Unpacking with the Kids

The nightmare of packing has finally ended; you are on your way to your new home. An immense amount of stress has been lifted; there is only one more task at hand, unpacking. E.E. Ward Moving & Storage Co. shared tips on how to efficiently pack with your kids so you could move with ease. Now that you have survived the first part, the unpacking will be a breeze. Follow these tips and no doubt will you be sitting on your sofa enjoying the new place in no time.

Entertainment

As you did while packing, turning unpacking into a game is a great way to get the kids involved. A simple game like, who can unpack the fastest, is always on the table. Unfortunately, that can lead to broken possessions and could very well cause a bit of chaos. Children are all about the incentives, think of a reward that would really keep them working for. An ever-so-popular incentive for your little ones is a box fort. Children love making forts out of whatever they can, whether that is with sheets, wood, boxes, or a combination of the three. Their creativity is boundless and the fort is the source of it all. Simply explain to them that the faster you unpack, the sooner they can make their fort. Other ways depend on the distance of the move. If you moved a couple of minutes down the road, invite your kid’s friends over. The more people involved, the more entertaining the task. Plus you have just recruited some more help. This could be dangerous depending on the age; might not be the smartest to invite a couple 5 years old, possibly adding to the headache. Some classic enticements include but are not limited to, ice cream, preparing their favorite meal, going to their favorite restaurant, going to their beloved locations, etc. Do not let your children cause more pain in the process; let them help.

Let them Choose

It is important that your children’s rooms are just the way they like them. No one wants to live in a room that does not express who they are. Let your kids be the interior designer, give them the ability to have it set up the way they want it. This gives you the opportunity to bring a little fun and laughter to the whole experience. Working alongside your child makes them feel a part of the move. Every time they are able to put something somewhere they wanted, the feeling of excitement and accomplishment will flow through them. Plus you may even learn a thing or two about them you did not know before. Just as you want to place items in a specific spot, your children would appreciate that power for their room.

Create Activities

It is no secret that your children will not stay concentrated or motivated on the task at hand. They will most likely take breaks and want you to pay attention to them. This of course can differ between children and dependent on their age. One trick you can always fall back on is keeping them distracted. When their minds start wondering and their motives change, make sure there is an activity they can go off and do. This way they will stay out of your hair and you can stay focused on everything you want to accomplish. Unpack their toys first, so they are not bugging you wondering which box contains them. Have them play outside, let them run around, and release all that built-up energy. Just try to ensure they are not creating traffic or causing a problem you will have to deal with later.

The art of unpacking is one that takes patience, concentration, and a lot of motivation. Throwing kids in the mix could most definitely cause strain. Receiving their help can really make things easier in the process. Keeping things fun can make a difference, not just for them but for you as well. Bonding experiences are not always the easiest to create, but something as personal as this can really be one of those moments. Create incentives, let their words be heard, and always have a plan B. Unpacking is not on everyone’s bucket list, but that does not mean it has to ruin your day. Keep an eye on E.E. Ward’s website and social media sites for tips on how to make an awesome box fort; and much more for help on how to move with ease.