5 Smart Ways to Involve Your Kids in the Packing Process

Why is it important to involve your kids in the packing process?

Moving house with children can feel overwhelming, particularly during busy periods such as the school holidays.

This stress doesn’t just apply to the adults – relocating is a huge deal for youngsters, and time needs to be taken to ensure they are comfortable throughout the process.

However, by involving your kids directly in the packing process, you’ll not only lighten your own workload but also help your children feel part of the adventure.

At White & Company, we understand the importance of making house moves enjoyable and stress-free for everyone involved, so we’ve put together five practical ways to engage your little helpers.

1. Let Kids Create Their Own ‘Moving Boxes’

Making packing an exciting activity with some crayons and a fun imagition.

Encouraging your children to decorate their own moving boxes can make packing feel like an exciting art project rather than a chore.

Using colourful stickers, markers, and crayons, your kids can personalise their boxes and decide what special items go inside.

Reddit users in r/Parenting agree that this method makes children more enthusiastic and helps reduce their anxiety about the move.

2. Turn Packing into a Treasure Hunt

Packing will seem more fun if it is considered a game. 

Make packing a playful experience by turning it into a treasure hunt.

Give your kids a simple list of items to find around the house, such as books, toys, or clothes.

You can also ask them to gather everything into one place.

Awarding small prizes or treats can also add motivation.

Not only does this method keep your children entertained, but it also helps organise your belongings quicker.

3. Sort Toys with a ‘Keep, Donate, and Recycle’ Game

Take this opportunity to sell or donate any old toys or clothes. 

Involve your children in decluttering by playing a sorting game.

Lay out three large boxes marked ‘Keep’, ‘Donate’, and ‘Recycle’.

Encourage your kids to sort their toys, books, and clothes into each category, explaining the positive impact of donating to charities such as The British Heart Foundation.

This approach teaches responsibility and makes packing less overwhelming.

4. Pack a Special ‘First Night’ Bag Together

Make their first night a comfortable one

Create a special overnight bag with your children, including their favourite toys, snacks, pyjamas, and bedtime stories.

This involves them in the moving process and provides comfort on the first night in your new home.

Packing essentials in advance ensures a smoother transition, as highlighted by families sharing their experiences on Reddit’s Moving subforum.

5. Give Older Children Responsibility for Labelling

Older kids can get involved with the packing too. 

Older children will appreciate being given responsibility for an important task.

Equip them with colour-coded labels, stickers, or tape and ask them to label each box with the correct room or contents.

This responsibility helps your child feel mature, involved, and less anxious about the upcoming changes.

You can download and print free moving labels from Pinterest to make it easier.

Ready to Start Planning Your Move

So you have been able to involve your kids in the packing process, and moving has become less about stress and more bout the adventure!

At White & Company, we’re experts at family-friendly removals, ensuring that your move is seamless from start to finish.

With over 150 years of experience, we’ve seen it all and know what needs to happen to make your move a success.

If you have an upcoming move and need professional packing services, removals, and advice tailored to your family’s needs, contact us today.

Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.