Moving house is rarely described as relaxing. Add a baby who naps on a strict schedule, or a toddler who wants to climb into every box, and the whole process can feel like a military operation.
Whether you are shifting across town or tackling a longer interstate move, such as relocating to or from Sydney, these tips will help keep your youngest family members safe, settled and as happy as possible.
Lower your expectations (in a good way)
The single most helpful mindset shift is accepting that you will not get as much done as you would without children. Packing will take longer. Naps will be interrupted. There will be days when the only thing you achieve is keeping everyone fed.
Build extra time into your plan from the start. Begin packing several weeks earlier than you think you need to, and aim for a few boxes a day rather than marathon sessions.
Pack the nursery last and unpack it first
Babies and toddlers find comfort in the familiar, so keep their room as normal as possible for as long as possible. Pack the nursery or toddler’s room last, ideally the day before the move, and make it the very first room you set up at the new home.
Try to recreate the layout they are used to: the cot in a similar position, the same blackout curtains, the same white noise machine and night light. It will not feel identical, but those familiar cues help little ones recognise that it is still time to sleep.
Prepare a dedicated baby bag for the move
Keep one bag that never goes in the truck. It should hold everything you need to get through moving day and the first night without searching through cartons:
- Nappies, wipes, nappy cream and change mat
- Formula, bottles and steriliser, or breastfeeding essentials
- Snacks and a sippy cup for toddlers
- Two or three changes of clothes
- Sleeping bag or swaddle, a favourite comforter and dummy if used
- Any medication, the thermometer and baby paracetamol
- A few small toys or books they have not seen for a while
Talk to toddlers about what is happening
Toddlers understand more than we often give them credit for. In the weeks before the move, talk about the new house in simple, positive terms. Show them photos if you have them. Let them help in small ways, such as putting soft toys into their own special box and decorating it with stickers.
Arrange childcare for moving day if you can
If there is any way to have your children cared for elsewhere on the day, take it. Grandparents, a trusted friend, your usual daycare or a babysitter can all make a huge difference. Moving day involves heavy furniture, open doors, busy driveways and plenty of trip hazards, none of which mix well with curious toddlers.
If that is not possible, set up a safe zone in one room at each house with a portable cot or play pen, a few toys and snacks, and take turns supervising with your partner or another adult.
Think about safety at the new place straight away
A new house brings new hazards. Before your little one starts exploring, do a quick safety sweep:
- Fit safety gates at stairs as soon as possible
- Cover power points and secure blind and curtain cords
- Check windows and balcony doors for secure locks
- Anchor tall furniture such as bookcases and chests of drawers to the wall
- Keep boxes containing knives, cleaning products, medication and small items well out of reach and unpack them early
Keep routines as steady as possible
Routines are an anchor for babies and toddlers. In the days around the move, try to keep mealtimes, baths and bedtimes close to normal, even if everything else is upside down. The familiar sequence of bath, book and bed tells your child that some things have not changed.
Expect some disruption anyway. Children may be clingier or more unsettled for a little while, so offer extra cuddles and patience as they adjust.
Planning an interstate move with little ones
If you are moving between states, the journey itself needs extra thought. For a long drive, plan regular stops every couple of hours so children can stretch, eat and have a nappy change. Time the longest stretches of driving around naps. If you are flying, book seats that make feeding easier and pack a well-stocked carry-on.
Let professionals do the heavy lifting
When you have small children, the value of hiring good removalists goes beyond saving your back. It frees you up to focus on your family. Professional packers can wrap and box up the house in a fraction of the time, which is a relief when packing with a baby on your hip is close to impossible.
Look for a company with trained, insured crews and clear pricing, so there are no surprises when you are already juggling so much. If your move is to or from New South Wales, an experienced Sydney removalist such as Quick & Easy Removals and Storage can handle interstate moves, packing and storage, and offers fixed-price quotes so you can budget with confidence.
Be kind to yourself
Moving with a baby or toddler is hard work, and it is perfectly fine if the first few weeks are messy. The boxes will get unpacked eventually. What your little one will remember is feeling safe and loved, and that is something you can give them anywhere.
About Quick & Easy Removals and Storage
Quick & Easy Removals and Storage is an AFRA member removalist based in Sydney, bringing more than 20 years of industry experience to local and interstate moves, packing and storage. Phone 1300 883 117.
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Lorraine is co-owner of Buggybuddys & Seniorocity and is a mother to two and furmum Cocker Spaniel Storm. Lorraine is also a qualified personal trainer and pilates teacher, once owning her own Yoga & Pilates studio in Perth. She previously lived and worked in London, UK where she worked as Public Relationships and Marketing Manager for several IT companies and worked with some of the largest tech companies in the world including Microsoft, Dell and EMC.
