New product for kids on the move launched by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®

By: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® | 0 Shares 86 Reads

(Lansing, Mich.) – Seven million children under the age of 10 move each year, according to the United States Census Bureau. Recognizing kids as an audience that deserves special attention, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® developed a new moving kit just for four- to 10-year olds to help make their moving experience absolutely terrific. The moving kit is available now, just in time for National Moving Month in May and for the busiest moving season, summer.

The kit includes a special box with a handle called Truckie's Treasure Chest. Children can fill Truckie's Treasure Chest with their stuffed animals, cars, dolls and other "treasures." Truckie's Treasure Kit comes with a kid-friendly journal so they can keep track of old and new friends, write about why they are excited about moving – and why they're not. The journal also has pictures to draw and games to play. Finally, as others are busy packing or unpacking, kids can color the cool pictures on the treasure chest-shaped box. The box is sturdy and strong just like the grown-ups use.

"A relocation is difficult and stressful for all members of the family," says Renee Raab Whitcombe who wrote the book Look Who's Moving To a New Home (www.buddingfamily.com) with New York-based child psychologist Dr. Susan Bartell. "But children in particular can have a hard time dealing with being uprooted – especially if they felt uninvolved during the process."

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® conducted extensive market research to determine what would work well for children. Many of the ideas in the journal came from focus groups which included teachers, parents and children. Researchers found that girls really liked journaling and were very thorough completing the entire journal. Boys had a blast with the word games.

In addition to the professional research conducted, 11 of the company's franchises were asked to participate in a market test which was completed in February. Based on initial response, the company expects that Truckie's Treasure Chest and Journal will be a part of 80 percent of the moves involving children under age 10.

There are a number of techniques that will help children feel a part of the move such as telling kids about the move as early as possible and allowing them to help pack their belongings. Other moving tips include:

· Don't try to get rid of your children's favorite things before the move – even if it makes it easier. Kids sometimes have a hard time dealing with the change of the move itself.
· Pack important and sentimental documents separately including: children's health records, passports, family records, insurance information and photo albums.

These tips and many more can be found on the company's Web site at www.twomen.com.

Worldwide, there are more than 190 locations and nearly 1,300 TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® trucks on the road. Locations are independently owned and operated. All complete home and business moves, packing and unpacking services as well as selling boxes and packing supplies.