How Children Can Help on Moving Day

At Advanced Moving in Sioux Falls, we know moving is more than just packing boxes and loading trucks—it’s also an opportunity to teach valuable life skills to your children. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, getting kids involved in the moving process helps them feel included, reduces stress, and allows them to learn responsibility. Best of all, moving can be a chance to bless others by donating items your family no longer needs.



This guide highlights ways to involve kids of different ages in decluttering, packing, and giving back, along with how our Sioux Falls moving team can make the process smoother for your whole family.

Why Involve Children in the Moving Process?

Parents sometimes assume moving is too complicated for children to help with. But in reality, involving kids:

• Builds independence and confidence – Kids learn responsibility by taking care of their own belongings.
  
  
• Teaches organizational skills – Sorting, labeling, and packing are real-world lessons in order and planning.
  
  
• Encourages generosity – Donating unused toys, clothes, and books helps children understand how their items can bless others.
  
  
• Reduces stress on moving day – Kids who know the plan feel less anxious and more excited about their new home.
  
  

At Advanced Moving, we’ve seen firsthand how families that prepare their children ahead of time experience smoother, calmer moving days.

Step 1: Decluttering With Your Kids

Decluttering before a move is the perfect chance to teach children about decision-making and prioritizing. Here’s how to make it meaningful:

• Make it a family project – Go room by room together and talk through what to keep, sell, donate, or throw away.
  
  
• Use the “pile method” – Have kids sort items into piles. It’s okay to have a “Not Sure” pile, as parents can help finalize decisions.
  
  
• Teach value vs. sentiment – Explain the difference between something that’s useful now and something that’s just taking up space.
  
  
• Set limits – Give children a box or bin and let them choose their most loved toys to bring along. This helps them learn priorities.
  
  

Our Sioux Falls movers recommend starting this process early—well before moving day—so kids don’t feel rushed or overwhelmed.

Step 2: Packing Belongings With Purpose

Packing may feel like an adult task, but kids can learn practical skills by helping prepare their belongings:

• Labeling and sorting – Younger children can decorate or color-code boxes with stickers. Older kids can write labels and make lists of box contents.
  
  
• Packing soft items – Children can safely pack stuffed animals, clothes, or linens, which won’t break if handled roughly.
  
  
• Protecting fragile items – Teach older children how to wrap dishes, books, or décor in paper or bubble wrap. This is a great way to teach responsibility and care.
  
  
• Creating a “first night” box – Encourage kids to pack a special box with their favorite blanket, pajamas, and toys to make the first night in the new home feel special.
  
  

At Advanced Moving, our team provides high-quality packing supplies and can even offer full or partial packing services. If your kids need extra support, we’ll step in so the process doesn’t become stressful for them—or for you.

Step 3: Donating to Bless Others

One of the best lessons kids can learn during a move is generosity. Items your children no longer use can bring joy to other families.

• Explain the impact – Let your kids know that donating toys, clothes, and books helps other kids who may not have as much.
  
  
• Visit donation centers together – Take children with you to Goodwill, The Salvation Army, or Union Gospel Mission in Sioux Falls so they can see how their items will help others.
  
  
• Encourage them to choose – Ask kids which toys or clothes they’d like to donate. When the choice comes from them, the lesson is stronger.
  
  
• Celebrate giving – Acknowledge their generosity with praise or a simple family celebration.
  
  

Step 4: Preparing Kids for Moving Day

The big day can be hectic, but with preparation, kids can play a helpful role:

• Assign safe tasks – Younger kids can hand movers small, lightweight boxes or hold the door open for brief periods of time. Older children can help guide movers by pointing out which boxes belong in which rooms.
  
  
• Give them responsibility – Let each child be “in charge” of their personal backpack or overnight bag.
  
  
• Provide entertainment – Pack games, snacks, and favorite books so kids stay occupied when movers are busy.
  
  
• Keep communication open – Remind kids that the movers are there to help and that their job is to keep things safe and organized.
  
  

Our Advanced Moving crew knows how to work around kids with patience and professionalism. We take extra steps to make sure your family feels comfortable and supported throughout the move.

Step 5: Settling Into the New Home

Moving doesn’t end once the truck is unloaded. Involving kids in unpacking helps them feel more at home:

• Let kids set up their own room – Even if it’s just deciding where the bookshelf or toy bin goes, it gives them ownership.
  
  
• Create routines quickly – Unpack their favorite belongings first to help them feel comfortable right away.
  
  
• Explore the neighborhood together – Walk around, meet neighbors, and discover nearby parks to build excitement.
  
  

Advanced Moving always unloads boxes into the correct rooms, which makes it easier for your children to unpack and adjust without chaos.

How Advanced Moving Supports Families With Kids

As a family-focused moving company in Sioux Falls, Advanced Moving is committed to making your move easier for everyone—parents, kids, toddlers, and even pets. Here’s how we help families with children:

• Provide packing supplies and labeling systems to simplify decluttering with kids.
  
  
• Offer flexible packing services if you need help with fragile items or last-minute details.
  
  
• Ensure safe loading and unloading so children don’t have to navigate cluttered hallways or tripping hazards.
  
  
• Work efficiently and respectfully to reduce stress on moving day.
  
  

Final Thoughts

Moving can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By involving your kids in decluttering, packing, and donating, you’re not just preparing for a new home—you’re teaching valuable life skills. From organization and responsibility to generosity and teamwork, moving can become a family experience that builds character and creates lasting memories.

At Advanced Moving in Sioux Falls, our goal is to support families every step of the way. With our professional movers handling the heavy lifting, you and your kids can focus on the exciting adventure ahead.