Whether you are moving across the street or across the country, moving with kids can be stressful on both you and them! Luckily, the move doesn’t have to be painful for anyone!
Check out our tips for moving with kids, and make your relocation a breeze!
Tips For Moving With Kids!
Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when it comes to leaving behind a beloved home and community. Moving can be particularly challenging for children who may not fully understand the reasons for the move, or who may be anxious about leaving behind their friends and familiar surroundings.
Tip #1: Talk To Them
Once your moving plans are confirmed, it’s important to involve your children in the process and communicate with them openly. Talk to them about the reasons for the move and help them see the positive aspects of it. Reassure them that all of their belongings will be coming with them, including their favorite toys and books. By involving them in the process, you can help ease the transition and make them feel more comfortable about the move.
Tip #2: Get to Know Your New House
To get your kids excited about the move, consider taking them to see the new house if it is nearby. This will give them an opportunity to explore their new surroundings and envision their new home. Let them see their rooms and encourage them to plan out how they want to decorate and personalize their space.
If the new house is far away, show your kids lots of pictures and use online resources such as Google Maps to learn about the area. You could even draw out the room and ask them how they would like their furniture arranged.
Involving your children in the moving process and allowing them to have a say in how their new space will look can help ease their anxieties and make the transition to a new home more exciting.
Tip #3: Let Them Help With Packing
It’s important to communicate with younger children about the moving process to ease any anxiety they may have. Let them know that their belongings are being packed up and moved with them, not being thrown away. While older kids may better understand the process, younger ones may find it confusing and worrying.
Get them involved by letting them help pack up their toys and decorate their boxes with stickers and markers, which will make them easier to recognize and unpack in their new room. As much as possible, try to prioritize setting up their room first, even if it means leaving other areas of the house in disarray for a little while.
Having familiar items and surroundings will help your children feel more at ease during the transition. You might even want to order some pizza and have a special meal in the midst of unpacking to help make the new place feel more like home.
Tip #4: Get to Know The Neighbors and the New Area
Consider becoming involved in local community organizations and volunteering opportunities to meet new people and become familiar with your new community. Check out community centers, libraries, and local schools for events and programs that you and your family can participate in.
Encourage your children to get involved in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, or art programs, which can provide an opportunity to meet new friends with similar interests. Help your child prepare for the first day of school by taking a tour of the school or attending a new student orientation.
In addition, consider joining local social media groups or neighborhood apps to stay connected with events and activities happening in your area. By becoming an active member of your new community, you will be able to build connections and feel more at home in your new surroundings.
Tip #5: Keep Your Routines
Maintaining your family’s routine as much as possible can help provide a sense of stability and calm during the hectic process of moving. Keep regular meal times and bedtimes to help your kids feel comfortable in their new environment.
If your family has established traditions, like getting ice cream on Saturdays or visiting the park on Sundays, try to continue them in your new community. Consistency can help your kids feel more at ease and make the transition smoother.
Remember, moving can be stressful for kids, so staying positive and making the process fun can help alleviate their anxiety. Encourage them to see the move as an adventure and create memorable experiences along the way. By keeping a positive attitude and making the transition as stress-free as possible, you can also help yourself feel more relaxed.