Moving can be stressful no matter how you cut it. And adding kids into the equation can make it that much harder for an easy move. The moving process with kids is much different than if you are moving with a significant other or on your own and to put it simply, it is much more of a challenge when kids are involved. So how do you make moving with kids stress free and easy? Here are some of our tips!
Communicate the Plan
When you are moving with kids the most important step is to tell them in advance. This helps them have time to process this huge change. How you communicate about the move depends on your child and how they best handle stressful situations. However, it is very important to never spring a move on them at the last minute. Doing this will cause the fear and stress of moving to a new place even more intense.
If you are moving with kids that are toddlers or have special needs it is important to prepare them for the move in the most basic way possible. It is important for you to make it something that is exciting and let them know about the new room they will have for all of their toys. This will help them to process the move and accept it more easily knowing that it is something that they should be excited about.
If you are moving with kids that are in elementary school, it is easiest to discuss the basics of the moving process without going into too much detail. Giving them a simple reason for moving is often the easiest way to go about it.
If you are moving with teens, we recommend having a conversation about moving just like you would with any adult.
Regardless of their age, this big change is hard for kids, so reminding them that this is going to be something exciting, and including them in the plan will help make the transition just a little bit easier. Creating a countdown calendar where they can mark off the days leading up to the move and checking to see how they are feeling as the move gets closer are also things that can help immensely as you prepare to move.
Stick to Routine's When Moving with Kids
When moving with kids, it is hard for the children not to feel as though their entire world has turned upside down. This is why it is important to keep the familiarity of your child’s routine to have something steady to focus on. It may be easy to skip a family game night or burger night to give yourself an extra hour two of packing time, but keeping these routines going is extremely beneficial for your kids.
Get the Kids Involved
When moving with kids, it is hard for the children not to feel as though their entire world has turned upside down. This is why it is important to keep the familiarity of your child’s routine to have something steady to focus on. It may be easy to skip a family game night or burger night to give yourself an extra hour two of packing time, but keeping these routines going is extremely beneficial for your kids.
A great way to do this is by labeling boxes with words like “clothes” or “toys” and having your kids pack those items all on their own. If they are too young to read on their own, you can either draw a picture of what goes in each box or color code the boxes to make it easier for them to help pack.
Another thing to consider doing is having your kids pack up a comfort bag. This is a bag that is filled with all of their favorite things and items that they want to have easy access to throughout the entire moving process.
Pack up The Kids Rooms Last
While on the topic of packing, when you are moving with kids it may be helpful to wait to pack up their rooms last. This will help your kids have a sense of security as the rest of the house is being packed up and will help to not only reduce their stress but also help to reduce yours as well.
This might even be the perfect time for you to update your children’s bedroom furniture. If your child has outgrown some of their current furniture a move is a great time to make those changes. However, depending on your child’s personality it might be better to wait until they have settled in the new house before you make even more big changes.
Get a Babysitter for Moving Day
In all honesty, this tip is more for your sanity than for the kids. That is why if it is possible, the best thing to do when moving with kids is to have them out of the house on moving day. Having them stay with a friend or family member for the day will help ease your mind and you won’t have to worry about the kids getting underfoot throughout the day. If you know your child will not be returning to the house make sure that they know that so that your kids can say goodbye in a way that provides them with a sense of closure.
Help your Kids Plan a "See You Later" Party
When you are moving with kids, a big source of anxiety that they may be facing is leaving their friends behind. Letting them plan a “See You Later” party at the new house helps to associate your new home with something positive. Having them make a guest list and plan out different activities to do with their friends at their new house will also help make your kids excited for move-in day.
Moving With Regency
At Regency Moving, we know that moving can be stressful, and moving with kids is an entirely different ball game. Our team is here to help ease that stress and make the moving process as stress free as possible. Contact us today for more information about our moving services!
