Keeping Kids Happy on Moving Day: Packing an Entertainment Bag for Child Distraction

 

Moving day chaos plus antsy kids can equal disaster. Avoid meltdowns by preparing an activity-packed bag to engage children during the stressful event.

This guide shares clever tips on packing a long-distance moving company Canada Day bag filled with fun to smoothly occupy kids of all ages. Keep your little ones smiling amid the relocation madness.

Include Cherished Comfort Items

Having a few favorite soothing belongings provides security when kids feel unsettled:

Pack your Favorite Stuffed Animal or Blanket

Letting a child bring their cherished "lovey" or security blanket gives them a sense of home.

Bring Special Family Photos

Looking at pictures of happy memories and familiar faces is reassuring.

Add a Change of Clothes

Kids feel more in control when dressed comfortably in their outfits. Include play clothes that can get dirty.

Don't Forget Security Items

For a toddler, remember to pack a special pacifier, sippy cup, or beloved toy. Older kids may want to bring a treasured keepsake. Packing these comforting basics makes an unfamiliar situation feel safer.

Pack Ample Healthy Snacks

Hunger can trigger instant mood swings in kids, so include plenty of filling bite-sized snacks:

Include Protein-Rich Foods

Trail mix, peanut butter crackers, granola bars, and jerky sticks keep energy even and stave off hunger.

Pack Hydrating Fruits and Vegetables

Cubes of melon, apple slices, baby carrots, and squeezed fruit pouches are healthy nibbles. Avoid messy drippy fruits in vehicles.

Add Fun Finger Foods

String cheese sticks, yogurt drops, and Mini Ritz crackers paired with cream cheese are perfect grab-and-go snacks.

Bring Non-Spill Drinks

Pack water bottles, juice boxes, and punch pouch drinks to stay hydrated. Avoid open cups that may tip over in transit. Prevent "hangry" tantrums by regularly fueling kids with nutritious easy snacks.

Include Age Appropriate Activities

Engagement activities should align with children's ages and development levels to ensure full immersion. Cater options by age range:

Toddlers

Board books, soft blocks, snap beads, light-up toys, and interactive musical books capture their short attention spans.

Young Kids

Coloring books, storybooks, sticker pads, lacing cards, magnetic travel games, building bricks, and playing action figures spark the imagination.

Older Kids

Travel card games, handheld electronics, chapter books, journals, and dry-erase boards engage older kids for longer periods. Mix and match multiple activities to maintain interest. New toys add novelty and excitement.

Use Electronics Judiciously

Used purposefully, electronics can provide needed mental breaks from reality:

Portable DVD Players

Bring favorite movies or kid-appropriate shows for visual distraction.

Tablets Preloaded with Apps, Videos

Great for interactive gaming play if WiFi will be spotty. Download content ahead.

Don't Forget Headphones!

A must to create a contained entertainment world without disrupting movers. Set limits on screen time and balance with other tactile activities. Surprise kids by downloading new movies or apps beforehand.

Include Classic Road Trip Games

Take kids back in time with simple, versatile car games:

I Spy

The classic road trip distraction. Look for items by color or alphabet. Easy and flexible.

License Plate Game

See who can spot license plates from different states first. Fun for all ages.

Car Bingo

Make custom bingo cards with things you'll see like red cars, barns, and cows. Check them off as you travel.

Storytelling Games

Take turns adding to an evolving, silly story. sparks giggles and engagement.Simple games with adjustable rules maximize laughs and interaction. Check which activities most excite each child when packing their custom moving day bag. 

Include a variety to fill the hours and keep spirits bright. Assemble gear the night before for easy grab-and-go. Well-stocked distraction bags transform frustrating moving waits into fun family bonding time.