
Moving can be stressful for anyone, but it tends to be especially difficult for young children. If your son or daughter has spent most of their life living in your current home, they may have trouble adjusting to the idea of packing up their belongings and moving to a new home in an unfamiliar neighborhood. Fortunately, with patience and preparation, you can make the moving process a little easier on the kiddos.
Give Them Plenty of Notice
Don’t wait until you’ve signed a contract on a home to let your kids know that you’re moving. Instead, give them a heads-up as soon as you start looking around for a new place to live. There will probably be some tears at first, but it will be much easier in the long run if your child has time to process the news and get used to the idea of moving.
Let Them Lend a Hand
Kids don’t like to feel like they’re being left out of important family decisions. Let them tag along on house hunting trips and offer input on what they’d like in a new home. This way, they won’t feel like their feelings are being ignored or disregarded. They may even start to see the move as an exciting adventure rather than a dreaded change they can’t control.
Give Them a Space to Call Their Own
Children will typically feel much more at-ease in a new home if they have a familiar space to retreat to after a long day of moving. Let them choose the paint color and decorations for their new room, and help them arrange furniture and other belongings in a way that makes them feel cozy and comfortable. They might still miss their old home, but you can bet they’ll be excited to have the opportunity to decorate their new room.
At All Awesome Movers, our team can make your next move faster, easier and less stressful for your whole family. Give us a call to learn more, or make your reservation online today!
CLICK HERE to get more info and discover how to make moving with kids a positive experience!
Ready for a stress-free move? At All Awesome Movers, our team can make your next move faster and easier for the whole family. Give us a call at (866) 396-8999 to learn more, or make your reservation online today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should my kids be at the house on moving day? While some parents like their kids to witness the process, it is often safer and less stressful to have a friend or family member watch them. If they are there, ensure they have a “safe zone” (like a backyard or a specific room) where they won’t be in the path of heavy furniture.
How do I keep my child’s favorite toys from getting lost? We recommend packing a “Survival Bag” or “Essentials Box” for each child. This should stay with you in your car and contain their favorite stuffed animals, pajamas, a few books, and snacks.
How can I help my teenager adjust to a move? Teens often feel the loss of their social circle most deeply. Encourage them to help research local hangouts, gyms, or clubs in the new area, and plan a date for them to visit their old friends shortly after the move.
Is it okay to change our family routine during the move? As much as possible, try to stick to your normal mealtimes and bedtimes. Kids thrive on routine, and maintaining these small anchors during the chaos of moving helps them feel much more secure.
