Moving is a big transition for anyone, but when you have kids, it can feel like a monumental task. Your daily to do list all of a sudden goes from big to huge and organizing everyone in the family to help pack or even house hunt can sometimes feel a bit like you’re herding cats. But guess what? Getting them involved can actually make the whole process smoother (and maybe even a little fun). When your kids feel like they’re part of the action, it not only keeps them engaged but also takes some of the stress off your plate. Here are a few tricks and strategies to make moving a little less of a circus act and more of a family adventure. 

Are you planning a move soon? Find out everything you need to know about buying and selling a home during the school year right here.

Give Yourself More Prep Time before the actual move

Moving with kids will definitely take more time—everything from packing to new home viewings requires extra attention. By building in additional preparation time, you allow yourself and your children the space to adjust to the changes. Start organizing and planning the move earlier than you think you need to, especially when kids are involved in packing, sorting, or even attending house showings. In a fast-moving housing market like Toronto, it may take you several months to find a new home so be strategic with your timing and allow a couple more months for packing and house hunting. Your kids’ pace might not match yours, so a little cushion of extra time can make the process less stressful. 

How long does it take to buy or sell a home? Read these posts next to find out this and more!

• How Long Does it Take to Buy a Home in Toronto
• In Real Estate, What Does ‘Days on Market’ Really Mean?
• What to Expect When My Home Hits the Market?

Team your kids how to declutter and let things go 

One of the first steps in selling your home is decluttering, and this includes all the kid stuff—old toys, clothes, artwork, and more. Instead of just doing it for them, turn this task into a valuable teaching moment. Involving your kids in decluttering can help them learn about letting go of things they no longer use or need. This can also be a perfect opportunity to explain the importance of “de-personalizing” the home to make it more appealing to potential buyers.

Involve them in a donation process, let them help decide which toys or books to keep, donate, or pack away, or sell and they’ll feel like active participants in the process. Let them pick out toys, clothes, or books they no longer use and explain that these items will go to other children who need them. This helps foster a sense of empathy and teaches them that decluttering has a positive impact on others.

This can be a tough thing for kids to do, so it may be helpful to create a “Memory Box” for special items that are hard to let go of, especially sentimental ones. Set aside a small box for each child where they can store their most cherished items. Finally, try motivating them with a reward for their help. This doesn’t have to be anything big—maybe an extra story at bedtime or a treat for doing a great job. Positive reinforcement can help them stay engaged in the process. 

Decluttering got you stuck? Read our post about decluttering when selling your home right here.

Have open conversations about moving

Kids are more adaptable than we often give them credit for, but it’s important to have open conversations about the move early on. Whether you’re buying or selling, prepare your kids by explaining why you’re moving and what to expect. Let them ask questions and share their feelings, whether they’re excited or anxious. Addressing their concerns head-on will make them feel more secure about the upcoming change.

You can even make it fun by giving them small tasks related to the move, like helping to decide on the color of their new room or choosing which parks they’d like to explore in the new neighborhood. Make it fun, it may seem like a daunting task but getting the kids involved by giving them a role will make it easier. Empower your kids by letting them take on a “design consultant” role for their room or try turning the moving process into an exciting adventure by creating a “moving map” that charts your journey from the current home to the new one. Include important milestones like house showings, packing days, and moving day itself. This can help kids visualize the transition and feel more in control.

Keep reading these homebuying and selling blogs next:

• Red Flags to Look For When You’re on the House Hunt
• How to Sell an Older Home in West Toronto
• How Long Does it Take to Sell a House in Toronto

Hire your realtor early in the process

When you’re juggling kids and the complexities of moving, choosing the right realtor early on in the process is crucial. Time as well as your mental bandwidth is limited during a move, and you need a professional who can guide you on strategy, timing and even pre-view homes to write off the ones that will not fit your criteria. Your real estate agent needs to know the current market inside out to save you stress and effort because choosing the wrong strategy can cost you valuable time and potentially money. Your realtor should guide you on everything from staging your home to finding neighborhoods with great schools and family-friendly amenities. Make sure they have experience working with families—they’ll understand your priorities better and help you transition from one home to next with as little disturbance to your daily commitments.

Hiring a real estate agent is a big step toward your next big adventure! Who you hire is important. Read more about why your agent’s communication style matters right here.

Spend the time planning your next move

When moving with kids, it’s essential to think ahead and plan the logistics of the move carefully. Whether it’s finding a new school, figuring out your work commute, or exploring nearby activities for kids, having a well-thought-out plan can smooth the transition. Involve your kids in this step by letting them learn about their new environment. Take them on tours of the new neighborhood, show them where they might go to school, or explore parks and playgrounds nearby. This involvement can spark excitement and curiosity, making the move feel like an adventure instead of an intimidating change. 

Moving with kids requires extra thought, time, and planning, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By involving your children in the process, from decluttering to making decisions about the new home, you’re not just moving to a new place—you’re creating a shared experience that brings the family closer together. With the right preparation, open communication, and support from a knowledgeable realtor, you can make the journey of buying or selling a home with kids a positive and memorable one. 

Looking for help buying or selling a home in Toronto’s west end? We’re here for you! Give us a call at 416-909-1602 or email  hello@getnested.ca for more advice and tips.

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