Any move comes with challenges, hard work and a temporary change of routine. If you’re also moving house with a baby, it makes the job even more demanding. Babies, infants and toddlers crave routine and can find the sudden disruption of packing and moving unsettling. Here are some tips to help you move safely and with the least disruption to your infant’s routine.
Take the opportunity to declutter
Decluttering is the best thing you can do for any move. It makes packing and unpacking faster and easier, saving you time and money. Unpacking with an infant around can be stressful, especially if your child is mobile, so the less you have to do the better.
It makes sense to declutter when you move because you have to go through all your household possessions anyway. Sell anything you don’t use anymore or donate them to a charity shop, and recycle or dispose of anything else.
Then pack like a professional or hire professionals. The less clutter you have when you unpack means there is much less chance something could end up in your baby’s mouth. Label your boxes so you can find everything you need as you unpack, allowing you to work safely through them one by one at your new home.
Hire a moving company
Professional movers have the people, experience and equipment to move household lots quickly and efficiently. We know we make moving less stressful, and if you’re not stressed then your baby won’t get upset too. Managing an upset infant is the last thing any parent needs on moving day. Also, if you have less to do, you can focus on keeping your baby happy.
The benefits of deep cleaning
Make sure your new home has had a deep clean before you arrive. While people are supposed to clean their home before handing it over to new owners, we don’t all have the same standards for cleanliness. Hire professional cleaners to give your new home a deep clean so you’re certain your baby will be safe on any floor or surface they touch.
Make sure your new home is safe before you unpack
Unpacking is a big job, but it’s essential to make sure your new home is safe before you open boxes. With a little organisation, you’ll be able to unpack safely and get settled sooner.
Safety checklist:
- Create a safe zone for used packing materials which your baby can’t enter.
- Secure all cabinets and cupboards with child locks.
- Use safety gates on stairs or any area with hazards.
- Make sure all furniture is secure.
- Secure all power points with safety plugs.
- Make sure all exterior doors are secure.
- Use baby alarms and monitors.
- Secure any dangerous outdoor areas such as pools.
Prepare for moving day
Getting your infant settled will be one of your highest priorities on moving day. Make sure you have everything you need on hand once you arrive at your new home. If you can’t carry the essential items yourself, ask your movers to load them last so they’re the first items off the truck.
If you need help moving house with a baby, call us for a quote.