[Chelziee]

We are used to having a moving company come move everything for us, but this move we are making alone. I have never moved with kids, so this is different. I am trying to pack what needs to be packed, and not what does not need to be packed. Trying to wash everything in site if it even remotely looks like it needs a good wash. Any suggestions on what to pack first and last? I am just kind of lost here. Its also a BIG move. We are talking a 6 hour drive from our house now.

[advocatemom]

How old are the kids? If they are age appropriate, let them pack their own favorites in their own bag so they do not worry about losing things. Save one bag for last minute stuff ie: toothbrushes, diapers, medications...anything you might need instant access to. I had to run to Walgreens and buy new toothbrushes once because they were all packed in a box.

[Chelziee]

That is a great Idea!! Thank you so much!!! My kids are (almost) 2 and 1

[Crystallee21]

Chelziee,
Hi there! We just moved from Orlando, FL to Rochester, NY this past febuary. We did have a company drive the truck there for us but we packed, loaded, and unloaded. Then we drove ourselves in my minivan to New York. Now picture this...try driving 20 hours in a minivan with 3 boys ages 5,4 and 2, Two dogs, 1 cat and 1 hamster. It was not fun. But even though you think it can't get any worse, you will make it though. How? I am not sure, but a few months from now you will think "Oh yeah I could do that again if I had too!" When packing your house, have a parts box. In this box put all the screws, cords and other essentials you will need when putting the new house back together. Make sure to put that box on truck last, so that you can open it first. As far as the kids go...SNACKS! Pack a lot of snacks. Let them bring their own bag full of goodies like toys or games they love. I dont know about your kids but mine love to carry bags! Also maybe buy a toy or game and dont give it to them until the road trip, they will love it! Good luck! Hope it goes well.

[WombToBloom]

I would have LOVED a six hour move. We did the opposite as Crystallee as we moved from Syracuse, New York to Austin, Texas. We had two cars so my wife drove the van with two children, two dogs, and two cats, and I drove the car with just me.

If you think I got the better end of that deal, think again! My car's A/C crapped out in Tennessee and we still had the likes of Arkansas and Texas ahead of us. In July. It was unbearable.

But this has nothing to do with your question!

My best tip is to pack the items that you know you'll need right away and set them aside clearly labeled. Then make sure they go on the truck last so that they come off the truck first.

[Steph]

We recently moved with our two little ones. I had a canvas bag for each of them. I put their favorite toys and comfort items in there. I also had a small box of clothes for them that I left open, and a bag of toiletries for all of us that we used daily. Anything not included in that was fair game to be boxed up.

Moving can be so stressful, but planning ahead and staying organized helps a lot. Good luck!

[Chelziee]

I cant say thank you enough. before we would pack a bag each and it was never a problem. the movers come and pack everything for us and move it, the only thing left was for us to point them in which direction things were to be. So can you picture little ole' me standing in my house and asking myself what goes first? What stays? UGH. Im getting really annoyed!

[johniori]

great idea for my children that are 2 boy and girl

[johniori]

wow what a idea i have needed such information because i have 2 kids

[AngelaMays]

Moving can also bring anxiety for most people. You can first try to pack things that you need going to the least. Washing things can also be done after unpacking, so you need not to wash everything.