Moving day comes with a flurry of activity — movers coming in and out, boxes being stacked, and a long checklist of tasks to manage. For parents, one of the biggest challenges is keeping kids safe, calm, and entertained during the process.
The ideal scenario? Arrange for kids to spend the day with a relative, babysitter, or friend. But when that’s not an option, here are simple, creative ideas to keep children happy, occupied, and out of the busiest areas on moving day.
1. Create a Dedicated “Kids Zone”
Choose one room that’s already been cleared and set it up with blankets, snacks, a tablet, coloring books, and a few favorite toys. Keeping kids in a single safe space helps prevent them from wandering into high-traffic moving areas.
2. Arrange a Playdate or Family Visit
If possible, have kids spend the day with a friend or family member. It gives them a fun day away from the chaos—and gives you space to supervise the move without interruptions.
3. Host a “Moving Day Movie Marathon”
Set up a tablet, laptop, or TV with pre-downloaded shows or movies. Add pillows and snacks, and you’ve got a distraction that can last through the busiest part of the move.
4. Give Them a Simple Job
Kids love to participate. Assign tiny responsibilities like:
✓ handing out water bottles
✓ decorating their “first night” box
✓ collecting small items from empty rooms
Small tasks help them feel involved without getting in the way.
5. Turn Empty Boxes into Play Props
Before they’re loaded, empty boxes make excellent:
✓ race cars
✓ castles
✓ rocket ships
It’s imaginative, inexpensive, and keeps kids occupied for a surprisingly long time.
6. Play “I Spy” Around the House
“I spy something red…” works great while movers pack and load rooms. It requires no setup and keeps kids in sight while you manage tasks.
7. Set Up a Snack Station
Hunger = impatience. Keep a small cooler nearby with:
✓ fruit
✓ crackers
✓ juice boxes
✓ granola bars
It minimizes interruptions and keeps kids in good spirits.
8. Pack a Moving-Day Activity Bag
Fill a small backpack with coloring pages, Pop-Its, puzzles, or small toys. It’s easy for kids to carry and doubles as entertainment during travel to the new home.
9. Play “Guess What’s Next”
Turn moving logistics into a light game:
“Which room will finish first?”
“Which box is heaviest?”
“Will the truck leave before lunch?”
It encourages curiosity without disrupting the movers.
10. End the Day with a Reward
Once everything is loaded or unloaded, celebrate with pizza, ice cream, or movie night. A reward gives kids something to look forward to and helps shift the day from stressful to exciting.
Making Family Moves Easier with Unpakt
Moving with kids can feel hectic, but with a little planning (and the right distractions), the day can go smoothly for everyone.
Unpakt makes one part of the process much simpler — comparing real moving prices and choosing the company that fits your needs and budget. Instead of spending hours calling around, you can review options side-by-side, lock in a price, and book your mover in minutes.
Compare movers, see your price, and choose the right moving company for your move — all at Unpakt.com.
