Moving is stressful enough but when you throw kids in the mix it can become even more challenging. Not all kids get excited about the idea of moving and might even feel angry or scared about moving to a new home. In addition, moving requires a lot of work and it can be difficult for parents to get things done with young children in the house. Luckily, there are things you can do to actually make the packing process easier and more fun for both kids and parents. Check out these clever ideas for turning the pain of packing into a fun and exciting activity for your kids!

1. Let Them Sort

The first step in packing your home for a move is getting rid of unwanted or unused items. Although it might be faster, resist the urge to go through your child’s room and get rid of items on your own. Instead, involve your children in the process and let them have the freedom to choose what they want to keep and what they want to donate. This is a great way to teach your kids about sharing with others and it will also free up your time to be working on something else. Your children will love feeling like they are responsible enough to handle this task on their own.

2.Decorate the Boxes

Before you begin packing, let each child decorate their own cardboard boxes with markers and stickers. This is a great way to get them excited about packing and it is also an easy way for each child to locate and find their own boxes when they arrive at the new house.

3.Imaginative Cardboard Play

Packing doesn’t have to be all work and no play. Set aside a few extra boxes and take breaks every now and then to let your children play in them. You will be amazed at how much fun your child can have with a few cardboard boxes.

4.Hide Little Surprises

Make packing more fun by hiding little surprises throughout your child’s room such as stickers or candy. As your child packs, they can try to locate the hidden surprises throughout their room. This will really motivate your little ones to keep on packing!

5.Post Task Cards Throughout the House

This is a fun way to involve older children in the packing process.  Post “task cards” throughout the house assigning certain items for the child to pack. Each time they complete a task, they get a point. These points can be redeemed for prizes such as candy, ice cream, or any other prizes you would like to add.

6.Scavenger Hunt

What could be more fun than an old fashioned scavenger hunt to make packing more fun? Hide clues around the house or in one room at a time and have your child solve the clues to find out which items to pack. Each time they pack an item it will lead them to another clue. Before you know it, they will have a whole room packed!!

7.Prepare Their Own Essentials Box

Kids love when you give them the chance to be responsible and do things on their own. Talk to your kids about the importance of an essentials box and what kinds of things they might need. Then, allow them to pack their own essentials box with everything they will need and want those first few days in the new home.

8.Sing and Dance

Everything is more fun with a little music...even packing! Crank up the music and turn packing into a singing and dancing party! You and your kids will be making great memories all while packing up your belongings.

9.Have a Packing Party

You will immediately have your kids’ attention at the word “party.” Let them invite a friend over and host a packing party. A few balloons and a cake can turn ordinary packing into a super fun event that everyone will be looking forward to.