Moving To Ottawa With Kids In Tow – A Must-Have Checklist

There are just over 1 million people in Ottawa as of 2021, which is a modest increase from the 2016 headcount of just over 900,000. There are a lot of reasons that people are moving to this Ontario city in Canada, and the weather is only one of those reasons. Being the second largest country in the world, it makes sense that relocating within the country can present some unique challenges. Aside from getting a deal on a moving truck rental in Ottawa, there are more things to consider. We have some tips that will help make your Ottawa relocation project simpler and more efficient.

Anticipate child-related delays

Moving is difficult at the best of times but when children and pets are part of the equation, relocation can become even more complicated. Not only are children more attached to their old houses, but they are also more hesitant to leave behind their friends. Pair this difficulty with a change to spending hours on the road in a moving truck rental in Ottawa, and you have a recipe for a difficult trip on your hands. Thankfully, there are some ways to manage stress in kids while moving from your old home to your new location in Ottawa. With our handy checklist, not only will you stay on track, you can make relocating to Ottawa, Canada, entertaining for the youngest members of your family.

Pre-Ottawa move checklist

Before you actually get on the road, and even before reserving a box moving truck rental in Ottawa for your moving day, it is a good idea to have a conversation. Talking with your kids about the idea of moving to a new place will help them mentally prepare for a big change. Framing the move to Ottawa as a big adventure will help you build trust and make your eventual move more efficient. Be open about the reasons for the move, let them be a part of the process, and actively seek their feedback about how they feel about the impending changes.

Preparing your kid's rooms for relocation

Renting a truck is only one step in the relocation process, actually getting packed and ready to go is the most difficult part. With children, it can be hard to prepare too far in advance if it means packing away their rooms and their favorite belongings. One way to take the sting of moving to Ottawa is by including them in the process. Have them sort their things into different boxes as well as sort through items they may want to declutter. If they are bigger kids, you can even have them help you find a moving truck rental in Ottawa that can fit all your stuff.

Make the process fun

Kids are resilient, and they like to have fun. If you can make moving a game, chances are packing up and getting on the road will have fewer hassles. Converse with them about how they want to design their new space or even talk to them about their new school. If you are going to downsize, involve them in running a yard sale and even let them, keep the proceeds from the items that they choose to get rid of. You can even make packing a reverse treasure hunt by hiding things in boxes that will need to be found at the other end of your journey. Just make sure that you place everything in labeled areas when packing your cargo van rental or moving truck rental in Ottawa.

Hire help for smaller children

Bigger kids can actively help out when you move, but smaller kids may need more attention than you can provide during moving day. Consider hiring a babysitter to keep your little ones entertained while you handle the heavy lifting. Another option is asking a friend or family member to watch the kids on your actual Ottawa moving day. Always make sure to pack essentials in the moving truck cab or in a separate box that will be unloaded first. Items such as blankets, sleeping clothes, favorite toys, carriers, and other essentials should always be nearby at hand on both ends of the move. With a little bit of advanced planning and a lot of creativity, moving to or within Ottawa with children can be a breeze.