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Organizing Your New Home with Kids: Tips for Establishing Daily Routines after Moving

Kids are the biggest blessing, but kids and organization don’t really go hand in hand. Add that to a cross-province relocation from Ottawa to Toronto, and chaos is guaranteed. But luckily, with a little planning, you can organize the whole process. During this transition, one crucial aspect to focus on is organizing your new home with kids. Doing so can greatly enhance your moving experience, as seen from various examples on informative websites about parenting and everything family-related. 

Pre-Move Preparation

As you prepare to move to Toronto, engage your kids in the process. It can be a simple yet effective way to make them feel included and excited about the new home. Start by letting them help pack their books and toys, which makes them part of the process and teaches them organizational skills early on. Explain why and how things are packed and labeled, and let them choose what to take with them. That will keep them occupied and the family structure strong during this time of change. 

Picture of a mother packing with her kidsPin
The key is to make your kids feel included.

Hire Help

Hiring professional movers when moving with children can significantly ease the stress of relocating and organizing a new home. By handling the logistics of the move, movers give you the freedom to focus on your children’s needs during this transition. Specifically, you can dedicate time to helping your kids adjust, ensuring they feel secure and excited about their new environment.

Talk To Your Kids

Talking to your kids about the move is essential for easing their transition. Explain that while the setting might change, the routines they rely on will remain the same, providing a comforting sense of continuity. It’s also an opportunity to build excitement about new additions to their daily life. For instance, explore the possibility of new sports teams or art classes they could join, which can be integrated into their routines. Use this time to listen to their hopes and concerns, ensuring they feel heard and supported. Effective communication helps turn the move into a positive adventure filled with opportunities.

Set Up the Kids’ Spaces

Once in your new home, prioritize setting up the kids’ rooms. This immediate sense of belonging can significantly reduce any stress or anxiety they might feel. Create functional and inviting spaces using bright colors and accessible storage solutions, encouraging them to tidy their areas. For example, low shelves for books and toys make it easy for them to reach and return items themselves. It’s also a good idea to have a dedicated study area in their room, which can help them get into a productive routine immediately.

Establish Daily Routines

Establishing daily routines is vital in any household, especially when kids are involved. Start with a consistent morning routine, including making their bed, brushing their teeth, and getting ready for school. These activities help instill a sense of responsibility and regularity. After school, establish a routine that might include time for homework, chores, and leisure, like reading or playing. Finally, a bedtime routine involving winding down activities, such as reading together or discussing their day, can provide comfort and stability. In this context, you must be a parent and best friend, balancing discipline with emotional support and making sure your kids know they can rely on you through all these new changes.

Picture of a kid brushing their teethPin
Routines are key to organizing your new home with kids

Use Organizational Systems for the Whole Family

When organizing your new home with kids, a crucial strategy is implementing organizational systems involving the entire family. Start with a central family calendar. It can be a digital app or a physical board in a common area where everyone’s schedules, important dates, and reminders are visible. Such visibility helps keep everyone informed and prevents scheduling conflicts.

Furthermore, consider setting up chore charts. Assigning responsibilities helps keep your kids busy, teaching them the value of teamwork and accountability. Likewise, it allows them to earn rewards, motivating continued participation and effort.

Involve Kids in Home Organization

Another key aspect of organizing involves making the organization a shared responsibility. Here’s how you can involve your children:

  • Assign specific areas for them to manage, like bookshelves or toy bins.
  • Turn cleanup time into a game where they earn points for tasks completed.

Such activities help maintain order and empower your children, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their living spaces. In this way, even organizing tasks can become magical moments that strengthen bonds and create joyous memories.

Maintain the New Routines

Once routines and systems are in place, the challenge shifts to maintaining them. Consistency is key. Regular family meetings can help address any issues and adjust routines as needed. Remember, flexibility is important as your family grows and changes. What works one month might need tweaking the next.

Explore the New Area

After moving to Toronto, exploring the city can be a fantastic way for your family to connect with their new environment. Take your kids to the Ontario Science Centre, where interactive exhibits spark curiosity and learning. Another great spot is the Toronto Zoo, one of the largest in Canada, offering a chance to see a wide variety of animals up close. For a day of fun and physical activity, visit Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada or head to Centreville Amusement Park on Toronto Islands, which provides rides and attractions for young children, making it an exciting way to create new family memories.

Picture of the Toronto skylinePin
Toronto has a lot of activities to offer for kids of all ages

Final Thoughts on Organizing Your New Home With Kids

By taking these steps in organizing your new home with kids, you’re not just arranging your physical space—you’re building a foundation for smooth daily operations and family harmony. While the task might seem scary initially, the payoff in a well-organized home where every family member thrives is invaluable. Stick with it, adapt as necessary, and enjoy your new home together.

Lyne Proulx
Lyne Proulxhttps://ottawamommyclub.ca/
Lyne Proulx is a Certified WEBB Bodywork Pet Practitioner, Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI), Certified Professional Wedding Consultant, and an Event Planner. She loves all things Disney and is an avid teaholic and chocoholic. She coordinated the Annual Infant Information Day/Early Years Expo for the City of Ottawa for 8 years. She was the Queen B of the BConnected Conference, Canada's Digital Influencer and social media Conference in Ottawa and Toronto. She was also the co-chair of the Navan for Kraft Hockeyville 2009-2011 committee that organized five community events within 6 months, and helped Navan reach the top 10 finalists in Canada. In April 2011, she received the City of Ottawa Mayor's City Builder Award.

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