How to Unpack With Kids

Are you trying to unpack and the kids are running around driving you absolutely bonkers? Put yourself in the scene, dogs barking, new neighbors coming to the door with that casserole, one kids crying that they can’t find their lovey, and the other kid is racing their matchbox on the new wood floors scratching them right up. Well, if that sounds familiar to you, we have some tips to help calm the chaos to allow you time to unpack and find that lovey.

Utilize Time Wisely

If your children are in the stage of development where they still require a nap, take that time to focus on one room and unpack a few boxes while they sleep soundly in the next room. This will give you the ability to focus without having to refill that juice cup for the 3rd time and then having half your belongings unboxed on the left side of the room and half unboxed on the right side.

Capitalize on Alone Time

Going right along with utilizing time wisely, let’s talk about capitalizing on alone time. When your partner goes out to grocery shop or run a few errands, have them take the kids. This will allow the partner at home to unpack a few items. One parent going off to the gym? Take the kid to the gym daycare and let the kids make new friends, burn off energy, and the house is one step closer to being a home.

Outside Toys are Your Best Friend

Children that are able to play independently with minimal supervision can spend an hour or more outside. Prior to the move, pack a box that has new outside toys and label it clearly. The kids will be excited since they haven’t seen these items before. Some of these can be purchased for a minimal price at the dollar spot at Target or the dollar store. Some great ideas are a box of chalk, bubbles, a jump rope, outdoor bouncy ball, hula hoop, self-stick toss and catch glove set. All of these are fairly affordable and can entertain kids for hours. While they are outside checking out the cool new items, get those kitchen spices unpacked and put away.

Enlist the Offspring

No need to unpack everything alone! One way to distract kids is to recruit them to help. While you unpack larger more fragile items, have them put all the children’s books on the shelf. You can give easy jobs like wiping out the cabinets, putting the dog toys in a bin, or taking the laundry baskets to the laundry room, and hanging empty hangers in the closets. Think if it’s tedious, simple, and not fragile, your child can do it. Whether or not you want to monetarily reward them or reward them with a fun activity later or a popsicle is up to you.

Relatives, Play Groups, Friends Oh My!

One way to have a significant time block to unpack is to have the help of relatives, friends, and the new play group. Think about having someone else watch the children for the day to allow for you and your partner to set up your home. Prior to relocating, join a local play group or Mom’s group and discuss this idea with them. You will be surprised how many volunteers you’ll have to take your kids to the park.

Looking for more moving and unpacking tips? Stay tuned, we’ll be having more articles for you.