It’s no secret that moving can be a stressful, hectic time. Your home is all packed up, there are movers you likely haven’t met before handling your belongings, and you’re getting ready to open a new life chapter in a new home. If you have kids or pets, keeping an eye on them can add to your stress—plus, the chaos of the move can unfortunately increase their anxiety. In most cases, it’s a best practice to find a moving day babysitter or pet sitter.
By adding this small task to your moving preparation checklist, you can make your entire relocation experience more positive and less stressful.
Tips for preparing your children and pets for your move
Careful prep and organization are crucial for a smooth and stress-free move, and this includes getting your kids and pets ready for the relocation. Keep in mind that you’re uprooting your life and heading to a new place—and although it’s exciting, it can also be scary. Young children and pets won’t fully understand what’s happening, and older children might not be thrilled about leaving their childhood home.
Moving with kids
Fortunately, you can ease your children’s nerves and turn moving into a happy experience. Here are a few tips for preparing your kids, whether you’re moving with a newborn or an older child:
- Stay calm and positive. Your kids might pick up on your negative emotions about the move, but if you show them that you’re looking forward to your new home, they’ll have the assurance that everything will be okay.
- Give yourself plenty of time to plan. If possible, start planning your move at least a month to six weeks ahead of time. The more organized you are, the less stressed you’ll be, which will affect how your young ones perceive the move.
- Help them look forward to moving. Show them their new bedrooms at your new home and get them excited about the move. Maybe even give them a treat like some new toys to play with in their new rooms, let them pick their bedroom paint color, or take them out for ice cream at a local hotspot near where you’re moving to.
A positive spin can change almost any experience—yes, even moving—into a life event your kids will look forward to.
Moving with pets
Staying calm and giving yourself ample time to prepare and pack for your move are also good pieces of advice if you’re moving with pets (though in most cases, we don’t recommend buying them ice cream!). To get your dogs, cats, birds, or exotic pets ready for the move, start by pet-proofing your new place and making sure their beds, crates, or cages are nice and clean. You’re getting a fresh start in your new place, and they deserve one too!
Even with careful planning and great preparation, you might want to consider getting a moving day babysitter or pet sitter as the big date approaches. For many Chicagoland residents, protecting their kids and pets from the move-day chaos sets up a better experience for everyone.
Reasons to find a moving day babysitter
There are many benefits to having someone watch your kids during your actual move. In addition to avoiding a potentially stressful and chaotic day, having a moving day babysitter lets you focus on the logistics and be attentive to any questions your move crew might have. You’ll be able to give the move your full attention knowing that your children are safe and well cared for by a trusted friend, family member, or babysitting service.
Additionally, sending your kids offsite on the day of the move could actually be safer than having them there. A lot of times, your home’s doors may be propped open so the movers can quickly carry items between your dwelling and their moving truck. Young children who want to explore the outside world might seize the opportunity to slip out of the door unnoticed. And although professional movers in Chicago do their very best to keep a clear line of sight while they’re carrying large and heavy items, they may have to walk backward and might not see a small child in their path.
An added bonus of finding a moving day babysitter is that without young ones running around, the movers can work more efficiently. Since the overall time your move takes directly corresponds to your move’s total cost, a faster and more efficient move will save you money.
Advantages of a moving day pet sitter
Several reasons to hire a moving day pet sitter are the same reasons you might hire a babysitter: less stress, better focus, reduced safety concerns, and a more efficient move.
On top of those reasons, a pet-free environment can actually be healthier for your movers. As many as 20% of people are allergic to dogs and cats—and if someone on your moving crew is included in that percentage, they could suffer an allergic reaction during your move. Be sure to let your moving company know before your moving day if you have pets so they can design your crew accordingly.
If it’s an option, set your pet up with a neighbor, friend, or family member who they know and feel comfortable with. Maybe they’ll get treated to a nice walk or some fancy treats with the huge benefit of you not having to worry about their safety and wellness.
How to help your kids and pets feel at home in your new place
After the move has ended and you’re ready to bring the kids and pets into their new dwelling, there are a few ways you can help make them feel right at home. For example, try to be positive and excited when showing children their new bedrooms, TV room, backyard, and any other amenities they’ll love about their new surroundings, and maybe let them pick the first night’s dinner.
Dogs and cats will want to explore the new place, so let them sniff around for a while. Set up their bed, favorite blanket, or crate in a spot where they can clearly see you so they know they’re in a safe place. If you have any energy left over, consider taking your dog for a stroll through your new neighborhood—this will distract them, tire them out, and deepen your bond.
You schedule your moving day babysitter or pet sitter and we’ll handle the heavy lifting!
With a trusted moving day babysitter or pet sitter, you can have a smooth, stress-free, and cost-effective move. You handle those arrangements, and we’ll take care of your packing, moving, and storage needs.
Contact us today for a free estimate and to learn how we can help you have a fantastic moving experience!