Expert Tips for Packing with Kids When Moving in Calgary

18 Oct 2024

Expert Tips for Packing with Kids When Moving in Calgary

 

Moving can be a challenging and stressful experience, especially when you have kids in tow. While relocating is often an exciting new chapter, children may feel anxious or unsettled about the changes. Fortunately, with the right strategies, you can involve your children in the moving process and reduce stress for the entire family. Whether you’re moving locally within Calgary or across provinces, following these expert packing tips will make the experience smoother. This guide includes practical advice, pricing examples for hiring movers in Calgary, and an FAQ to ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible.


Engaging Your Kids in the Moving Process

Involving your children in the move helps them feel included and gives them a sense of responsibility. This can alleviate some of their anxiety about the transition.

Ways to Engage Your Kids:

  • Packing Personal Items: Let your children pack their own belongings, such as toys, books, and clothing. This makes them feel responsible and in control of their things.
  • Labelling and Decorating Boxes: Ask your kids to label or decorate boxes. This adds a creative element to the move and makes unpacking more fun.
  • Choosing Their New Room Setup: Let your children pick their room’s new layout or wall colors, making the move exciting for them.

Example: If you're relocating from Calgary to Vancouver, involving your kids in the packing process can help them feel excited about exploring a new city. You could talk to them about visiting Stanley Park or other child-friendly spots in Vancouver to get them excited.


Tips for Packing with Kids

When you’re packing with kids, keeping them entertained while staying organized is key. Here are some practical tips to make packing easier when you have children:

1. Hire Kid-Friendly Movers

Look for kid-friendly movers in Calgary who understand the challenges of moving with children. Some moving companies offer kid’s kits with coloring books, drawings, or other activities to keep children entertained during the move.

Price Guide Example:

  • Local Move (2-bedroom house within Calgary): $800 - $1,200, including basic moving services and help with packing.
  • Cross-Province Move (Calgary to Victoria): $3,000 - $6,000 for a full-service move that includes packing, transportation, and unpacking.

2. Pack Essential Items First

When moving with kids, especially babies or toddlers, it’s important to pack a baby essentials box. This box should stay with you in your personal vehicle to ensure you have everything you need during the move.

Baby Essentials Box Checklist:

  • Medications and first-aid items
  • Diapers and wipes
  • Bottles, breast pumps, and feeding essentials
  • Favorite toys and comfort items
  • A few sets of clothes and blankets

3. Organize a Yard Sale with Your Kids

Decluttering before your move can lighten your load and get your kids involved. Organize a yard sale and let your kids help by sorting through old toys and games they no longer need. This can help teach them about making decisions and letting go of unnecessary items.


Practical Packing Tips for Moving with Kids

Here are some additional packing tips to make the process smoother:

  • Start Early: Begin packing non-essential items a few weeks before the move to reduce last-minute stress.
  • Use Color Coding: Assign different colors to each child’s room and mark boxes accordingly to make unpacking easier.
  • Keep a Routine: Try to maintain your children’s daily routines, such as nap times or meals, to reduce their anxiety during the move.

Example: For a family relocating from Calgary to Kelowna, keeping a steady routine throughout the packing and moving process helps ease the transition for younger children.


Sample Price Guide for Moving Services in Calgary

Whether you’re moving across the city or across provinces, it’s important to have an idea of the costs involved. Here’s a breakdown of typical prices for hiring movers in Calgary:

Move TypeCost RangeDetails
Local Move (Calgary)$800 - $1,200For a 2-bedroom home, including basic packing and transport.
Calgary to Vancouver Move$3,000 - $6,000Full-service move with packing and unpacking included.
Calgary to Victoria Move$3,500 - $6,500Cross-province move for a 3-bedroom home.
Same-Day Moves$500 - $1,500Urgent local moves, depending on the size of the home.
Appliance Moving$100 - $400/itemMoving large items like fridges, washers, or dryers.
Senior Movers$1,000 - $2,500Specialized services for senior relocation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How can I reduce stress when moving with kids?
A: Involving your kids in the moving process, maintaining routines, and hiring kid-friendly movers can help reduce stress. Make the move fun by letting them help pack and choose the design for their new rooms.

Q: What are the benefits of hiring professional movers when moving with kids?
A: Professional movers handle the heavy lifting, packing, and transportation, freeing up time for you to focus on your children during the move. Full-service movers can also help ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation.

Q: What should I include in my baby essentials box?
A: Your baby essentials box should include diapers, bottles, pacifiers, medication, clothes, and favorite toys. Keep this box with you in your vehicle for easy access during the move.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Calgary to Vancouver movers?
A: A full-service move from Calgary to Vancouver typically costs between $3,000 and $6,000, depending on the size of your home and services required.

Q: Can I move on short notice with kids?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to be organized. For last-minute moves, hire professional movers who can assist with same-day or urgent moves. Expect to pay around $500 to $1,500 for same-day moves within Calgary.


Conclusion

Moving with kids can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and the right approach, it can be a stress-free experience. Involving your children in the packing process, maintaining routines, and hiring professional movers in Calgary can make all the difference. Whether you're relocating within the city, moving cross-country, or handling a last-minute move, taking steps to plan ahead will ensure your move is smooth and enjoyable for the whole family.

For parents moving to cities like Vancouver, Victoria, or Nanaimo, working with experienced movers ensures that you have all the support you need for a successful relocation.

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