# Let Kids Craft Colorful Moving Boxes for a Fun Packing Experience
Moving can be a big event in any family’s life, especially if you’re in Ottawa, where changes are common. If you’re an empty nester downsizing, upsizing your home to fit a growing family, or going through a divorce and needing a change, the process can be stressful. But, this doesn’t have to be the case for the youngest family members. Here’s how to make moving fun and engaging for kids by letting them craft colorful moving boxes.
## Why Make Moving Fun for Kids?
Moving impacts everyone, but especially kids. It can be a time of excitement and anxiety. By involving them in the process and turning some tasks into games, moving can become a positive experience. Crafting moving boxes is an excellent way to reduce stress and involve your kids in the move. Here’s why it matters:
- Stability and Routine: Kids need consistency. Adding fun through box decorating helps maintain a sense of routine.
- Creativity and Expression: It allows kids to express how they feel about moving, whether it’s excitement or nervousness.
- Sense of Ownership: Letting kids decorate their boxes gives them a sense of control in a time full of change.
- Family Bonding: It’s an opportunity for the whole family to come together and make memories during a hectic time.
## Getting Started with Creative Packing
Transforming a moving day into an enjoyable experience doesn’t require much. Here is how you can start:
### Box Decorating Contest
Hold a fun contest where kids can decorate their own moving boxes. Provide them with markers, stickers, or paints. Each child can personalize their box with drawings of things they like or colors they love. Not only does this keep them entertained, but it also makes the boxes easy to identify later!
### Treasure Hunt Packing
Create a scavenger hunt by hiding small treats among items that need packing. Children will have fun searching for these surprises as they help put their toys and belongings into boxes. It turns a daunting task into an adventure.
### Speedy Sorters
Challenge your kids to sort through their toys and games quickly. Make it a race! They can create piles of what to keep, what to donate, and what should be discarded. Offer small rewards for sorting efficiently and making good decisions.
## Mixing Learning with Fun
Incorporate educational elements to further enrich the experience. Here are a few creative and educational activities:
### Memory Match Packing
Make an educational game out of packing. Lay out items that need to be packed, let the kids memorize their positions, and then cover them up. See how many they can remember correctly when packing them away.
### Storytime About Moving
Reading books about moving is a great way to help kids process the changes ahead. Wonderful stories like "Big Ernie's New Home" or "Goodbye House" can comfort children and provide a talking point about their new adventure.
### Memory Walk
Walk through each room in your home with your kids and share your favorite memories made in each space. Capture these with photos or drawings. Later, you can look back and reminisce together.
## Building Excitement for the New Home
Once packing is done, it’s time to shift focus to the new adventure that awaits:
### Countdown Calendar
Create a countdown to moving day with a colorful calendar. Use stickers or drawings to mark special milestones along the way. This visual cue helps build anticipation and excitement.
### Visualize Their New Room
Let each child sketch their new room and decide how they’d like to set it up. Being part of the process can ease the transition and makes the new space feel like theirs from the start.
### First-Night Plans
Make the first night in the new home special by letting kids pick a takeaway meal for dinner. It helps create fond memories right from the start in the new environment.
## Setting the Tone with Music and Fun
Music is a wonderful mood enhancer. These ideas can help keep spirits high:
### Pack-a-palooza Playlist
Create a family playlist for packing sessions. Everyone contributes their favorite tunes to make this a shared musical experience that keeps energy levels up.
### Guess the Weight
Make packing fun by having kids guess the weight of packed boxes. It keeps them engaged and adds an element of play.
## Celebrating the Change and On Moving Day
Celebrate the transition as a family. While saying goodbye can be hard, welcoming the change with joy is vital:
### Pre-Move Goodbye Party
Celebrate the move with a fun gathering. Have cupcakes or a simple movie night. Embrace this chance to acknowledge what’s ahead as a family.
### Packing Command Center
Set up an area where kids can organize packing supplies. Give them the title of “Packing Commander in Chief.” Delegate meaningful tasks, making them feel important.
### Kid Zone on Moving Day
Designate a calming Kid Zone with comfy pillows, blankets, and favorite toys. This special spot can be a retreat when they need downtime amid the hustle and bustle.
## Conclusion
Moving doesn’t have to be only about packed boxes and scheduled checklists. By involving kids and making the journey enjoyable, it brings families closer and creates cherished memories. The activities mentioned are simple, yet powerful tools to transform a potentially stressful move into a joyful experience. Embrace the opportunity to teach your children resilience and adaptability while sharing laughter and creativity amidst change. With the right mindset and a splash of imagination, moving can be a wonderful adventure for everyone involved.