Moving long-distance with your little one (or several kiddos) can be an overwhelming and challenging experience for most families.
Here are three tips to make moving long-distance easier for your family:
1. Find a Reputable Car Shipping Company
If driving to your destination isn’t feasible because the place is too far and you have a baby to care for, it’s best to have your car shipped through a reputable company.
Car shipping can give you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is in good hands while you make the long journey to your new home.
Note that car shipping companies offer different kinds of services at varied rates, which can go higher at longer distances. You can also find companies that offer discounts.
Some car shipping companies offer extra services, such as cleaning your car before bringing it to your new address.
Pro Tip: It’s good to choose a reputable car shipping company with excellent ratings and good customer reviews.
2. Organize Your Packing Process
Packing up is another big challenge, particularly if you’re bringing furniture from your previous home.
Organizing your packing process is important, so you don’t get too overwhelmed with the tasks you need to complete.
Pack up the non-essentials and the least used items first. This includes extra blankets, books, extra toys, musical instruments, etc.
Pro Tip: Pack similar items together and clearly label the boxes. You can pack the nursery items last, then unpack them first when you arrive at your new home. Having familiar stuff in their new environment can help your baby adjust to the new place more easily.
Don’t forget to create a checklist of baby essentials that you will need throughout the journey. Keep these in a diaper bag or separate box that you can easily access.
Some of these items are:
- Baby formula
- Pre-packed travel formula containers
- Clean bottles (you can opt for those with liners)
- Extra pacifiers
- Travel breast pump (fully charged + extra batteries)
- Baby food
- Snacks
- Cooler with ice for pumped breast milk
- Sippy cup
- Baby utensils
- Security blanket
- Favorite toys
- Diapers or pull-ups
- Wipes
- Diaper rash cream
- Nipple cream
- Extra bag for soiled diapers (you can use the thick bags from your diaper pail)
- Baby bath items (soap, shampoo, towel, etc.)
- Burp cloths
- Clothes (enough for the trip, plus a few extras)
- Thermometer
- Baby medicines and supplements (cold and flu relief, gripe water, baby constipation relief, vitamin D drops, probiotics, etc.)
- First aid kit
- Breastfeeding pillow
- Baby stroller
- Car seat
- Portable crib
3. Plan The Entire Trip, But Try To Stick To Your Child’s Routines
Make a list of the things you expect to happen throughout the trip, such as stops for diaper changes, pumping, feeding, etc.
Map out the route and check for safe places where you can do these things.
If you need to make a rest stop, especially overnight, it’s good to book hotel rooms in advance so you won’t have to spend time trying to find one along the way.
Pro Tip: It’s good for kids to rely on their routines. Moving to a new place can make them anxious or excited. Sticking to their routine can give them a sense of familiarity and security.
