Moving itself can be a harrowing experience, especially when there are children involved. Accidents are prone to happen with boxes and moving parts. Keeping children safe during a move is a necessity. Prioritize a successful move with creating a safe environment by following these tips below to childproof your move.
Items of Mass Destruction
Often when moving, knives, box cutters and razor blades are left out in the open exposing your children to unnecessary danger. Keep all sharp items away from your child’s reach but readily accessible for you on a shelf in a box. Many toddlers make visits to the emergency room each year after swallowing tacks or metal staples. Be sure to keep these off the floor and away from little hands. Another dangerous substance often used while moving are toxic cleaning supplies. Keep cleaning products away from children by placing in an overhead cabinet, or a lower locked cabinet.
Lockdown
Children are curious, and with curiosity comes exploration. When in a new environment, children will naturally explore and be more inquisitive than usual. When both parents are entrenched with unpacking boxes and setting up a new home, children are often left unsupervised. Until the house is properly checked for safety issues, keep children in one room at a time. Place a baby gate at the door, and let them play in one room with a few favorite toys. Check each room beforehand for sharp objects, open windows or uncovered outlets if you have young ones.
Childproof Your Home
When you move into your new home, make it a priority to childproof it first. Inspect each room. Check dangling cords from blinds and tie out of reach. Wind ups can be purchased to shorten the cords and keep them tidy. Baby Center recommends using window coverings without cords for a safer option. Close and lock all windows on second floors to ensure that children do not fall out. Parents magazine suggests installing guards on all windows that only allows them to be opened 3 inches.
Moving Heavy Items
Ideally, while moving the boxes in or out of the house, children should not be underfoot. Put them aside in a room or have a friend take them out of the house. Take special consideration when stacking boxes. Place large or heavy items on the bottom. Baby Center recommends mounting the TV and any other large items close to wall as possible to prevent accidents.
If you need help for your next move, contact Connecticut’s Finest Movers. Our professional and courteous staff can help you save money and move efficiently. Call today.
