Moving with Kids: Helpful Tips to Ensure it’s a Smooth Transition

Whether moving across the country or just across town, moving can be a daunting task for the entire family.  While parents are consumed with stress through the process, the situation can be upsetting and traumatic for children who weren’t part of the decision and might not understand.  Change is difficult for many people, but for kids, who thrive on familiarity and routine, special considerations should be made to ensure moving is a positive experience for the entire family.  After all, the home is a source of security and comfort for children.  For them, changing schools, addresses, and friends can be overwhelming.  However, kids are also resilient and adaptable.  If you maintain a positive attitude, keep them involved, prepare them on what to expect, listen to their concerns, ease their mind, give them special attention and time to accept it, and follow  additional tips below, you can paint this transition into an adventure and turn your child’s fear into excitement.

 

Hold a Family Meeting

Explain why you are moving to your children. Are you relocating for a job?  Inform them about the benefits it will bring to your family. Express your feelings about the move, and let them express theirs. Describe the most appealing features of the new area or possible neighborhoods to sell them on the move.

 

Research the New Area that You are Considering Moving to

Learn everything you can about what your potential new community has to offer. It is important to choose an area with the best schools and activities that suit your child’s needs. Ask your children what they want in their community. Young children might enjoy being close to parks, playgrounds, and other amenities while older children might want more entertainment options. Share your findings about the area with your children, and encourage them to do their own research, as well.

 

Involve Your Children in the Selection Process

Let your children make a “wish list” of what they want in a new home. It can include a big backyard, playroom, separate bathrooms, location and neighborhood amenities. Ensure that you are keeping their desires in mind when hunting for homes. If you are looking for homes in your local area, invite your kids to look at houses with you. For those looking online, bookmark your top choices, and let your children select their favorite from those. Remember, their feedback is important. Ask your children to share their favorite features about each home. Select the final choice as a family, and include them in a celebration when you know you are getting the home you chose together.

 

Plan a Visit to the Site

Take your children to do a walk-through of the home if it is located in close proximity to your current home. Tour the neighborhood and community to show them how close their home will be to everything on their lists. Visit the schools and introduce yourself to the principal and teachers. If you are moving far away, take a virtual tour online of the home, if possible, or plan a weekend trip.

 

Organize a Moving Sale

Have a family meeting to decide what items will not be included in your move.  Allow your children to help you sort through the belongings to take an inventory of what needs to go. They can help you organize and price these items for a garage sale. At the family meeting, decide what you will do with the funds allocated. Do you want a new TV for the family room or a pool or spa in the backyard? Come to a consensus as a family to increase involvement and excitement about the new home.

 

Host a “See You Soon Party”

Having to say goodbye to friends can be one of the hardest things for kids about moving. Holding a party for your child to say goodbye to his or her friends can make for an easier transition. While the goodbye party is happening, make sure everyone exchanges contact information. Consult with the parents of your children’s friends to arrange a visit soon after the move.

 

Keep Your Children Involved with the Move

Have your children sort through their toys and get rid of the toys they no longer want. You can get boxes for your children to decorate for them to move their special belongings. You may want to get the floor plans of your new home and let your children plan the layout of their new rooms.

 

Map Out Your Move

If you are moving far away, map your moving route. Look at a map or your GPS and mark the interesting places to visit on the way. This will break up the trip and excite your children with something to look forward to.

 

Say Goodbye to Your Old Home and Community

Visit your family’s favorite restaurants, shops, parks, etc. one last time before you move. On the last night in your home, cook your family’s favorite dinner and eat together. Reminisce about your favorite memories at your home. Walk through each room together, and let each member of your family recall their favorite times.

 

Have a Babysitter for Your Kids the Day You Move in

Since move-in day will be very stressful, you may want to consider hiring a babysitter for the day so you do not subject your children to the hectic atmosphere. Also, you will get more accomplished by not having to entertain your children.

 

Ensure All Children’s Rooms are Complete First

Before unloading all of your dishes in the kitchen and hanging the family photos on the wall, get each child’s room in order so that this will immediately feel like a home. Let them decide how they want to arrange, decorate and paint their rooms. Thank them for their help, and encourage them to be excited to show their friends, new and old, their new room! It is imperative to remind them that their new home will soon be full of new family memories.

 

Maintain Your Routine

Children crave security and stability. Try to keep your family routines. If you eat pizza on Tuesdays, keep this up when you move into your new home. Any extracurricular activities that your child is involved in, (i.e. sports, band, art, theater), should be researched and joined as soon as possible to maintain their own routine and make new friends faster, as well.

 

Plan a Fun Activity Immediately After Move In

Unloading all of your boxes can wait. You should make time to explore your new community early. See if there are any museums or outdoor adventures around that will make your children more excited about living in their new home.

 

Explore the Community Once You are Settled in

Once you are settled in your new residence, it is time to settle into your new community. If available, buy a guidebook for your new city. Take out your calendar, and select dates to explore the amenities throughout your new community with your family to demonstrate everything that the new town has to offer. Travel the routes they will take to school, parks, malls, movie theaters, museums, etc. If you are moving during summer or winter breaks, inquire about community activities and clubs for your children to join in order to make friends before school resumes.