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How to Move with Kids (and Pets!) Before Christmas:Your Ultimate Guide

Moving house can be stressful, but when you throw kids and pets into the mix—especially

during the busy Christmas season—it can feel overwhelming. The excitement of a new home

can quickly turn into chaos as you juggle packing, decorating, and preparing for the holidays. If

you’re planning a move in North Wales and want to make sure it’s as smooth as possible for

your little ones (and furry friends), Knightmovers is here to help you navigate the process.

In this blog, we’ll share expert tips on how to manage a move with kids and pets before

Christmas, ensuring that your holiday season is joyful and stress-free, no matter how hectic the

move gets.


Child and dog at Christmas

1. Prepare Kids (and Pets!) for the Big Move

Moving can be unsettling for children and pets, especially when it's happening right before

Christmas. The key to a smooth transition is preparation—and the earlier you start, the better.

Here’s how to help everyone adjust:


For Kids:

● Talk About the Move Early: If possible, give your kids time to process the idea of

moving. Share the exciting aspects of the new home—like new rooms to decorate or

new parks to explore. The more positive you are, the more excited they’ll be.

● Involve Them in the Process: Let your kids help with the packing, especially with their

own toys and belongings. This gives them a sense of control and ownership over the

move.

● Create a Moving Countdown: Similar to an advent calendar, create a countdown to the

move. This can make the process feel like a fun adventure rather than a stressful

disruption.

For Pets:

● Keep Their Routine: Pets thrive on routine, so try to keep meal times, walks, and

playtime as consistent as possible during the lead-up to the move.

● Introduce Them to the New Home: If your pet is nervous, a trial visit to the new house

before the move can help them adjust. This might not always be possible, but even a few

trips around the new neighborhood can help them get used to their new environment.

● Visit the Vet: If your pet has special needs or is anxious, consider scheduling a visit to

the vet before the move for any advice or calming treatments.


2. Pack Strategically (and Stress-Free!)

Packing is often the most overwhelming part of moving, especially with kids and pets underfoot.

Here's how to make packing smoother:


For Kids:

● Pack a Kid's Essentials Bag: Just like you pack a survival kit for yourself, make sure

you have a bag of essentials for your children, including snacks, toys, games, and any

comfort items (like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal). This will help them feel secure,

especially on moving day when everything is in transition.

● Sort Out Holiday Decorations Early: If you’re planning to decorate for Christmas, get

your decorations packed and ready well in advance. That way, you can quickly set up a

festive atmosphere in your new home once the move is over, without feeling

overwhelmed.

For Pets:

● Pack a Pet Care Kit: Include food, bowls, leash, medications, and any comfort items

(like a favorite blanket or toy). It’s also a good idea to bring along a crate or pet carrier if

you’ll be traveling a long distance to your new home.

● Pet-Safe Packing: If your pets are curious and tend to get into things, make sure to

pack your valuables and breakables in a way that keeps your pet safe. Consider packing

your pet’s items last, so they’re not stressed by the chaos of your move.


3. Plan for Moving Day with Kids and Pets

Moving day itself can be chaotic, especially with kids and pets involved. Here’s how to keep

things calm and under control:


For Kids:

● Create a "Safe Zone": On moving day, designate a room or space in your current home

where your kids can safely play away from the hustle and bustle of the move. Bring their

essentials bag, toys, and some snacks to keep them entertained. If possible, ask a

family member or friend to look after them during the move.

● Keep It Fun: Turn moving day into an adventure for your kids. You can make a game out

of packing or creating a "new home" scavenger hunt once you arrive at your new place.

For Pets:

● Safe Transport: If you're moving a long distance, plan your pet's transport in advance.

Keep them in their crate or carrier during the journey, with breaks for water, food, and

potty breaks. Make sure their travel area is safe and secure, so they’re not stressed

during the move.

● Keep Them Calm: Moving day can be stressful for pets due to all the unfamiliar sounds

and activity. If possible, consider hiring a pet sitter or leaving them with a trusted friend

while the movers handle the bulk of the work. This allows you to focus on settling in

without worrying about your pet’s comfort.


4. Settle In Quickly and Make Christmas Special

Once you’ve made the move, it’s time to get settled into your new home and start the holiday

season on the right foot. Here’s how:


For Kids:

● Unpack Their Rooms First: Unpacking your kids’ rooms early will give them a sense of

normalcy in the new space. Let them help decorate their room with Christmas lights or

put up their holiday artwork.

● Keep Traditions Alive: Even if you’re in a new home, maintain your favorite holiday

traditions. Whether it's decorating the tree, baking cookies, or watching Christmas

movies, keep those traditions alive to create a sense of comfort and excitement.

For Pets:

● Create a Pet-Friendly Space: Set up a familiar space for your pets right away. Whether

it’s their bed, toys, or a spot by the window, this helps them adjust to their new

surroundings.

● Introduce New Sights and Smells Gradually: Pets may need time to adjust to new

sounds and smells in their new home. Take it slow and offer them plenty of attention,

treats, and reassurance during the transition.


5. Leave the Heavy Lifting to Knightmovers in North Wales

If you're feeling overwhelmed, remember that Knightmovers is here to make your move as

smooth as possible. We understand how tricky moving with kids and pets can be, and we’re

here to handle the logistics so you can focus on the fun parts. From packing and lifting to

transportation and unloading, we’ll ensure that your move is completed efficiently and with care.

Our team of expert movers in North Wales has experience in handling moves of all sizes and

complexities. Whether you're moving to Anglesey, Llandudno, Bangor, or elsewhere in North

Wales, we can help you with all aspects of the moving process, allowing you to relax and focus

on enjoying the holiday season.


Get in Touch with Knightmovers Today

If you’re planning a move in North Wales before Christmas, make sure you have the right team

to help you along the way. Knightmovers offers comprehensive removal services tailored to

your needs, including packing, transporting, and unpacking. Contact us today to find out how we

can help make your move as stress-free as possible—so you can enjoy a joyful Christmas in

your new home.




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