Tips For Keeping Your Kids Safe And Injury-Free While You Concentrate On Moving
Posted on: 19 June 2015
According to the United States Census Bureau, an estimated 40 million individuals move every year. If you're in this large group, you know just how exhausting it can be to execute a relocation while trying to live your everyday life – especially when it comes to caring for your kids. Unfortunately, it only takes a few seconds, a curious child and a few haphazardly stacked boxes to equal a disaster. Don't risk an unnecessary injury. Here are a few simple tips to help childproof your move:
While You're Packing
Between eliminating years of clutter in your clogged closets and finding enough boxes, the process of packing up your life can be chaotic. However, while you're in the midst of this flurry, it's vital to keep an eye on your kids – and there might be a few things you're overlooking:
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Locate a hard to reach spot – such as a high shelf – to store and pack every potentially dangerous item. For example, create separate boxes for each room of the house and put anything you wouldn't want your kids to touch inside – including scissors, medications and cleaning products.
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Keep an eye out for other potential hazards during the move. For example, purchase a few outlet covers to protect your baby or toddler from any newly-exposed outlets and move any newly-emptied bookcases to the garage. If people are constantly going up and down stairs, and not paying attention to kids on their heels, consider installing gates to prevent a potential fall.
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Create a "kid friendly zone" in a room that is out of the way of all the hustle and bustle of the move. Fill it with age-appropriate toys, snacks and basically anything you can think of that will keep your kids occupied – and out of your hair!
Finally, if you have older children, use them to your benefit. Chances are your teenager would much rather entertain and distract their younger siblings than haul around heavy boxes!
Moving From One House To The Next
You're finally packed and ready to go, and are happy that the worst of this experience is over. You still need to keep a close watch on those curious kids of yours. Luckily, there are several simple ways to keep them safe while you're saying goodbye to your old house and greeting your new home:
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Consider hiring a babysitter or asking a family member to watch your kids while you pack the moving van. This will not only keep them safe, it will also prevent any crying or tantrums that might occur while your little one's things are being placed in a moving truck.
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Create a clear schedule of stops – especially if you're moving long distance. Stop at least every two to three hours and let your kids run around at a nearby park, or enjoy a fun snack at a new ice cream parlor.
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Unpack a few of your children's favorite toys and other comforting belongings first. Create an out-of-the-way play area where your kids can be occupied and safe. This will allow you to unpack, move heavy furniture and generally perform any potentially hazardous task without your kids around.
Finally, packing a small emergency bag with antiseptic ointment, bandages and anything else you might need if your kids get hurt will allow you to care for a little one without having to dig through endless boxes!
Moving is an exhausting process, and many times you'll be too distracted to keep as close of an eye of your kids. If you can, consider recruiting friends or hiring a local moving company to help so you can keep an eye on your kids. Luckily, it only takes a little extra planning, and a few extra outlet covers and baby gates, to keep your kids safe and out-of-the-way while you relocate!
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