What makes moving with young children different?
Families with small children usually move more than they expect: a cot, a stroller, a high chair, plenty of toys and daily items you can't do without for even one night. More important than volume are safety and routine, so we plan this kind of move days ahead. For the kids' furniture itself (beds, wardrobes, large toys), see kids' room movers.
Safety on loading day
- A safe zone: keep one closed room for the children with an adult, or have them stay with relatives during loading if possible.
- Open doors: the apartment and building doors stay open for long periods during loading, a real risk for a toddler near stairs or the street.
- Screws and small parts: we bag hardware when dismantling beds and wardrobes, but also make sure children aren't playing in rooms being taken apart.
- Cleaning products: emptying the kitchen and bathrooms brings down products that were stored high up; collect them in a sealed box out of reach.
The first-night box for the kids
Prepare a clearly marked bag or box that travels in your car, not in the truck:
| For a baby | For a young child |
|---|---|
| Milk, bottles and sterilising kit | Two days of clothes and pyjamas |
| Nappies, wipes and creams | Favourite toy or blanket |
| Clothes and a light blanket | Snacks and water |
| Any medicines | A book or quiet toy for the car |
The favourite toy and blanket never go into a box. Losing them on the first night makes for a long night for the whole family.
Preparing your child for the move
Pre-school children feel a change of place more than they show. A few simple steps help: tell your child a few days ahead that you're moving to a new home, and if possible show them their new room before moving day. Let them choose one or two toys to carry themselves and give them a small box to decorate with their name. In the first days, keep sleep and meal times the same and set up their room close to how the old one looked; familiar things reassure them.
At the new home: the child's room first
On request, we prioritise unloading and assembly so the cot and kids' room are ready before the rest of the house, giving your child a place to sleep on time. Before the children come in, check sockets, windows, stairs and balconies, and make sure tall wardrobes are secured to the wall where needed.
Choosing the right timing
- Avoid exam weeks if you have school-age children and consider moving near the holidays. See moving during holidays and Eid.
- Summer: Eastern Province heat is hard on little ones; early morning or late afternoon works better. See moving in summer.
- Split the move: for bigger families, packing on one day and moving on another is easier for everyone. See large family moving.
Plan your family's move
Send both districts, the number of rooms, and tell us if the kids' room should be set up first. We will send a day plan and price.