to get set up, not decorated and fancy, just filled with the familiar things that will make him feel safe and settled waking up to x
ReplyDeleteSounds good, will try to make a specific box of his favourite things to unpack first :)
DeleteCute picture!! I guess my only tip from experience would be to have someone else look after the kids while you move everything and then make sure main items like beds and a few best loved toys re already in their new rooms before they come in, so that they have something family to come home to.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately we don't really have anyone that can look after Ethan, I'm just hoping to be able to hide away as much as possible with him. Gives me an excuse to sit down as well!
DeleteI am glad to see Jenny say it was a piece of cake as I also will go through this this year x
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed!
DeleteGood luck with the move. I agree that the best thing is to get his room sorted as soon as possible - with familiar things in there for him.
ReplyDeleteThank you, his room will be the last to pack up and the first to unpack :)
DeleteGood luck! I've moved twice in the last 6 months whilst pregnant with an almost 2 year old. Here's my tips http://gingerbisquite.co.uk/home/tag/moving/ . A positive carefree attitude is necessary ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you Jenni, your post is really helpful and informative :)
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