Preparing your kids for a move can help ease their transition and reduce their anxiety. Here are some things to keep in mind:
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- Make it a family affair
Your kids will be more comfortable with the move if they feel like you’re on their side and supporting them. Encourage them to talk about how they’re feeling, and listen.
Let them help with packing, especially their own rooms – labeling boxes and letting them know which ones are theirs will make them feel involved and valued. It’s also an excellent way to cut through clutter and get rid of things you no longer need.
For families needing to transport larger items or a significant amount of belongings, it’s wise to search for truck loads to find a suitable and cost-effective moving solution that can accommodate all your needs.
Introduce them to neighbors and try to set up playdates, which will help them feel a part of their new community. It’ll also be an opportunity for you to learn more about your new neighborhood.
- Make it fun
Even though you may be feeling frazzled during the move, try to make the process fun for your kids. For example, let them pick where they want to stop for lunch or dinner on long trips.
Encourage them to help you sort through items to see what should stay and go with you to the new home, and what can be donated or tossed. This can be a great bonding experience and it might give them a sense of responsibility over their belongings.
If you can, take them on a tour of the new town and house. Show them all the attractions, including kid-friendly spots like parks, restaurants and ice cream shops.
- Get them involved
Make sure your kids know what’s going on so they feel involved and important. Turn naptime into pack time and let them color-code the boxes so they know which ones are theirs. They can also use the boxes to build forts or play games like hide and seek.
Similarly, involve them during the house hunting process by showing them listings and taking them to viewings. They can give their opinions on the homes and you can take them into consideration when making your final decision. Sticking to family routines will also help ease their anxiety.
- Make it safe
It’s important to make sure your child is safe in their new home. This includes a safe sleeping environment. It’s best to keep a similar routine to what they had at home, including meal times, naps and bedtime.
Clearly label a box or boxes with everything you need to quickly child-proof the new house, like outlet protectors, baby gates and toilet and cabinet locks. This should be the last thing to go into the moving truck and the first thing off of it.
Be patient with your children as they settle in their new home. It takes time to get used to a new place, especially when it’s far away.
- Get them excited
It’s important to keep children involved in the moving process so they feel included. This can include making them responsible for packing up their rooms (with help, of course) or taking them with you on house-hunting trips so they get to see potential new homes.
Also, before you move, make a trip to your new neighborhood and talk about all the fun things you can do there. Visiting restaurants, parks and the local do-it-yourself kid’s art studio can make your kids excited about their future home. And if your kids have friends they’ll be moving with, getting them to set up playdates at the new place can make them feel welcome right away.
- Say goodbye
A big part of moving is saying goodbye to people and places you’ve come to love. This can be especially difficult for children.
To help them get closure, make a book together of their favorite memories in the old house. They can include photos, notes and contact information of friends that they want to keep in touch with.
Also, encourage them to visit their new home and town before the move. This will give them a chance to see it as more than just a place they’ll be living in, but rather a new place with their friends that feels like home.
- Give them some control
If kids are able to participate in the decision making process, it can help them feel empowered. Whether it’s choosing what goes into boxes or helping sort toys to donate, having children choose things they know will be moving with them will make them feel like they have some control over the move and that their belongings are valued.
It’s also important to prioritize unpacking kids’ rooms first, so they have familiar things around them that can provide comfort and reassurance. They can also be involved in the process by labeling their own boxes with stickers, which can keep them entertained and engaged throughout the entire move.