What To Do When Moving Long Distance With Pets and Kids

Moving is a stressful, expensive, and complicated process. Doing it over long distances, with kids and pets in tow, is an Olympic-level feat. If you’re about to begin or are in the middle of a move, we have some tips that can significantly improve your experience.

1. Give yourself lots of time.

Time can be your greatest weapon or your worst enemy. Rushing will only exacerbate and cause unforeseen issues.

For example, suppose you’re mid-pack when you suddenly realize you’re out of boxes. Getting more will take valuable time and energy, and if you’re already down to the wire, that’s the last thing you need. However, if you still have time, procuring more boxes is barely an issue.

In the case of moving with children, let them know you’re moving as early on as possible. They need time to adjust, ask questions, and mentally prepare. Also be sure to book interstate movers well in advance of the move! If you’re moving with pets or kids in tow, it’s probably best to leave the moving logistics to professionals.

2. Get the kids involved.

In that same vein, if your kids are old enough, try to get them involved in the move. Responsibility will help curb feelings of uncertainty.

You can designate the smallest and easiest tasks to your children, especially in packing.

3. Protect your fur babies.

While you’re loading the truck and moving furniture, all pets should be crated or otherwise contained. By doing so will significantly reduce the chance of them getting hurt, or running outside and getting lost. Moves are chaotic by nature. You don’t want an animal underfoot.

4. Make sure you have paperwork.

Going long-distance means you’ll either have to fly or drive across state lines. If you have kids in tow, be prepared with identifying documents. It is mainly the case during international moves.

For pets, have vet records handy. If you have dogs, make sure they’re licensed or micro-chipped. Additionally, if you’re going to fly, check in advance with the airline to see what their pet carrier policies are.

5. Bring essentials for the trip.

The majority of your belongings will be inaccessible, buried in a mountain of cardboard boxes. Wisely choose what you will have with you – up in the car or your carry-on. Think practically, but also comfortably.

Make sure you always have a bag with you that contains some of your daily essentials.

For kids:

activities to keep them busy, like movies and coloring books
favorite toys
car seats (if applicable)

For pets:

crate or kennel
leash
vet records

For everyone:

food and water
music or podcasts
spare clothes and bedding

If you’re not personally driving the moving van, there’s always a chance your things will arrive at the new house days later than you anticipated. Be prepared to tough it out for a little while.

6. Don’t forget yourself.

Finally, with everything you’re juggling, you need to remember to take care of yourself.

There are a thousand things to keep track of during a move. No matter how meticulously you plan, things go wrong, people get injured, and stuff gets misplaced. So, be kind to yourself. Everything will work out. You will be able to settle at your new place in no time.