The only thing more stressful than moving to a new home? Moving to a new home with children.
When you add your kids to the mix, you are faced with a whole new set of challenges. From long-term effects like a new school, to short-term problems like trying to pack and move items safely when you have small children, there are a lot of extra factors to take into consideration when moving with kids.
Read on to learn how to help navigate some of these challenges and make moving with your kids much more painless!
Get Them Excited
There can be a lot of emotions involved in a move, and kids are especially vulnerable. Children typically thrive on routine and the comfort of surety, so such a big change is likely to be upsetting for them. By allowing them room to express their emotions, as well as helping them to see the positives for themselves in a move (a bigger room, moving closer to their grandparents, etc.) will help to ease the transition and make the move easier for them…and for you.
Get Organized
The key to any move is your organization, and this goes double when you have children. Consider color-coordinating boxes for specific rooms or people by using different colored duct tape, and make lists of the items that need to be picked last for the comfort of your children, such as favorite toys and other special items.
Speaking of packing…if doing it yourself, start it even earlier than you think is necessary. You can also pack items while your children are sleeping or on playdates to help alleviate the stress on them when they see items being tucked away.
Involve Your Kids In The Move
Something you can do to help your kids throughout the process: get them involved from the start! When shopping for a new home, show them the room that would be theirs. Offer to let them help decorate; they can choose a paint color, wallpaper, or new curtains/bedding. Get them excited about the new backyard or school. Make them feel valued and let them know that they are a big part of the decision.
When it comes time for packing and the big day of the move, make sure that they have jobs of their own. It again helps them to feel important and gives them some kind of responsibility of their own to feel proud of accomplishing.
Help Them Settle In
Once you get to the new home, while there may be other things that you want to turn your attention to, make sure you prioritize your child. Unpack their room first, and help them get back to a routine surrounded by familiar comforts in an unfamiliar environment. When the time comes, help them adjust to their new school, and help find local and neighborhood events where they can meet kids their own age and begin to form new friendships.
Outsource the Moving Process
The easiest way to alleviate stress around your move? Call a local moving company to take care of all of the hassles for you! With full-service moving options, Treasure Valley Movers can help you from packing that first box and lifting your furniture to unpacking that last teddy bear in your new home. Call us today to find out more about how we can make your move painless.
