A Better Way to Move with Babies & Toddlers to Your NewHome

A Better Way to Move with Babies & Toddlers to Your New Home.

By Susie E. Caron  © 7/19/15

In the past 44 years I’ve lived in 19 different places.  Now, I’m in the process of moving again. Packing reminded me of something a wise women once taught me about how to make moving to a new home easier on me and my baby. Her advice may help you too.

Our son was only 1 year old the first time we moved from one town to another, about one hour drive away.   My neighbor Sue and I were sharing coffee while we chatted about moving, and all the particulars that it takes to make it go smoothly. She asked me when exactly we planned to leave and what our plans included to make it easier for our son and me. I can’t recall exactly what I said, but I must have responded something like, “Oh we’ll take him while he’s sleeping so he’ll just wake up in our new home.” I naively thought that this was the least difficult thing to do. Her response surprised me.

Sue looked at me, shook her head and said, “Don’t do that! Instead, you pack his favorite toys, blanket, dish and sippy cup, at the very last moment. Do it in front of his eyes so he can see you do it. Then don’t let him fall asleep in the car. Sit in the back seat and play and talk with him as he rides in his car seat. When you arrive to your new home, remove him and his belongings first. Carry him into your new home and stay with him until his crib is set up. Then try to move back into your normal daily routine as soon as possible.”

I couldn’t believe this! He was only 1 year old. Why all the fuss I wondered. I didn’t need to think about that for long because she wasn’t finished.

Sue continued, “Even babies and toddlers get very upset and confused when they are moved and don’t know where they are when they wake up. It’s different, when you are only visiting, because you bring them back to their old home, their beds, and routines. However, when you move from one home to another, you don’t return and that can upset them. Things will go much better and easier for you if you follow my advice.”

I did just what she said, and I believe she saved me and our little son from a lot of grief, and disruption.  I even continued to follow that advice through 3 more moves, while our 2 children were babies and toddlers. After they grew older, they wanted to pack their own special belongings themselves to carry to our new home. (And I didn’t have to sit in the back seat anymore.)  

Sometimes the well-meaning advice of a friend is just what you may need to hear, especially when it can help you and your children to handle difficult transitions, like moving to a new home. I’m glad I listened to my friend Sue.

What advice have you been given about moving children under age 5? Will you share it with me and my readers here? Thank you.

Remember,

Twee’ means you and me 
Working Together to Raise Great Kids
Susie E. Caron

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