Consider these simple reminders to make your move with a child as painless as possible:

Declutter & Donate
Moving is a great opportunity to donate and declutter. Have your little ones sort the toys they love from the toys they can live without. This not only gives you an opportunity to teach them about philanthropy, but it also ensures their favorite toys aren't forgotten or left behind.

Busy Bodies
Moving can take anywhere from several hours to all day, which requires patience, even for us adults. Stick their favorite toy in their backpack, or bring along a ball, bubbles, or other outdoor toy, so they can play safely out of the way of heavy lifting. Or if you have a little helper who prefers to participate, assign them simple cleanup tasks in the rooms where all the large items have already been removed.

Potty Dance
Nothing slows down any errand or activity like the dreaded toddler potty break. We're always on the highway or in the middle of a crowded airport terminal when the emergency pee-pee dance suddenly hits them... Consider planning restroom breaks just before getting on the road. For longer trips, be sure to take little one to the restroom during your gas station pit stops, especially if they say they don't have to go.

Save A Seat
It may sound silly, but parents are often so anxious to complete their move, they pile the car high with small boxes, and unpacked nicknacks... then when it's time to shuttle over to their new home, they realize the car seat is buried deep, and there's no space for the kids!

Are We There Yet?
Consider packing some books, sight words, a tablet, etc. in little one's bag. Anything that could keep them busy while you're following your navigation and focusing on the road.

Snack Attack
Don't pack the entire kitchen... Be sure to put a few non-perishable snacks in your little one's backpack to hold them over between meal times. And don't forget the water! It's hot out there this summer! Which brings us to our final tip...

Chill Out
With Atlanta summer days in the mid 90s like we have this year, the interior of your car can rise to 115° in just 10 minutes, and 130° in just 30 minutes! Be sure to check and pre-cool your vehicle, as well as your new home BEFORE allowing the little ones to enter. That way, you can be certain that they are safe and comfortable for your children in this intense Georgia heat.