Tips For Moving With Children

There’s no sugar coating it; Moving is hard. Add kids to the mix, and it gets even more interesting. You’ve got a thousand things to do in order to get the house ready, pack, watch the kids, complete paperwork, and somehow keep the norms of day to day life going. So much change! Children can have a hard time coping with the grief of leaving a home, friends, and school behind compounded by the fear of starting new. This pain is natural and, at times, unavoidable. But, there are ways you can make the moving process a more positive experience for you and your children. 

Check out these tips for moving with children! 

Give kids time to mentally prepare.

You can ease the stress of this major transition by communicating with your child often and early. Give them ample time to think through the moving process before it takes place. This might stir up some good questions or even give them reasons to be excited. Help your child prepare by giving them a clear picture of what to expect. Take a tour of the new school, meet the new teacher, take pictures of the new bedroom, walk around the neighborhood, and drive around the community. 

Involve your child in the moving process.

Everyone wants to feel in control. It’s natural. When you tell a child they’ll be moving, it can feel like their sense of control and security is pulled out from under them. One way to combat these complex emotions is to give children control when you can. Allow them to help make decisions and be part of the moving process, when possible. 

Children can participate in the moving process by:

• Packing some boxes with their own things
• Decorating/labelling boxes
• Choosing paint colors in the new house
• Running a yard sale
• Selecting the new home
• Disposing of boxes and packing materials
• Taking pictures to document the process

Celebrate the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Have a goodbye party! Invite your friends over to help you celebrate the time you lived in your current home. Encourage guests to bring small mementos for your kids that will symbolize memories to cherish forever! This type of celebration gives kids closure in a healthy, positive way.

Have a welcome party! Once you’re settled into your new home, invite your new neighbors over to tour your new space and get to know one another. This is a great way to get plugged in to your new community and make your kids feel at home. Everyone loves a party!

Take advantage of kid-free time. 

It can be hard enough to keep track of things while moving without the help of little hands. Carve out kid-free work time where you can be productive (and uninterrupted). We’re talking nap times, bed times, and play dates. Get a babysitter if you can! This also gives you the opportunity to pack or throw out anything that your kids could be attached to without the waterworks. Save the easy packing for times when your kids can “help.”

Minimize change.

Children tend to feel most safe when things are predictable and familiar. Try to keep your daily routine the same as much as possible. The packing and unpacking can wait! Reassure your child that things like morning routines, mealtimes, bedtime routines, and traditions are going to be the same.

Kids also find comfort in familiar objects. Make your house feel like home by hanging the familiar decor and pictures on the walls. Set up their bedroom furniture the exact same way. Toss their favorite throw on the couch. Help your child discover things that won’t change in the midst of all the new.  

Pack a “Moving Day” bag.

Don’t make the mistake of packing away EVERYTHING. It’s likely that you won’t be able to access all of your boxes for a little while. You do not want to find yourself desperately searching for your child’s favorite blanket, toy, or comfort item. Pack a “Moving Day” bag with things that will comfort and entertain your child. Toys, snacks, gaming system… Whatever it takes to keep everyone sane!

---

Ready to unpack? Click here for some UNPACKING TIPS! Get settled efficiently after you move.