Moving is a hectic and stressful experience before even taking your children into account. Instead of letting the stress overflow onto your kids, let them help and enjoy the process with you. Not only will letting them help give them something to do–and give you one less thing to worry about–it will also make your job easier in the long run. You can also potentially save money if you were considering getting a sitter while you do the heavy packing.

Here are 5 reasons to include your kids in the moving process:

1.  It’s less stressful. 

Even good stress is still stress. Your body reacts very similar to good stress as it would if you were upset. While you may not feel like it may be fruitful to have your children help with the packing and/or moving process, you would be surprised. The little tasks can add up in a big way, if planned properly.

2.  It will save you time.

You will be checking items off of your moving list much faster. Most children love to help and probably want to feel like a part of the whole process. They are excited about their new home too. They can help speed things along by aiding you with some of the smaller or more tedious tasks. It’s a win-win.

3.  Your children will feel involved.

Look at it as a family bonding experience. Kids love to be helpful, and you can do things together. You could divide one large project into smaller parts and work together, or you can even have everyone working separately in the same room. As an added bonus, they will be all tuckered out at the end of the day!

4.  It will save you money.

You will no longer need to hire the babysitter to watch the kids while you focus on packing and moving. If you still do, because your children are young or tucker out faster, it will be for a less amount of time, which will save you money over the whole process.

5.  You can make it easier on movers.

Depending on the age of your kids, they could take some of the burden of the moving process. You could have them carry very light boxes or light items to designated areas. Obviously, the bulk of the moving still needs to be done by trained professionals, but the kids can help you arrange boxes. Take the time to decide how much you want the real movers to do—whether it’s help with packing, just moving boxes and furniture or even supplying the packing materials.

Ideas for things your kids can help with:

·  Folding clothes and bedding.

·  Carrying light objects.

·  Packing non-fragile items. Examples could include clothing, pillows, toys, books, blankets, shoes and pet supplies.

·  Organizing or labeling boxes.

·  Taping boxes shut.

The limits to what your children can help with will obviously depend on their age range. A teenager will be able to get more done than a toddler, but either scenario will provide your family with quality time and memories. Don’t forget to praise them for a job well done and thank them for their help. A pat on the back can do wonders for the ego, especially in children.