Moving into a newly-rented apartment can be an incredibly exciting process, as it represents a fresh start and a new chapter in your lives. But at the same time, driving long distance for the move can also turn out to be quite a challenging and demanding endeavor, especially if your children are very young; on top of the checklists, budget plans and logistics, you’ll also have to deal with crying babies or cranky toddlers that can often put a damper on your plans.
So, here are some of the best tips and tricks that will help turn any long-distance family move into a safe and pleasant experience:
Try to maintain the regular daily routine
When it comes to moving with children, consistency is always the key. While you won’t necessarily be able to maintain the strict feeding and napping schedule you would adhere to at home, you should try your best to maintain your children’s routines as regular as possible during the long-distance drive. That way, your children will feel safer and more secure, which can be particularly helpful during the stressful and tiring process of moving. You might also want to use the trick of waiting until bedtime and then driving overnight, in order to allow your kids to sleep through the move and avoid any crankiness, especially if you’re moving on short notice.
Bring plenty of entertainment options
If your children aren’t going to sleep through the long-distance drive, it would be a good idea to equip them with plenty of entertainment options that will make the move more interesting and fun, while easily keeping stress and anxiety at bay. Of course, the entertainment options will depend on your children’s age, and can be anything from stuffed toys and coloring books to tablets packed with movies or educational apps.
Either way, ensuring your kids are entertained won’t only help you stay sane during the move, but also make sure your children are happy and calm during the car ride, making for a much safer driving experience.
Make sure to use proper car seats
Knowing how to tell when things are faulty in your car is step number one. After that, proper car seats are among the most important safety aspects when it comes to driving with children, and they’re absolutely essential until your child can legally ride in a car without additional gear. Not only will having a car seat ensure the safety and security of your kids in case of an accident, but it will also prevent them from roaming freely around the vehicle and potentially disrupting the driver.
For that reason, it would be wise to look into the best convertible car seats that are available on the market, and read some great reviews before you choose the best option for your family. Convertible seats are the most convenient choice for many parents, as they’re versatile enough to be used for babies, toddlers, as well as younger children.
Pack some essential drinks and snacks
Although hunger often seems to strike at unpredictable times when it comes to children, long-haul drives can be particularly tricky. If you want to make your move as swift and painless as possible, your best option would be to minimize the number of stops along the way.
To help you achieve that, limit the stops to potty breaks, and keep the eating and drinking inside the vehicle. Before the move, prepare plenty of sandwiches or other finger food that will keep your kids satisfied, and bring enough water or other essential drinks to get you through the drive.
Bring a change of clothes and necessary accessories
Instead of packing everything up before the final move, leave some essential clothing items and other accessories to have on hand during your drive, as mishaps and accidents can often happen on the road, especially with smaller kids. Bringing an extra change of clothes, as well as necessary toiletries, can be particularly important if you’re planning to spend the night somewhere along the way to your new home. If you decided to drive overnight for a more pleasant moving experience, don’t forget to put a few comfortable pillows and cozy blankets in the backseat, to help your children fall asleep in the car with ease.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Whether it’s a friend or a family member, don’t be afraid to enlist the help of someone close to you. In fact, getting professional help for the entire process of long distance moving could free up your time and energy to focus on keeping your kids comfortable and happy during the transition. Having an additional person in the car during the drive will give you some peace of mind, knowing that the kids are calm, happy, and taken care of. What’s more, having another person with you can be a big advantage during the move itself, as they can help you carry boxes, lift large or heavy objects, and ensure you stay on your schedule, ultimately saving you plenty of time during the move, and making sure the whole process goes smoothly and stress-free.
As long as you prepare well in advance, adhere to safe driving practices, and make sure your kids are comfortable and protected, moving long-distance with children can be a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
