Moving is hard. It just is. Moving with a toddler is even harder. Moving while pregnant, ok, who said we should do this? BUT, moving with a newborn would be ridiculous, just don’t do it! I’m so glad we moved now rather than in another month with a newborn. It’s exhausting, and I’m so incredibly thankful for an amazing husband and good friends who have helped us so much!

Micah actually tried to be helpful with moving! Once in a while at least. He carried boxes around the house and would try to carry items in and out. Sometimes the items he had only made it halfway, but it was cute anyhow! Otherwise he mostly got in the way and we had to work around nap times and what not, and he hated getting in and out of the car and not being able to just go wherever he wanted.

Moving with a Toddler

Work with Nap Time

Nap time was the only time I could paint (can you imagine a toddler and paint?). Most everything else I could do with Micah running around, but painting, no way.

Work with the Toddler

Micah wants to be just like mommy and daddy, so he wants to do everything we do. Which means you can sort of put your toddler to work. To a point. Otherwise, you have to be flexible. Let him play, don’t expect things to go quickly or be perfect. Have some fun with it and be flexible!

Know where the Snacks Are

When you pack and move, know where you put your toddlers most important items: snacks. Also, sippy cup, lovey toy, sleeping supplies, etc.

Be Ready for Meltdowns

Moving is changing your toddlers whole world. And probably interrupting the routine in some ways. So, don’t expect things to go incredibly smoothly, do expect things to be rough at times. Toddlers thrive on routine and the expected. New and changing is definitely hard on them, especially if they aren’t incredibly brave or flexible to start with.

Help Your Toddler Make the Change

This is where talking to the toddler, getting him to help, and being excited about all the new things helps. Involve the toddler, get him excited about moving, make it a fun thing rather than a scary event.

Say good-bye to the old house and hello to the new house.

Set up the toddler’s room first, so they have familiar things and can start getting used to their new domain right away.

Be available and loving. The kiddo needs extra security during the transition. Mommy and Daddy are the most important people in his life and he needs to know they didn’t change with the change of location.

You know your kiddo. Every child will handle moving differently based on their temperament. Use your knowledge of your little one to make things go as smoothly as possible. It’s a stressful time for you too, so take a deep breath and you’ll make it!