Moving with kids can be overwhelming — from keeping track of toys and clothes to maintaining a sense of routine amidst the chaos.
Using portable storage, however, can make the process much smoother, giving families the flexibility to pack and organize at their own pace.
Portable storage can provide convenient solutions that reduce stress and help you stay in control during the move.
Why Portable Storage Is a Game-Changer for Families
Moving with children requires extra planning and flexibility. Kids thrive on routine, and disruptions caused by packing and moving can lead to stress and frustration.
A portable storage unit gives you the option to pack gradually, while keeping essential items easily accessible.
This helps maintain a sense of normalcy for your kids, and reduces the pressure to pack everything at once.
Companies like PODS can help make the process even more convenient by delivering the container to your home, allowing you to load it at your convenience.
Once you’re ready, the container can be transported to your new home, or stored securely until you’re ready to unpack.
This flexibility is ideal for families dealing with staggered moving dates or temporary housing situations.
Wondering how to make your moving process as easy as possible? Use these tips to make the most of portable storage and ensure a smooth moving day.
1. Create a Kid-Friendly Packing Strategy
Packing with kids requires extra care and organization. Start by packing their non-essential items like out-of-season clothes, books, and toys.
Keep essentials like favorite stuffed animals, comfort blankets, and daily outfits easily accessible. A portable storage unit gives you the space to pack items gradually without cluttering your home.
Pro Tip: Create a “moving day kit” for each child with essentials like snacks, a change of clothes, and a few favorite toys. This will keep them comfortable and entertained during the transition.
2. Make Packing a Family Activity
Getting kids involved in the packing process helps them feel included and reduces anxiety about the move.
Allow them to label their boxes and pack their toys and clothes into the storage unit. This gives them a sense of control and makes the transition smoother.
You can even turn packing into a game by setting up a reward system for each box packed. This keeps kids engaged and makes the process more enjoyable for everyone.
3. Reduce Clutter and Keep the House Organized
During a move, clutter builds up quickly — especially with kids in the house.
Use your portable storage unit to to store packed boxes and furniture, keeping the house livable until moving day.
Having a dedicated place for storage means you won’t have to stack boxes in the living room or fill the garage with furniture.
This creates more space for kids to play, and reduces the risk of accidents caused by cluttered spaces.
4. Keep Essentials Within Easy Reach
With kids, it’s important to have quick access to essentials like snacks, diapers, and comfort items.
Keep a separate “essentials box” at the front of your portable storage unit, so you always know where to find the most important items.
This is especially useful if you have a gap between moving out of your old home and into the new one.
You’ll be able to quickly access everything you need without having to dig through multiple boxes.
5. Use It for Temporary Storage During the Transition
Sometimes moving schedules don’t align perfectly.
If you need to leave your current home before the new one is ready, use your portable storage unit to keep your belongings securely until you’re ready to move in.
You can keep the container at your home or in a secure facility. This prevents the need for last-minute storage solutions and helps you stay organized.
6. Store Toys and Play Equipment
Moving with kids often means dealing with an overwhelming amount of toys and play equipment.
Consider using your portable storage unit to store bulky items like bikes, playsets, and sports gear until you’ve settled into the new house.
Packing away some toys during the move can also help minimize distractions and create a calmer environment for your kids.
7. Protect Fragile Items and Memorabilia
Family heirlooms, baby clothes, and photo albums are priceless, but they’re also fragile.
Use bubble wrap and padded boxes to prevent damage, and store these items in a specific section of the unit that’s clearly labeled.
Keeping sentimental items safe during a move gives you peace of mind and helps preserve cherished family memories.
8. Keep Kids’ Rooms Packed Last and Unpacked First
To help kids adjust to their new environment, pack their rooms last and unpack them first.
This helps maintain a sense of familiarity and comfort during the transition.
With a portable storage unit, you can keep their room items separate from the rest of your moving boxes so that you can access them easily once you’ve arrived at your new home.
Setting up their room quickly will help them feel at home faster.
9. Make Unpacking More Manageable
Unpacking can be just as stressful as packing. Take advantage of your portable storage unit to unpack gradually and at your own pace.
Start with the absolute essentials, and then take your time organizing the rest of the house.
Keep the container for as long as you need so, so that you can focus on setting up one room at a time without feeling rushed.
10. Create a Moving Day Command Center
Set up a designated area in the storage unit for moving-day supplies, like tape, scissors, labels, and cleaning materials.
This will help you stay organized and prevent last-minute scrambling as you’re packing.
Having a well-organized storage unit means you’ll know exactly where to find everything when you need it. This reduces stress and makes moving day more efficient.
Moving with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. By using a portable storage unit, you can stay organized, protect your belongings, and create a smoother transition for your family.
From storing toys and furniture to safeguarding valuable items, a portable storage unit provides the flexibility and convenience that busy families need.
With the help of portable storage companies like PODS, you can make your next move more manageable — and less stressful — for everyone involved.