Organizing a Move With Kids: Tips and Tricks to Get You Through

Erin Stuckey • March 1, 2025

Moving into a new home can be an exciting new adventure, but when kids are part of the equation, it may feel overwhelming. From managing packing lists to keeping little ones entertained and happy, there are many moving parts to juggle during this busy time.

The key to any smooth move is staying organized and creating a positive atmosphere for the whole family. With some proper preparation and smart strategy, it’s possible to reduce the stress of an already exciting move. Whether you’re preparing for a local move or heading across provinces, these helpful tips from the moving experts at Apple Self Storage will help you whether you’re moving to a different city or province.

Preparing for a Move With Kids

The first step to a successful experience moving with kids is preparation. Start the process of preparing for a move by creating a budget and timeline for your move. This will help you stay on track and avoid any last-minute surprises. You can involve your kids in the planning process by explaining what will happen and when. Visual calendars, including pictures of your new house, can be a fun way to help younger children understand the moving schedule.

If you’re moving to a different city or province, research your new neighbourhood together. Look for pictures of nearby parks, playgrounds, and schools to build excitement about the move. The more involved they feel, the easier and more natural the transition will be for them.

Tips for Packing for a Move

Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of any move , especially when you’ve got piles of toys, blankets, and other childhood belongings to deal with. Start by gathering packing supplies like boxes, tape, Bubble Wrap, and labels. Then, create a checklist of what needs to be packed room by room and tackle one at a time.

As you go, label each box clearly with its contents so you can retrieve it from storage easily. For kids, let them help pack their own belongings. Giving them a small box to fill with their favourite toys can help them feel in control and allows for easy access if they need to play with one. Don’t forget to pack a special moving day go-bag with essentials like snacks, toys, and extra clothes to keep your little ones happy during the journey.

Keeping Kids Happy While Moving

Keeping kids safe and entertained during a move can make all the difference in a successful experience. Plan ahead by downloading their favourite shows, packing activity books, or setting aside a few new toys as a surprise for moving day. If possible, you can even arrange for family or friends to watch the kids while you work on hauling things in and out.

Teenagers and adult children can help with tasks like packing their own rooms or cleaning out drawers. This helps them feel included and gives them a sense of responsibility. Celebrate any contributions your kids make with small rewards like choosing what’s for dinner or picking the music for the car ride.

Relocation Tips

While moving out of your home is enough to make some kids emotional, relocating to a new city or province adds another dimension to their potential stress. To keep them level, try to maintain a positive attitude throughout the process. Highlight the exciting parts of the move, like planning the layout of their new room or exploring the neighbourhood. If they’re sad about moving away from their friends, try to get a phone number or email address from the parents so they can stay in touch.

Advice for Moving to a Different City

When moving to a new city, spend some time exploring the area before you relocate to get your kids excited about their new life. Find local parks, libraries, and family-friendly activities your kids will be excited to check out. Joining online community groups can also help you meet other families in the area before you arrive.

Advice for Moving to a Different Province

More planning is involved when moving to a different province, from updating IDs and health cards to registering for new schools. Start gathering documents well in advance and create a folder with all your important paperwork. Talk to your kids about any differences in weather or local customs they might experience to get them excited about their new surroundings.

Unpacking Your New Home

Once you’ve arrived at your new home, prioritize unpacking the kids’ rooms first to satisfy their excitement. This will help them feel settled and create a familiar space in the middle of the chaos. Let them participate in setting up their own rooms, whether it’s choosing where to put their toys or helping to arrange their furniture.

Maintaining a sense of routine is key during this transition. Stick to familiar bedtimes, meals, and playtimes to create a sense of normalcy. Unpack essential rooms like the kitchen and bathroom next, and tackle the rest of the house gradually to avoid overwhelming your kids.

Renting Storage for Your Move

Renting a self storage unit can be a game-changer when moving with kids. A storage unit provides a secure place to keep nonessential items out of the way, helping to create a clutter-free environment in both your old and new homes. Store seasonal items, extra furniture, and boxes of belongings you don’t need immediately so you can focus on the essentials.

Manage Your Move With Apple Self Storage

Moving with kids is easier when your home is clutter-free. Apple Self Storage offers many sizes of secure storage units to help you stay organized during the transition. Whether you need temporary storage for boxes of clothes or a long-term unit for things you’re not planning to move in right away, we’re here to make your move as smooth as possible.

Get started today! Find an Apple Self Storage facility near you and handle your move with precision. You can also explore our list of frequently asked questions and blog to learn more.

By Erik Sherman July 21, 2026
We’re making storage a unique, friendly and easy experience at Apple Self Storage on Highway 27 in Woodbridge . This facility is designed with one goal in mind: to be genuinely pleasant for the people who use it. You'll find it at 7845 Highway 27, in a spot that's simple to reach whether you're coming from Vaughan, Kleinburg, or anywhere across the Woodbridge area. With Highway 27 right there, swinging by to drop something off or grab what you need fits neatly into your day instead of eating up your afternoon. Climate Controlled Storage, Top to Bottom This facility offers a huge range of climate controlled units, which means your belongings stay in a steady, comfortable environment no matter what the weather is doing outside. That matters more than people realize. Ontario weather runs the full gauntlet, from humid summers to frigid winters, and that constant back and forth is rough on a lot of the things we store. Wood furniture, electronics, photos, paperwork, instruments, and seasonal clothing all hold up far better when they're kept in a stable space. You can store the things you actually care about and trust they'll be in great shape whenever you come back for them. A Size for Every Need One of the best parts about a facility this size is the sheer range of unit options. Spaces start small, around a tidy 5x5 that's perfect for a few boxes, seasonal gear, or the clutter that's been crowding a closet at home. From there they climb steadily upward through dozens of sizes, all the way to large units like a roomy 30x15 that can handle the contents of an entire house. That range means just about anyone can find the right fit. A growing family clearing out the basement, a homeowner mid-renovation, a small business storing inventory or records, someone downsizing, or a household between moves all have a spot that works. And because there are so many sizes in between, you're not stuck paying for room you don't need or squeezing into something too tight. You get the space that actually matches your situation. One feature that sets our facility apart: a dedicated loading bay. Instead of wrestling boxes across a parking lot in the rain or balancing furniture on a curb, you can pull in, unload in a sheltered, purpose-built space, and move your things inside comfortably. And if you realize halfway through that you're short on boxes, tape, or wrapping, you don't have to run across town. Moving supplies are available right on site, so you can grab what you need and keep the momentum going. Little conveniences like that are what make a modern facility feel like it's genuinely on your side. Security That's Personal Peace of mind is a big part of why people choose storage in the first place, and this facility takes it seriously. Every tenant gets a unique pin code for access, so entry is controlled and tied to you specifically. That personal layer of access control means you can leave your belongings here and get on with your life, confident that the only people coming and going are the ones who are supposed to. Access That Works Around Your Schedule Access hours run daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, which gives you a wide, flexible window to come and go. Early birds can swing by before work, and night owls can stop in after dinner. Either way, getting to your unit fits your routine. If you'd like a hand from the team, the office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The office is closed on Sundays and holidays, but with access hours that generous, reaching your things is never a hassle. A Fresh Start for Storage in Woodbridge What makes this new facility special is how it all comes together. Wall-to-wall climate controlled units, a sheltered loading bay, on-site moving supplies, personal pin code access, and a huge spread of unit sizes add up to a storage experience that feels modern, secure, and refreshingly easy. If you've been waiting for storage in Woodbridge that's actually built around you, the team at Apple Self Storage on Highway 27 is ready to welcome you in.
By Erik Sherman July 21, 2026
Anyone who has rushed to move out of an apartment or scrambled to clear room before a renovation knows how stressful that can be, and how much it matters when a business has your back. At Apple Self Storage on Stevenson Street in Guelph , the help is the whole point. We put our customers’ needs first. But don’t take our word for it. This is what our real customers are saying: A Welcome That Sets the Tone Walk into a lot of storage facilities and you'll get a clipboard and a shrug. That's not how it goes here. The team, especially Ross, has a habit of treating new renters like guests in a welcoming home. "I had a welcoming experience here. Ross was friendly, answered all my questions, and made the process as seamless as possible. Also, big ups for the student discount. Highly recommend! " — Esther O. Renting a unit usually comes with a dozen small questions: How does access work? What size do I actually need? What happens if my plans change? Getting real answers up front is what turns a nerve-wracking errand into a quick, easy stop. Esther isn't the only one who noticed. Another review from the name “Hot Business” put it simply after working with two of the team members: " Ross and Henry were truly amazing, super friendly and quick ." First Time Storing? You're in Good Hands If you've never rented a storage unit before, the unknowns can pile up fast. The Apple team is patient with first-timers, walking through every step instead of assuming you already know the drill. "First time using a storage service and it was a very positive experience. Communication was excellent before my visit and I was greeted warmly by Michael and Ross when I arrived. The building is very clean and well lit. Ross took the time to explain every part of the process, including how to use the lock. The rates are great! I feel very confident in accessing my unit independently." — Janine C. That last line is the goal. We want you to feel confident in your rental. You shouldn't need to call the office every time you want to grab something out of your unit. When someone takes a few extra minutes to show you how the lock works and how to get in and out on your own, you walk away confident, not confused. Clean, Modern, and Built for Easy Loading A welcoming staff matters, but so does the building. The Guelph facility is a modern, well-kept space, and the details show up the moment you start moving boxes. "Clean and modern self storage. Lots of parking, two big loading bays that allow you to pull in and load and unload in comfort. Even a hydraulic lift plate! Kind and friendly staff that keep the place spotless. Any issues are dealt with promptly. Probably the best self-storage in Guelph, in a super-convenient location. Top marks!" — Brad C. Two covered loading bays, plenty of parking, and a lift plate for heavy items are the kind of features you don't think about until you're carrying a couch in the rain. Add climate and humidity control throughout the building and free dollies to borrow, and the actual work of moving in gets a lot less painful. Brad calls it the best in Guelph, and the convenient Stevenson Street location, close to downtown and the University of Guelph, doesn't hurt. Students Get a Real Break Guelph is a university town, and summer brings the annual scramble to figure out what to do with a year's worth of stuff. Apple makes that easier with a student discount and supplies to pack it all up. "Phenomenal service. I cannot recommend Apple Self Storage enough. Ross and Henry were extremely helpful and guided me through the whole process step by step. I'm renting for the summer, and they made everything easy by offering me the student discount and providing boxes and supplies to help with packing. I don't usually write reviews, but if you're in Guelph and looking for storage, save yourself the trouble of sorting through all the options online and book with Apple Self Storage. You won't regret it." — Dania S. Summer storage is one of those problems that feels bigger than it is. You're juggling exams, a move, and a deadline to be out of your place. A student discount, boxes ready on-site, and a team that walks you through it turns a headache into a one-stop solution. If you're a student heading home for the break, this is the easy button. It Adds Up Look across these reviews and a pattern shows up. People mention the helpful employees that truly care by name. They talk about feeling welcomed, getting straight answers, and leaving confident. They notice the spotless bays and the lift plate. They appreciate a fair rate and a discount when they qualify for one. None of that happens by accident. It happens because the people running the Guelph facility care, truly care, about our tenants. That's the difference. Stop By or Reserve Your Unit If you need storage in Guelph, come see why customers keep recommending the team by name. Apple Self Storage – Guelph 110 Stevenson St S, Guelph, ON N1E 5N4 Phone: (226) 794-5298 Email: store1061@applestorage.com Access Hours: Daily, 6:00 am – 10:00 pm Office Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sat 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sun & Holidays closed Ask about the student discount, and let Ross and the team make your next move a simple one.