Whether you are moving across the street or across the country, moving with kids can be stressful on both you and them. Fortunately, the move doesn’t have to be painful for anyone!
Check out the Living In Roanoke team’s tips for moving with kids, and make your relocation a breeze!
Tips For Moving With Kids!
Nobody likes saying goodbye; neither to friends nor to the house they know and love as home. Moving can be especially hard for children who may not fully comprehend the reasons why you are moving, or the reasons why the move will actually be better for them in the long run.
Tip #1: Talk To Them
As soon as the move is a definite go, share the news with your kids. Make them feel a part of everything, and openly discuss the new and exciting changes about to happen.
Reassure your children that all of their possessions, books, toys etc., will all be coming with them and share all of the wonderful and exciting benefits of the move.
Tip #2: Get to Know Your New House
If the house is nearby, get your kids excited by going to see it. Let them see their rooms and have them plan out how they want to decorate.
If you’re moving further away, show them lots of pictures and use google to learn all about the area.
You could even draw out the room, and let them decide how they want their furniture arranged.
Tip #3: Let Them Help With Packing
Make sure younger kids know that their stuff is being packed up and moved and not being thrown away. Older kids might understand the process, but it may be more difficult for little ones to grasp.
Let them help pack up their toys and then have them decorate their boxes so they will be easily recognizable after the move. As much as possible, try to get their items and room set up first, even if it means ordering pizza and keeping your kitchen in boxes for a couple days.
Having that sense of familiarity will help keep their anxiety down.
Tip #4: Get to Know The Neighbors and the New Area
As soon as possible, become a part of your new community. Introduce yourself to the neighbors. Invite people on your street over for a house warming party.
Participate in local activities that will allow both you and your kids to make new friends. If your child is on the shy side, talk to them about making new friends and help them think of ways to break the ice with the kids at their new school.
Tip #5: Keep Your Routines
Do you always get ice cream on Saturday afternoons? Or maybe you spend Sunday mornings in church? Whatever routines you can keep, you should do so.
Try to remain consistent with meal times and bedtimes. Keeping kids in their routine will help keep them calm and will help you feel a sense of order.
Always remember, while moving might be hard on you, it might be even harder on your kids. As much as possible, stay positive with them and make the whole process a grand adventure. Make the process as fun and memorable and stress-free for them as possible. (It will help you feel more relaxed too!)
DISCLAIMER: While we are real estate experts and consultants, and have raised children ourselves, we are not counselors or child psychiatrists or psychologists. If needed, please always consult competent professional help for advice raising children, or on child psychology.