Moving with Kids!
Moving with Kids: A Homeowner’s Guide to an Organized and Systematic Move
Moving to a new home is an exciting milestone, but when kids are involved, it can quickly become overwhelming. The key to a smooth transition is preparation, organization, and maintaining a sense of normalcy for your little ones. Here’s how you can plan an efficient and stress-free move while keeping your family’s needs in mind.
1. Start Early and Plan Ahead
The earlier you start planning, the smoother your move will be. Create a moving checklist that outlines key tasks such as decluttering, packing, scheduling movers, and updating your address. If your children are old enough, involve them in the planning process to make them feel included and prepared for the change.
2. Declutter and Organize
Moving is the perfect opportunity to purge items you no longer need. Go room by room and sort belongings into categories: keep, donate, and discard. Involve your kids by letting them choose which toys, clothes, and books they want to bring to their new home. This can make the transition easier for them.
3. Pack Strategically
Label Everything – Use color-coded labels for each room to make unpacking easier.
Pack Essentials Separately – Prepare a box with everyday necessities such as toiletries, snacks, favorite toys, medications, and pajamas for each child.
Use Clear Bins for Kids' Items – Store their most-used items in clear bins for easy access during and after the move.
4. Hire Professional Movers or Arrange Childcare
On moving day, having professionals handle the heavy lifting can make a world of difference. If that’s not an option, arrange for a family member or babysitter to watch the kids while you focus on logistics.
5. Prepare Kids Emotionally
Moving can be an emotional experience for children. Help them cope by:
Reading books about moving to familiarize them with the process.
Visiting the new home or neighborhood before the move.
Talking about the exciting aspects of the new house (e.g., a bigger backyard or a nearby park).
Keeping their routines as consistent as possible.
6. Unpack Their Room First
Once you arrive, prioritize setting up your children’s rooms. Familiar surroundings can help them feel more at ease in the new environment. Let them arrange their space to give them a sense of control.
7. Explore Your New Neighborhood
Take walks around your new area, visit local parks, and find family-friendly activities to help your children feel comfortable in their new home. Meeting neighbors and making new friends can also make the transition easier.
8. Stay Patient and Flexible
No matter how much you plan, unexpected challenges may arise. Stay patient, remain flexible, and approach the move with a positive attitude. Your kids will take cues from you, so keeping a calm and optimistic demeanor will help them adjust better.
Final Thoughts
Moving with kids doesn’t have to be chaotic. By starting early, staying organized, and focusing on your family’s emotional well-being, you can create a smooth and enjoyable moving experience. With careful planning and a little creativity, your new house will feel like home in no time!
Book a Twin Cities FAVORITE for Valentines Day!
Travail Kitchen and Amusements:
Cuisine: Chef choice
Location: 4134 Hubbard Ave N, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Young Joni:
Cuisine: Wood-fired pizza, inventive small plates.
Location: 165 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Spoon and Stable:
Cuisine: Modern American.
Location: 211 N 1st St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Manny's Steakhouse:
Cuisine: Steakhouse, American.
Location: 825 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Pizzeria Lola:
Cuisine: Pizza, with a variety of creative toppings.
Location: 5557 Xerxes Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Revival:
Cuisine: Southern, Comfort Food.
Location: 4257 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Borough:
Cuisine: New American.
Location: 730 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Tilia:
Cuisine: American, with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients.
Location: 2726 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Alma:
Cuisine: Contemporary American, Scandinavian influences.
Location: 528 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Grand Café:
Cuisine: French-inspired, Modern American.
Location: 3804 Grand Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Creative Ideas for Utilizing an Extra Room + Maximizing Your Space
Unlocking Potential: Creative Ideas for Utilizing an Extra Room and Maximizing Your Space
Have you ever found yourself staring at an extra room in your home, wondering how to make the most of that untapped space? Whether it's a spare bedroom, a small nook, or a bonus room, there are endless possibilities to transform it into a functional and stylish area. In this blog, we'll explore creative ideas to help you unlock the potential of that extra room and maximize every square foot of your living space.
Home Office Haven:
With the rise of remote work, transforming your spare room into a home office is a practical and popular choice. Invest in a comfortable desk, ergonomic chair, and ample storage to create a productive and organized workspace. Consider adding personal touches such as inspirational artwork or plants to enhance the atmosphere.
Fitness Retreat:
Turn that extra room into a fitness haven to promote a healthy lifestyle. Install mirrors to create the illusion of space, invest in compact exercise equipment, and lay down some gym flooring. This dedicated fitness space will make it easier to stick to your exercise routine without leaving the comfort of your home.
Crafting Corner:
If you're a DIY enthusiast or enjoy various crafts, transform the room into a crafting haven. Install shelves for organizing supplies, set up a spacious work table, and ensure good lighting. This room can become your creative escape, whether you enjoy sewing, painting, or other artistic pursuits.
Library Lounge:
For bookworms and literature lovers, consider turning the extra room into a cozy reading nook or a home library. Install built-in bookshelves, add comfortable seating, and include soft lighting for a warm and inviting atmosphere. This is the perfect retreat for those seeking solace in the pages of a good book.
Guest Bedroom Glam:
If you frequently host guests, transform the extra room into a stylish guest bedroom. Opt for a versatile and comfortable sofa bed or a murphy bed to save space. Use neutral colors and tasteful decor to create a welcoming ambiance for your visitors.
Mini Home Theater:
Create a cinematic experience by transforming the room into a mini home theater. Invest in a quality sound system, a large-screen TV or projector, and comfortable seating. Decorate with movie posters and dimmable lights to set the mood for a perfect movie night in the comfort of your own home.
Art Studio Sanctuary:
For those with a passion for art, transform the room into an art studio. Set up easels, organize art supplies, and let your creativity flow in a dedicated space. The freedom to create without worrying about making a mess in the main living areas can be incredibly liberating.
Maximizing the potential of an extra room in your home is all about envisioning the possibilities and tailoring the space to fit your lifestyle. Whether it's a functional home office, a fitness retreat, or a cozy reading nook, the key is to create a space that adds value to your daily life. Get creative, personalize the space, and turn that extra room into an integral part of your home that reflects your personality and meets your needs.
it’s more than cookies…
As the holiday season approaches, the air becomes infused with the warm and comforting scent of freshly baked Christmas cookies. For many, this time of year is a celebration of cherished traditions and the joy of spending time with loved ones. One memory that holds a special place in my heart is the annual ritual of baking Christmas cookies in the kitchen with a late relative. The laughter, the aroma of sweet treats, and the shared moments of creativity have become a timeless source of comfort and nostalgia.
The Kitchen as a Haven:
The heart of our holiday festivities was undoubtedly the kitchen. It wasn't just a room; it was a haven of warmth and togetherness. As the snow fell outside, the kitchen became a place where memories were not only made but also preserved in the delightful aroma of baking cookies.
Choosing the Perfect Recipe:
Each year, we would carefully select the perfect Christmas cookie recipe, one that embodied the spirit of the season. Whether it was classic sugar cookies, gingerbread men, or intricately decorated snowflakes, the process of choosing the recipe was an adventure in itself. As we flipped through cherished cookbooks and handwritten recipe cards, we shared stories and anecdotes, adding a sprinkle of nostalgia to the mix.
Ingredients of Love:
Baking Christmas cookies was more than just following a set of instructions; it was an art form passed down through generations. The kitchen transformed into a canvas, and the ingredients became the colors of our shared masterpiece. Flour covered the countertops, sugar sparkled like fresh snow, and the scent of vanilla extract wafted through the air.
Laughter and Traditions:
The magic truly unfolded as we began mixing, rolling, and cutting out festive shapes. Laughter echoed through the kitchen as we playfully argued about the perfect thickness of the dough or who could create the most intricate designs. These moments of shared joy created a tapestry of traditions that still warm my heart during the holiday season.
The Decorating Ritual:
Once the cookies emerged from the oven, the real fun began—decorating! Bowls of colorful icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter adorned the kitchen table. With each cookie, we poured a little bit of our creativity and a whole lot of love. The kitchen became a festive workshop where memories were shaped with every stroke of the icing bag.
A Bittersweet Legacy:
While the joy of baking Christmas cookies remains, the absence of my late relative is felt keenly during these moments. However, I've come to realize that our time spent together in the kitchen has left behind a bittersweet but enduring legacy. The recipes, the laughter, and the shared traditions have become a poignant reminder of the enduring bonds that transcend time and space.
Baking Christmas cookies is not just a culinary endeavor; it is a journey into the heart of cherished memories. As the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, I am transported back to those kitchen moments, surrounded by love, laughter, and the enduring spirit of the holiday season. Though my loved one may be physically absent, the kitchen remains a sacred space where their presence is felt in every sprinkle, every decoration, and every sweet bite. This holiday season, I invite you to create your own memories, savoring the magic of baking and the timeless joy of togetherness.