Moving House With A Baby Or Toddler- Complete Guide with Fantastic Tips

Moving House With A Baby Or
Toddler
By Akta Ehmke(2019)
Complete Guide with Fantastic Tips
Abstract
Whether you’re relocating across the country or across the street, moving can
be an especially stressful experience when kids are involved. After all, any
time you uproot children or teens from their familiar surroundings, things can
get tough for the whole family. Fortunately, there are a number of things you
can do – both before the move and after – to lessen their anxieties and
alleviate their fears. To help you out, we’ve highlighted several ways to make
the transition into the new home as seamless as possible for both you and
your entire family. Good luck!

Introduction
Everybody knows, either from personal experience or through rumors, that
moving is not a particularly fun experience. In fact, if badly organized and
poorly executed, it could even turn into a stress-loaded ordeal for everyone in
the family. Besides the time-consuming and arduous packing of all the
household stuff that’s been accumulated as a result of years of living in one
place, there are also the endless moving tasks that you need to get crossed out
in your relocation calendar before moving day.
Yes, moving can be, and usually is a real stressor but if you’re moving with a
child, then your move will automatically become even more stressful and
complicated as your worries about the well-being of your angels will
skyrocket. And in order to help you handle the tougher relocation level, we
have prepared this extensive guide with practical tips on how to survive a
move with your child to a new house or apartment … and keep your sanity.
Also, for a much faster and convenient reading experience, we have broken up
our moving with a child guide into three sections. Each section refers to and
covers a different age group and deals with its various sets of challenges that
you’re about to face when moving with your child across the country.

Moving House with a Baby or Toddler
Even very organized people find out that moving is a tough job and admit that
getting adequate help is the only way to bring the whole affair to a successful
end. And when moving with a toddler or a baby, that timely relocation
assistance becomes something more than much needed help – it becomes a
lifesaver. Remember that any packing, moving and unpacking help you get
from your family and friends will also be priceless in this transitional period,
so be brave enough to ask for it.
1.0 Before the move
Disruption of routine
Every good parent should know how important the routine for their baby or
toddler is. In reality, the disruption of that same familiar schedule of your little
one and the consequent struggle to preserve it will be one of the main causes
of concern for you, and probably the major issue you’re going to have to
address before, during and after the cross country move. Make it your top
priority to keep your kid’s routine as unchanged as possible. If you sense that
things are getting out of hand, resort to either asking a family member
(preferably a grandmother) or hire a babysitter to take care of your child
while your mind is preoccupied with packing, cleaning, finding a reputable
moving company, having utilities disconnected, changing the address, paying
up any remaining bills, arranging the transportation of pets, organizing a yard
sale, saying goodbye to your favorite neighbors and so on.
Stress handling
Generally speaking, babies and toddlers will respond differently to the chaotic
moving preparations that precede a move.
Babies will usually not be too affected by the whirlwind of relocation activities
around them because they are too young to comprehend what’s really going
on and what the fuss is all about. As long as they continue to receive their
food, sleep and parents’ love and care, they will handle the stress of moving

pretty straightforward. However, they can still detect any elevated levels of
confusion and worries in their parents and can become more restless and
irritable than usual as a result. Therefore, do your best to keep the stress
levels to minimum by organizing your move well.
Toddlers will have a better idea of what is happening in the house but fail to
fully understand the reasons about the change. Some of them may even feel
the stress the same way parents do, especially if the moving preparations
seem disorganized and chaotic, and respond to the pressure their own way.
Although you have no way of knowing exactly how your toddler will react to
the news that soon things will be radically different, you can at least expect
signs of uncharacteristic behavior and be mentally ready to tackle each
problem as it comes. One common issue that your toddler may be having is
the fear of being left behind. So, use a simple language that your child will
understand and calm their ungrounded fear the best way you can.
Extra pre-move tips on moving house with a baby or toddler
Packing your household items in one giant effort just won’t work,
especially when a large portion of your time goes into caring for your
baby or toddler. Instead, divide the entire packing job into smaller
perfectly doable tasks or else you’ll run the risk of getting physically and

mentally exhausted. Before packing gets too overwhelming, adopt the
“one box at a time” tactics. This way, when you’re done packing one
moving container, you can move on to the next one with renewed
energy and determination;
Be sure to pack an essentials box for your baby or toddler. That
survival kit will come in very handy while you’re on the road to your
new home or during the first 24 hours in the new city. The essentials
box should include: diapers (take a few extra just in case), wet wipes,
powder or diaper-rash cream, suitable baby food and drinks, extra set of
clothes and of course, your little one’s favorite toys. Also, remember to
take any prescription medicines your young child may need during the
trip.
It’s important to take your child to your family pediatrician for a
full checkup before the actual relocation takes place. You need that nod
from the doctor that your angel is in good health and ready to travel.
Also, while at the pediatrician’s office, request your child’s medical
records or have your doctor transfer them to their colleague if you have
already decided on a new pediatrician in the destination city.
2.0 Moving day
It’s time to hit the road. And regardless of how you choose to reach your new
city, there are specific tips for moving with your child across the country that
you should be familiar with in order to have a pleasant relocation trip.
Moving your baby or toddler in the family car
Plan your road trip really well. Consider including emergency clinics
along the route (God forbid!) and large parks with playgrounds where
you can take a short walk to shake off the road blues. Frequent breaks
for fresh air and a change of scenery will prove to be beneficial both for
your little one and you.
Travelling with a little child is a little adventure in itself. Ideally,
your baby or toddler will spend most the trip sleeping or dozing on and

off which will help you relax and gather your thoughts for the new set of
challenges that will be waiting for you in your new home. It’s a great
idea to play gentle and relaxing music on the car stereo to put your child
at ease. Classical music is always a good choice, you can also record
certain sounds that you know will have a soothing effect on your baby
or toddler while the trip lasts, such as ocean waves, forest sounds, light
rain, etc.
Be sure to have the survival kit with you in the car. It’s comforting to
know that all the essentials you might need along the moving trip are
conveniently gathered in one place and easily accessible at any given
moment.
Make sure your vehicle is equipped with a safety-approved car seat
for your baby or toddler.
Flying with your baby or toddler to your new home
It’s no secret that some airline companies are more child-friendly
than others. Contact the airline you have selected and ask them about
their policy on child safety and any specific regulations you as a parent
must know beforehand and observe during the flight. Babies and

toddlers often fly for free but it’s your obligation to request all the
important information in advance. If allowed, you are advised to bring a
safety seat aboard the plane for extra protection instead of holding your
baby on your lap.
When flying with a young child, the essentials box will have to be
transformed into an essentials bag but its purpose stays unchanged.
3.0 After the move
Congratulations on your problem-free move with your child. You are all now
in your new home, safe and sound. However, you shouldn’t get too
comfortable, at least not yet, for there are still plenty of child-related
challenges for you.
Baby-proofing your new home
The moment you step inside your new house or apartment, you will probably
feel the need to start unpacking so that your life gets back on track as soon as
possible. But there’s one task that should be done with no delay and that is to
baby-proof your new home. You do realize that nothing is more important
than the safety and physical and physiological well-being of your baby or
toddler, so it’s your top priority to identify and eliminate any potential
household dangers that a new residence can be hiding.

Going through each and every room is the best approach to detecting what
could possible harm your little angel. Start from the nursery room where you
baby or toddler will spend most of their time. Pay special attention to the
safety of the baby crib, the changing table and the immediate area around
them, make sure the electrical outlets are protected and safeguard the
windows and the door. The bathroom and the kitchen will certainly be the
most dangerous rooms for your young child (followed by the staircases and
the living room), so make no compromises when it comes to properly babyproofing
them.
Adjustment period
The period of adjusting to the new environment comes right after the move
and there’s no way around it. As a rule, parents have a much harder time
getting used to the new chapter in their lives than young children.
Usually, your baby will not be bothered too much by the sudden change. You
may expect a few nights with less sleep in the very beginning, or even
sleepless ones, but the acclimatization period for your little one should be
over before you know it.
Well, your toddler may find it a bit of a struggle to accept the changes. It’s not
uncommon for toddlers to surprise their parents by exhibiting unusual
behavioral patterns, such as unexplained and uncharacteristic aches or
decreased appetite. Try to explain to your kid that all these changes are for the
better even if they don’t fully understand what you’re saying. The calm tone of
your voice mixed with an enthusiastic touch will make a world of difference
for your little angel.
Extra post-move tips on moving house with a baby or toddler
If you still haven’t found a good pediatrician in your new city, do so
without delay. Take the up-to-date medical records of your child on the
first visit to the doctor’s office.

You child’s room should be the first room you set up when you arrive in
your new place. Try to recreate as much as possible from your baby or
toddler’s old environment – furniture, colors, toys, etc.
And last but not least, be a patient parent. At times, your nerves and
endurance will be tested and your sanity challenged. When things get really
tough, keep repeating to yourself that patience is the key to surviving a move
with a young child and the successful relocation you’ve just endured is only a
transitional period which will be nothing but a distant memory a few happy
years later.
4.0 Common moving house myths you should not believe
Moving is such a common occurrence nowadays that is has become a “hot”
topic in the society. Everyone seems to have a moving experience to share and
some moving advice to give. Everyone has heard a few moving horror stories
and a number of popular moving superstitions. Many of these tales have some
elements in common; similar events are recounted several times; certain
opinions get repeated over and over again; the same tips and warnings are

found all over the internet – so, people believe them to be true. Accidental acts
are seen as standard practices, rumors turn into facts, and personal views
become general truths – this is how moving myths appear.
And while there is a grain of truth to some common moving myths, others are
severe misconceptions that may lead to major moving mistakes if taken at face
value. So, when planning your own move, make sure you don’t make your
decisions based on urban myths – dig a bit deeper and find the actual facts.
Here are some of the worst myths about moving house debunked and the
truth – revealed:
Moving Myth # 1: It’s cheaper to move yourself
Fact: It may be cheaper to rent a moving truck than to hire a moving company,
but the final moving costs are likely to be the same.
How so? Well, the truck rental cost won’t be your only expense when moving
on your own – you’ll also need to pay for:
fuel, vehicle insurance, parking permits, and road tolls;
meals and lodgings on the way;
auxiliary moving equipment (a dolly, furniture pads, moving straps,
etc.);
packing materials;
moving insurance for your items, etc.
Besides, you’ll have to provide some snacks and beverages, as well as small
gifts, to your good friends who come to help you move (as you won’t be able to
carry your heavy furniture and other bulky household items by yourself).
All these small expenses add up quickly and when you do the math it may turn
out that your DIY move is not much cheaper than moving with professional
movers. And that is if you manage to keep all your possessions safe and sound
during the relocation – otherwise you’ll spend much more money on
replacement and repair costs than you would have paid for a full-service move
(needless to say, the moving experts would have ensured the safety of your

items and performed your move in the fastest, smoothest, and most efficient
way possible).
Moving Myth # 2: All movers are the same, so it doesn’t matter
which ones you choose
Fact: Different moving companies have different rates and conditions and
offer different additional services and special features. Not all movers are
equally experienced or equally well equipped. Some are properly licensed and
insured, others are not. Some have a history of excellent customer service and
5-star reviews, while others try to rip off heedless customers.
So, don’t just hire the first movers you come across or the ones that offer the
lowest price for your move – do some research and make sure you’re
entrusting your possessions to honest, experienced, and trustworthy moving
specialists:
ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations;
get free moving quotes to see what different companies have to offer;
check the movers’ DOT numbers;
read online reviews left by previous customers of the companies;
check the movers’ complaint histories and ratings with the BBB;
select three or four reputable companies that seem to best suit your
needs and ask them for on-site estimates;
interview the representatives who come to your home and gather as
much information about the companies and the details of your move as
you can;
compare the offers and choose the best movers for you.
Moving Myth # 3: Any boxes will do
Fact: Boxes that are not especially designed for moving can’t hold much
weight or withstand much impact. They fall apart easily and cannot be
efficiently and securely arranged in the moving truck, thus increasing the risk
of damage to your belongings.

The boxes you use when packing for a move should be sturdy (so that they
provide good protection to your items) and uniform in size (so that they can
be easily stacked upon one another).
You can get empty cardboard boxes from grocery stores or other local
business, but they won’t be strong enough to ensure the safety of your items.
You can get used moving boxes from friends, neighbors, or colleagues who
have recently moved, but they may be compromised from the previous uses.
So, while you can indeed find moving boxes for free and use them to pack your
belongings, you’re not advised to do so – get brand new moving boxes to
ensure the best possible protection for your belongings and consider specialty
boxes (dish boxes, picture boxes, etc.) for your more delicate and valuable
possessions.
Good to know: According to the urban moving myths, purchasing specialized
packing supplies is a waste of money as well. You can always use old sheets,
blankets, and towels instead of moving blankets and bubble wrap, crumpled
paper and old clothes instead of packing peanuts and foam sheets, or
newspaper instead of packing paper, right? Wrong! Newspaper will leave ugly
ink stains on your items, old clothes cannot compare to anti-static peanuts or
foam cushioning, moving blankets are thicker than sheets and towels and
provide much better protection, and bubble wrap is your best friend when it
comes to protecting delicate items.
Moving Myth # 4: There is no point in inventorying your items and
labeling your boxes
Fact: A moving inventory will help you organize your items in a practical and
systematic manner and keep track of your belongings throughout the entire
relocation process. Labeling the boxes will be fast and easy when you have a
detailed inventory sheet to refer to and will save you plenty of time and hassle
upon delivery – the movers will know where to take the boxes when
unloading them at your new home and it will be easy to find what you need
when unpacking.

When you can see all the items you intend to take to your new home listed on
your moving inventory sheet, you’ll be able to tell how long it will take you to
pack them for shipment, determine the type and amount of packing supplies
you’re going to need, estimate the weight of your shipment and get an
accurate idea of the final cost of your move. Besides, you will immediately
know if anything goes missing during the move and will have evidence of the
pre-move condition of your items in case any of them get damaged while in
the movers’ custody.
Moving Myth # 5: Movers will move everything
Fact: There are certain things movers won’t move due to legal, ethical, or
safety reasons.
Some household goods are considered too dangerous to be transported
because of their hazardous nature (explosive materials, chemicals, etc.) and
others are illegal to move (guns, liquor, etc.), so the movers won’t move them
for you. They won’t agree to take perishable food (it may go bad during the
move and cause damage to the rest of your items), plants and pets (they may
not survive the relocation in the moving truck) and items of very high
sentimental value (they cannot be replaced if something happens on the road)
either. You need to find a way to transport these things yourself or get rid of
them before the move.
Bonus tip: Make sure you request a list of the non-allowable items your
chosen moving company won’t move for you, so that you don’t waste time
packing them and have enough time to decide what to do with them.
Moving Myth # 6: The moving insurance included in your contract
will cover damaged or lost items
Fact: The basic liability coverage you get for free when signing a moving
contract covers only $ 0.60 per pound per item. Besides, it doesn’t allow
punitive damage claims.
If you want to ensure your peace of mind, you need to get full value protection
for your items. It comes at an extra cost, but your movers will be liable for the

full cost of repairs or the replacement value of any damaged or missing items.
You can also purchase additional moving insurance for your most valuable
possessions from a third party, if you wish to.
Moving Myth # 7: Friday is the best day to perform a move
Fact: It may be convenient to move on the last workday of the week, so that
you have the entire weekend to unpack your belongings and get settled, but
the drawbacks of a Friday-move far outweigh any possible advantages:
The moving costs will be higher – many people choose to move on
Fridays, so the moving companies are very busy on that day of the week
and charge higher for their services;
The moving crews are stretched thin because of the many moving jobs
on Fridays and you may have to settle for movers without much
experience;
The road traffic is heavier on Fridays with many people heading home
or away for the weekend;
It may be difficult to get the things you need for your new home as many
businesses close over the weekend.
Your move will be cheaper, safer, and more efficient if you schedule it for a
less busy day.
Moving Myth # 8: You will only need as much money as your
estimate says
Fact: The moving estimate you get may be quite accurate, but you’ll have to
provide for a number of other expenses as well:
Moving-related expenses (besides the movers cost) – packing materials,
travel expenses, tips for the movers, etc.;
New home rent or mortgage – a security deposit and first month’s rent
or mortgage payment for the first month;
Utilities – disconnection fees and start-up fees, utility deposits, and firstmonth
bills;
Renovation works and furnishings for your new home;

Living expenses for the first couple of months – groceries, medications,
transportation, clothes, and various essentials you’re going to need
around the house;
Emergency expenses.
Good to remember:
If you were not careful enough when researching your movers and
signed up with a less-than-reputable moving company, you may be
surprised by various hidden moving costs and extra charges at the last
moment;
If you didn’t provide your movers with all the necessary information
when they were preparing your estimate, you may have to pay some
unplanned moving costs – for necessitated extra services, unforeseen
difficulties, delays, etc.
Do not allow common moving house myths to mislead you when planning
your relocation – do some research and get the facts, so that you can make
informed (and correct) decisions about your move.

5.0 The Dos and Don’ts of Moving with a Baby or Toddler
No matter when you are moving, it is always a stressful undertaking. And
when a baby or toddler is involved in the moving procedure, it only increases
your stress level. This is because unlike adults, they need special attention,
water and food on time, enough sleep and a happy environment. Otherwise,
they can get cranky, and that will make them difficult to handle.
And being a parent, you will find it very difficult to balance because you are
already dealing with the moving procedure. But if you hire professionals and
cheap removalists in Gold Coast, they will let you spend time with the baby
and the moving process is likely to get complete in a hassle-free manner.
But if your budget doesn’t allow you to hire experts, you should know how to
tackle all the challenges. Here’s is a list of some Dos and Don’ts that can help
you understand how to handle the toddlers during a move.
‣ Dos of Moving With a Toddler
There are a few things that you should do to ensure you and your kids do not
experience any stress.
• Ask for a helping hand
If possible, look for a babysitter on your moving day. This will not only allow
you to look into the moving process but also keep your kid safe. On a moving
day, things can get stressful, and there is every possibility that you might take
your eyes off of the baby.
And this can be very dangerous for a toddler. So it is advisable to hire a
babysitter to take care of your baby when you take care of all the tasks
according to your moving out checklist. If you are unable to find one, ask for a
favour from a friend or a family member but get someone.
• Pack an essential bag for the baby
When you pack your belongings, make sure that you have a separate bag or
container with all the essential items of your child like blankets, first aid kit,
sippy cups, bottles, diaper bag, medicines, favourite stuffed animal, and so on.

As this bag is vital, you should place it somewhere that is easy to reach
throughout the day. You may require it before the moving day, on the route to
your new place or immediately after arriving there.
• Talk to your current Pediatrician
Consult with your regular pediatrician in advance. If you are moving
somewhere far, ask for tips to keep your baby happy, especially on a flight.
As you are most likely to require a new pediatrician after moving, make sure
you have all the important papers regarding your child’s health. Also, ask for
recommendations regarding a new pediatrician in your new location for your
child.
‣ Don’ts of Moving with Baby on Board
It is not only about what you do. Avoiding certain things can also help you to
make the transition a smooth one, both for you and your baby.
• Don’t pack your baby’s belongings first
You might like to pack all your baby’s belongings first, but you should not do
that. As per professional removalists in Gold Coast, you should leave it late
and wait until a week or so before the moving day.
This is because hunting for your baby’s clothes or toys in the pile of boxes is
the last thing you want to do after packing. Also, once all the belongings are
packed, label it properly so that you can unpack it at the earliest after reaching
your new home.
• Don’t move by yourself
If your budget allows, you should go for professional Removalists in Gold
Coast. Packing and loading all your belongings including heavy appliances and
furniture can give you some severe injuries, and you cannot afford that when
moving with the toddler.
Removals Companies have experienced professionals with advanced tools and
technical knowledge, and they can assure safe loading of all your belongings.

You can take of your kids and supervise the entire moving process to stay
organised on your moving day.
• Don’t disturb the routine
You should always remember that the routine of the baby is important and
you should not disturb it. So make sure that the packing procedure is not
coming in the way of their nap time or snacks time.
That’s why you need to start packing in advance so that you can utilise their
bedtime. Sufficient amount of sleep is essential for them otherwise they can
look tired all the time.
6.0 Fantastic Tips for Moving With Kids
Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, projecting a playful, upbeat attitude
can go a long way towards making moving to a new home feel fun and
adventurous. Here are some great ideas to help your kids through every step
of the moving process.
‣ Involve your kids as much as possible in choosing the new house
Show them pictures of potential houses online. If you feel comfortable with
their maturity level, bring them along when you go to see homes in person.
Talk through the options as a family and compile a wish list for the new house.
Focus on realistic and attainable details that a new home may offer.
‣ Shop for new bedroom decor before the move
Create some excitement and give kids something personal and ‘just for them’
to look forward to as part of the transition. Pack the new items in a special box
and make an occasion of unpacking and setting them up in their new room.
‣ Throw a Goodbye Party
You can call it a “See You Soon” party or a goodbye party, if it’s more
appropriate. Give your kids a chance to say goodbye to their friends and the
people they care about in an atmosphere of celebration and fun.
‣ Create a memory board

Help your child create a memory board or collage of all their favorite people
and places. This will help honor their memories and bring a bit of the old
home with you. Include pictures, notes, and small objects. Create it before the
move so it’s ready to hang in their new room after you move in.
‣ Maintain regular routines
Routines are important for maintaining a sense of normalcy. However, some
chaos is unavoidable with any moving scenario. Keep a level head, go with the
flow, and allow rules to be broken occasionally.
‣ Make unpacking a game
Hide puzzle pieces inside moving boxes and have your kids locate them as
they help you unpack. This game is also productive, because the puzzle can’t
be finished until the last box is unpacked! Choose a puzzle with large pieces,
and consider buying a duplicate puzzle so any missing pieces can be easily
replaced.
‣ Plan a family camp out in your new house
Set up camp in the middle of the living room on your first night in your new
place. Pitch a tent, bring flashlights and snacks for a true camping experience.
You’ll have family bonding time as you tell stories about your old house and
make plans for your new place.
‣ Set up an indoor scavenger hunt
This game will help your kids become familiar with the new rooms and layout.
Check the house thoroughly ahead of time for potential safety hazards, then
let the games begin as you make your way through all the areas of your new
home.
Conclusion
When you talk about the relocation with your child, focus on the good things
about the move. Maybe you will be moving to a bigger house, or to a warmer
climate. Maybe the child’s new school will have more extracurricular
opportunities. Your own attitude toward the relocation can also have a

tremendous impact on how your child handles the move. If you let your child
see that you are stressed, sad, or angry about having to uproot the family, your
child will likely feel stressed, sad, and angry too. So try to stay positive, even
when you are feeling overwhelmed.
Reference
Joshua Green | Moving With Kids: Complete Practical Guide With Tips |
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https://moving.tips/bonus-tips-and-tricks/moving-myths/
The Dos and Don’ts of Moving with a Baby or Toddler | Better Removalist Gold
Coast, Retrieved 09 May, 2018 from,
https://www.betterremovalistsgoldcoast.com.au/dos-donts-moving-babytoddler/
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