1. Get them involved<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If your kids are old enough to pitch in, get them to help. Grab a clipboard and a pen and set them a to-do list filled with tasks they can handle. Some suggestions are packing up<\/a> kitchen utensils, their room or even supervising the adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also keep them engaged by giving them an incentive to finish their list \u2013 like letting them pick which takeaway food you\u2019ll have for dinner on move-in night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While you\u2019re running around packing up, get the kids to decorate the moving boxes<\/a>. Give them some coloured markers and stickers and let their imaginations run wild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To make sure you can still read the labels on the boxes, write or stencil some chunky letters on the outside and task the kids with filling them in. Think patterns, line art, stickers, glitter pens \u2013 the works!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grab a box or a backpack and fill it with fun activities the kids will enjoy. Think colouring-in books, pens\/crayons, easy DIY-craft kits, books, a board game and their favourite snacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re okay with digital devices, download their fav movie on the iPad or laptop and throw in a pillow. A good mix of activities will help fight the \u201cI\u2019m bored\u201d soundtrack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While you\u2019re busily packing up the house, task the kids with packing a box with items they\u2019ll need to settle into the new place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get them to think about all the little things they want with them for their first night in their new room, so they don\u2019t need to dig through all the boxes! Some staples would be PJs, stuffed toys, toiletries and night lights .<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moving into a whole new space can be a big adjustment. Having favourite items nearby on the first night can help bring a sense of comfort and make the transition a little easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve got the space to create a designated spot in the new place for the kids on moving day<\/a>, capitalise on it! Plonk the kids into the spare room or study with all the essentials: iPad\/laptop, books and their fav toys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let the removalists (or lucky family\/friends who\u2019ve been kind enough to help you move) know that the kids\u2019 room is off limits. This will help the kids feel settled and keep them from being underfoot while all the action\u2019s taking place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If there are a few of you helping with the move, take it in turns to take the kids for a walk. This is a great opportunity to look around your old neighbourhood one last time \u2013 and discover your new one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make a game of it \u2013 get them to list five favourite things from their old neighbourhood and to jot down five new things in their new one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Got a courtyard? Balcony? Garden? Outdoor activities are a great way to keep the kids away from the hustle and bustle, while encouraging them to burn off some energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some easy options are balls, bubbles, or a tether-ball set. If they get tuckered out easily, you could set up a painting or play-dough station in the backyard to keep them busy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019re in the new place, unleash the kids\u2019 inner detective with a scavenger hunt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Give them a list of items to find among the moving<\/a> boxes once they\u2019re delivered. If your boxes are already labelled (or beautifully decorated with stickers) it should be easy for them to find the items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You could get the kids to find their favourite bedtime story, a family photo or their pyjamas. If you want to keep things interesting, award the winner a prize \u2013 perhaps a new set of sheets, pyjamas or some new d\u00e9cor for their room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep the kids busy while you unpack by setting up a craft station in the backyard. Water-based paints, coloured markers, paper and aprons will get you started \u2013 and older kids might like beautiful origami papers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Challenge them to paint a picture of the new place or portraits of one another \u2013 or a caricature of you! Hang the artworks on the fridge \u2013 or Blu-Tac to walls as placeholders while you get your picture hooks sorted. You\u2019re in the new place and there are boxes and tape aplenty now you\u2019re in the swing of unpacking. Instead of ending up with cardboard scraps all over the house, host a box-fort building competition!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The rules? Any empty box is up for grabs and you can only use carboard, tape and some pens\/crayons to decorate them. This will keep the kids busy for a good hour (at least) while they piece together their cubbies and add their pops of colour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bonus? It\u2019s a good place to hide out for a cup of tea and some solitude when moving<\/a> day\u2019s over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At Origin, we make moving house<\/a> easy. With our Move Promise<\/a> we\u2019ll make sure your power\u2019s on the next business day (when you book online before 1pm Monday to Friday). And for added peace of mind, our Moves Promise guarantees that in the event we can\u2019t power your home the next business day, we\u2019ll give you $400 (incl GST) credit per day for related expenses.*<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Decorate the moving boxes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Create a moving-day kit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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4. Make up their \u2018first night\u2019 box<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Create a moving-day safe room<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Take a walk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
7. Play outdoors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Create a scavenger hunt<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
9. Set up a craft station<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n10. Box fort competition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We make moving your energy easy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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