Shifting house with kids and elderly parents

A move affects every member of the family differently. Children worry about friends and school; elderly parents may find the disruption tiring and confusing. Planning for them makes the day calmer for everyone.

Children

• Tell them early and show them the new home or photos of it.
• Let them pack a "special box" of favourite toys and books, and keep it with you.
• Keep routines: meals and bedtime at the usual times as far as possible.
• On moving day, arrange for small children to stay with relatives or a neighbour. A home full of cartons, tape and heavy furniture is not safe for toddlers.
• Set up their room first at the new home so they have a familiar space.

Elderly parents

• Medicines: carry at least a week's supply, prescriptions and medical files in a bag that travels with you.
• Rest: plan for them to stay with family on packing day, or to have one quiet room left unpacked until the end.
• Familiar things: unpack their bed, chair and personal items first, in the same arrangement as before.
• Safety: check the new home for loose rugs, poor lighting and slippery bathroom floors before they move in.
• Doctors: find the nearest clinic, pharmacy and hospital in the new area in advance.

Long-distance moves

For intercity moves, travel separately from the goods, by train or flight, and arrive a day early to set up the essentials before the truck comes.