Chances are, if you’ve moved with children, you know the stresses that are involved. Kids, especially younger ones, are naturally curious (and naturally love bubble wrap!) and are tempted by all of the interesting things going on around them. (After all, their toys are all in boxes!)
Childproofing your move can be done in a few simple steps. Here are some tips for keeping your kids safe, and keep you from pulling your hair out.
Get On Their Level
When’s the last time you crawled around on your hands and knees? Now’s the time to get on your child’s eye level! Get on all fours and observe things from their point of view. Crawl around rooms where you’ve places all of your boxes, your kitchen where cleaning products may not be packed yet, and the bathroom, especially. Seeing things from their level can open your eyes to all sorts of hazards you may have overlooked from higher up.
Keep Them Busy
Small children liked to be involved-they want to be just like mom and dad! If they see you packing things in boxes, and writing things on boxes-they’re sure to try to emulate. Ditch the permanent markers-give them some washable markers, and let them ‘decorate’ the boxes of their own belongings. By letting them be involved in the moving process, not only will they stay out of trouble while you’re tying up loose ends and directing the local movers when they arrive, they will feel more involved in the move and adjust more quickly.
Organize Your Cleaning Products
If you’re planning on doing some moving-day cleaning, be sure to keep your cleaning products all in the same place far out of your child’s reach in the new place and the place you’re leaving. Chances are they will be some of the first items you unpack. Give your child something of his or her own to unpack and play with in their brand new room while you locate and organize your cleaning products.
The Details
Other items, such as box cutters, twine, pens, and tape dispensers, can also be hazards to small children who are attracted to anything new, different, and colorful. Keep a box of these items all together and on a countertop or on a shelf that your small child can’t reach.
Consider Daycare
If you have an especially curious child maybe multiple-consider looking into daycare in your new neighborhood for the day of the move. Not only will you be sure your child is out of harm’s way during moving day, but it will also give them a chance to make friends in their new neighborhood!
Your local moving company wishes you a safe and worry-free moving day!