How to Keep Your Kids Entertained While Moving
Moving with children can be a challenging experience. It’s not just about packing up your belongings; it’s about managing the stress, preparing for big changes, and keeping your kids safe, comfortable, and entertained during the process. From sorting dishes to keeping toddlers out of freshly packed boxes, it can feel like there’s a lot to keep track of. However, with the right strategies, you can keep your little ones happy and even engaged during the chaos of moving day.
Here are five ideas to make your move smoother for everyone:
Though there are no guarantees with kids, at Elite Truck Rental, we strive to help your move go smoothly. Whether it’s truck rentals or moving tips, we’re here to keep your move rolling.
Children want to feel useful, especially when big changes are happening around them. Give them age-appropriate jobs that make them feel involved without slowing you down.
For instance, toddlers can “sort” toys into different boxes (even if you re-sort them later). Preschoolers can pack their own stuffed animals or put stickers on boxes to mark which room they belong in. School-age kids can likely handle wrapping non-breakable items in newspaper or carrying lightweight boxes.
The key is choosing tasks that are genuinely helpful but not critical to your timeline. If they lose interest or do the job imperfectly, no harm done.
Hungry kids are typically fussy kids. Stock up on easy-to-eat snacks before you start packing, such as apple slices, string cheese, and granola bars. Set up a snack station in your kitchen that kids can access easily, or pack individual portions in small containers. Also, avoid messy snacks like yogurt or anything with chocolate unless you want to add cleaning to your moving day to-do list.
If you’re moving across town, this might not apply. But for families relocating to a new state, road games can become essential survival tools.
Classic games like “I Spy” and “20 Questions” can work well for older children. For younger kids, try counting games (“How many red cars can you spot?”) or singing songs together. Pack a small bag of quiet backseat activities like coloring books, sticker packs, or travel-sized puzzles.
Additionally, consider downloading kid-friendly audiobooks or podcasts before you hit the road. Many libraries offer free digital downloads that can help keep children entertained for hours.
Long moving days are exhausting for adults, but they’re even harder on children who may not understand why their normal routine has been disrupted. Plan for regular breaks where kids can run around and burn off energy. This could mean stopping at a playground during your drive, or taking 15-minute breaks in the backyard between packing sessions.
When making a big move with kids, it’s worth accepting help when it’s offered, and not hesitating to ask for support when you need it.
Consider hiring a babysitter for the day to keep the kids occupied and supervised, especially if you have multiple young children. If possible, ask grandparents, siblings, or close friends to watch and help entertain the kids for a few hours during the most chaotic parts of your move.
Moving with kids doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right preparation (and a healthy dose of realistic expectations), you can keep everyone happy while getting the job done. Build in extra time for everything, pack a sense of humor and plenty of snacks, and celebrate small victories along the way.
When you’re ready to make your move in the Chicago area, Elite Truck Rental may not offer babysitting, but we can still help make the process smoother for you. With over 150 well-maintained trucks and vans in various sizes, plus moving supplies like boxes, tape, and dollies, we’ve got the vehicles and materials you need for a successful move. Contact us today to learn more and reserve your moving truck rental.
Turn to Elite Truck Rental for personal, dedicated service that will make your moving day easier.
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Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025, 11:25:00 am
