Child-proof your home move!
With second steppers on the rise, it’s feasible you could be attempting a move or the packing/unpacking with small children. Here’s how to keep them safe throughout the process…
Many recommend that you arrange childcare during your home move, but this isn’t always feasible. You could live far from relatives, have a child who wants to be involved, or have had your moving days extend out further than you thought. Even if you have someone to watch them on the day, there’ll be plenty of ‘unpacking’ days ahead, and if you find yourself with little ones while moving home, don’t fret!
It’s commonly known that the most frequently occurring accidents happen inside the home, and the last thing you want is for them to happen part-way through your move. While you’re busy labelling boxes and meeting the new neighbours, make sure to think about everything your little one could get up to. With a little extra care and attention, your move can be safe and accident-free.
Install safety gates
If you have a child under two, it is recommended that you install safety gates on the stairs as soon as you can, even before the child enters the house. This sounds drastic, but they will be very excited and keen to explore and you may be busy with the move and easily distracted from supervising them as closely as you would normally.
Keep windows and doors secure
While moving, doors and windows are often open as people come in and out the house with boxes. Make sure that windows and doors are secure while you're busy sorting out the new house and ensure your child can't run or climb out while you're pre-occupied with unboxing.
Keep furniture at a safe distance
We all know toddlers love to climb, so when it comes to moving day, although you may not have decided where you want your furniture to be positioned, we recommend that you keep it away from windows until you are sure. Once you do settle on a final position, it is advisable to secure furniture in place, particularly if it's a heavy cabinet or table.
Explore the garden
Gardens are a great place for children to play, but it's a good idea to have a walk around your new garden to check whether your children might be able to find their way into neighbouring gardens or out onto the street and secure the area if necessary. As babies and young children can drown in as little as 5cm of water, if your garden has a pond or water butt, it is recommended that you install appropriate safety measures as soon as possible.
Get used to your surroundings
If you've moved to a new area or even just a new street, it is likely that the roads, as well as the volume and speed of traffic, will be unfamiliar. We recommend you practice the new school run if you can – even with older children. To help children get used to a new area, research it with them so they can get excited about the new opportunities.
If you are looking for your dream property or have any questions about getting started with your home move, get in touch today and we will be more than happy to help.