Moving is one of the most stressful things you can do in life, and it’s not just because you have to pack up all your stuff and get rid of everything that doesn’t fit into boxes or suitcases. It’s also because moving involves so many different people who are involved in the process: from the movers to the packing companies to the real estate agents to the bank managers to the utility providers to the council workers to the post office staff. And if you think about all these people working together, you realize how complicated moving is!
So when we decided to move house last year, I was really worried about what would happen to our kids. They were only three at the time, but they had already been through two moves before – first to Australia, then back again to New York. We knew they could handle it, but I still didn’t want them to be scared by the whole experience.
So, I did some research and found out that there are lots of ways to help your child cope with moving. One thing I learned was that it helps to start preparing as early as possible. That way, you can make sure that everyone knows what needs to be done and what will happen during the actual move.
In this article, I’m going to tell you about my experiences with moving and what I learned along the way.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Tips to Prepare Move for Kids
Discuss the Move as Early as Possible
The best time to discuss the move is when you’re doing the packing. If you wait until the day before the move, you won’t be able to talk to anyone about what’s happening. So instead, try talking to your kids about it while you’re unpacking. Tell them why you’re moving and ask them questions like “What do you think will change?” “Do you think we’ll need to go somewhere else?” and “Will we see any new friends?”
If you don’t have much time, you can always send your kids off to school with a note explaining where you’ve moved to and asking them to write you letters home. This will give them something to look forward to every week.
Make Sure Everyone Knows What Will Happen During The Move
Once you’ve started discussing the move, make sure that everyone knows exactly what will happen. For example, you should let your kids know that the movers will come and take away their toys and clothes and put them in storage. You should also explain to them that they’ll probably lose their old bedroom and have to sleep in the living room.
You should also let your kids know that they’ll have to stay with relatives or friends for a few days while you settle in your new place. Make sure they understand that you’ll be taking them back to their new home once you’ve settled in.
You should also let your kids understand that they’ll miss their friends and teachers at their current school. Explain to them that they‘ll meet new friends at their new school and that they’ll still see their old teacher occasionally.
Keep Them Busy While You Pack
When you’re busy packing, it’s easy to forget about your kids. But remember that they’re still little and they need to be kept occupied. There are lots of fun activities you can do with them while you’re packing:
- Play games such as musical chairs or hide-and-seek.
- Read books together.
- Sing songs.
- Do puzzles.
- Have tea parties.
- Play dress up.
Remind Them About the Move Often
As you pack, remind your kids often that you’re going to move. It’s important to keep reminding them because it makes them feel more prepared. When you’re unpacked and ready to leave, remind them one final time so that they know what to expect.
Give Your Kids Some Time Off Before Moving Day
Moving day is usually stressful for both adults and kids. So it’s better not to rush things. Instead, give your kids some time off from school and their friends. Give them a chance to relax and enjoy themselves.
This will help them get used to the idea of being away from home for a few weeks. And it will also help them adjust to the new environment.
Help Them Visualize Their New Life
Your kids might find it difficult to imagine how their life will be after the move. To help them visualize their new life, you could show them pictures of the house you’re moving into. Or you could draw a map showing where all the rooms are located.
It’s also helpful if you tell your kids stories about your past experiences. These stories will help them understand that even though this is a big change, it’s nothing compared to what you’ve been through.
Let Them Make Some Decisions
If you want your kids to feel involved in the decision-making process, then you should involve them in choosing the furniture and decorations for your new home. They’ll love seeing their favorite items in their new home.
Also, ask them what kind of pets they would like to have. Let them decide whether they want cats or dogs.
Sign Up for Activities in Advance
Once you’ve moved into your new home, you may not have much time left before your kids start missing their friends and school. To avoid this problem, sign them up for activities in advance. This way, they won’t feel too lonely when they arrive at their new home.
Throw a “See You Later” Party
One last thing you can do to make your kids feel less sad about leaving their friends behind is throwing a “see you later party”. Invite their friends over for a farewell party. Tell them that you’ll take them out again soon. Then, invite them to come to visit whenever they want.
Ask for Help from Family and Friends
You don’t have to do everything by yourself. Ask family members and friends for help. If you’re having trouble deciding which toys or clothes to bring, ask someone else to help you.
Conclusion
When you’re preparing for a move, it’s important to think about your kids. Remember that they’re small and vulnerable. By doing these things, you’ll ensure that they’re happy during the transition period. If you plan to move, hiring professional movers such as NYC movers is a good choice. They are skilled movers who will help you pack, move, and ensure the entire process goes smoothly.
Moving with Children – Frequently Asked Questions
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Can be moving a lot as a child cause trauma?
Yes, moving around a lot as a child can lead to anxiety problems later on. But there are ways to prevent this. For example, try to stay with the same people as much as possible. Also, try to spend as little time as possible traveling between different places.
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What should I do if my kid gets upset while packing?
Try to distract him/her by playing games. Also, try to explain why he/she has to pack his/her belongings.
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How can I make sure my kids don’t miss their old friends?
Talk to them about their feelings. Explain to them that they’ll see their friends again soon. Make sure they can properly say goodbye to friends.
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What should we do if our kids get scared during the move?
Keep an eye on them. Don’t leave them alone. Also, reassure them that everything will be fine.
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Can family meetings help?
Yes. It helps to talk to each other about the move. Also, it’s good to discuss any concerns you have regarding the move.
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How do military families cope with relocation?
Military families often relocate multiple times. So, they learn how to handle such situations.