# Creating a Countdown Chain to Build Excitement for Moving Day in Ottawa
Moving to a new home can be a big adventure, especially for families with kids. In Ottawa, with its charming neighborhoods like Glebe, Sandy Hill, and Orleans, moving can be an exciting fresh start. This blog will help families, especially those with empty nesters, upsizers, or going through a divorce, prepare for the big day and make it fun for the kids.
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## The Problem: How to Make Moving Fun for Kids
Moving can be stressful for everyone, and kids are no exception. Often, they might feel anxious about leaving their familiar surroundings. For parents, whether you are downsizing, upsizing, or going through a big life change like divorce, keeping the kids engaged and cheerful can be a challenge.
As families in Ottawa get ready to move from areas like Vanier or Blackburn Hamlet to new places, keeping the kids excited and involved is key to a smooth transition. But how can parents ensure their kids stay positive during the move?
### Why It Matters
When kids are anxious, it can add stress to an already hectic time. Arguments, tears, and resistance can make moving tough for everyone. However, a move, whether it’s downsizing in Alta Vista or upsizing in Glebe, is also a great time to create family memories and teach valuable lessons about change and adaptation.
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## The Solution: Fun and Engaging Ways to Involve Kids in Moving
Creating a countdown chain can build excitement for kids and give them something to look forward to each day. Here’s how families can use physical activities and playful ideas to make moving an enjoyable experience in Ottawa.
### 1. Packing Games for Fun and Helpful Kids
#### Box Decorating Contest
Let children personalize their moving boxes with drawings and stickers. This not only keeps them busy but also helps with identifying their boxes later. A colorful box from Beacon Hill sure stands out in a new Cumberland living room!
#### Treasure Hunt Packing
Hide small toys or treats in the packing materials. As kids help pack, they find little surprises, turning packing into a fun game.
#### Speedy Sorters
Turn sorting their toys into a game. Challenge kids to quickly divide toys into "keep," "donate," and "trash" piles. Offer rewards for speed and neatness – it’s like Tetris but with toys!
### 2. Exercising Together Makes Moving Active
Moving is a great time to teach the importance of staying active. Even when moving from Downtown to Elmvale Acres, families can incorporate simple exercises into the day.
#### Family Move Workout
Use moving boxes as part of a workout routine. Lifting light boxes or playing with hula hoops in the packing area keeps everyone active and adds a bit of fun to the process.
#### Mini Trampolines or Dance Breaks
Short breaks can include bouncing on a mini-trampoline or having a dance-off. It helps kids burn energy and stay positive.
### 3. Encouraging Excitement About the New Home
#### Countdown Calendar
Build a chain or calendar that marks the days leading to the move. Each day, remove a link or mark a spot, sharing something fun about the upcoming home. Maybe tomorrow’s highlight is the new backyard or the park down the street in Pineview.
#### New Room Design
Get kids involved in imagining their new room in Overbrook or Carson Grove. Let them sketch or color plans for decorating, giving them ownership and excitement over their new space.
### 4. Make Moving Day Memorable
#### First-Night in New Home
Plan a special dinner for the first night in the new home. Letting kids choose pizza or their preferred takeout adds a sense of comfort and celebration.
#### Kid Zone on Moving Day
Set aside a safe and relaxing area with their favorite toys, comforts, and books. It should be a quiet retreat amidst the noisy hustle of moving day.
### 5. Setting the Mood with Music and Fun
#### Pack-a-palooza Playlist
Create a playlist with songs that everyone loves. Play it loud while packing and unpacking to keep spirits high.
#### Guess the Weight Game
Ask kids to guess the weight of different moving boxes. This adds an element of playfulness and engages their curiosity.
### 6. Saying Goodbye with Joy
#### Pre-Move Party
Have a small gathering with neighbors from Sandy Hill or Market area to say goodbye. This offers closure and makes leaving a fun occasion rather than a sad farewell.
#### Memory Walk
Take a last walk through the house, remembering fun times in each room, like playing in the Glebe living room or chatting in the Vanier kitchen. Capture these moments with photos for a keepsake.
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## Conclusion: Turn Moving into a Joyful Family Adventure
By including kids in the process, parents can turn moving from a stressful task into an exciting family journey. For households in Ottawa, whether moving within Blackburn Hamlet or traveling from Cumberland, these ideas can add fun and make the day special.
Moving doesn’t have to be daunting. With games, preparations, and engaging adventures, families can enjoy this big change. Create memorable experiences and involve the kids, so they feel part of the journey too.
With these tips, families can not only survive moving but thrive in their new Ottawa home, creating joyful memories from day one. Embrace the excitement, and welcome the new chapter ahead with open arms!