Want to make moving day even tougher for yourself? Try figuring everything out with kids in tow! Moving home with younger children adds a whole new dimension to the entire process, so it’s best to prepare yourself well in advance.
In this article, we’re breaking down the steps you’ll need to take in order to make moving home with kids less stressful.
Before the move
Involve the kids as much as possible while you’re house-hunting. Take them to viewings and show them pictures of houses you’re thinking of looking at. Ask for their feedback and opinions too. This makes them feel included, and should go a long way towards making the transition easier to handle for them.
Once you’ve set your sights on a house – and things look like they’re progressing – you can get your kids thinking about what they’d like their new rooms to look like. Some creative interior decorating can keep them focused on the move, looking to the future instead of being stuck in the past, so ask them to draw up plans for colours, layout and decor they’d like to have. The more fun they can have thinking about their new home, the better.
As you get closer to moving day, make a couple of visits to the new neighborhood with your kids. Take them for a walk, visit a nearby park, go shopping – show them what day-to-day life will be like once you’re all settled in. If they’re also moving schools, visiting their new class before move day will minimise the anxiety of being the ‘new kid’, so arrange this if possible.
Moving day
Moving day is notoriously tough to coordinate, and it can be challenging with kids if you’re not prepared. Again, it’s about involvement and communication. If you’re packing your own belongings, task the children with labelling their own boxes. Let them colour and decorate the boxes as they wish so they can put their personal stamp on the day.
Of course, some parents will find it easier to have a family member or friend look after youngsters. In the case of younger toddlers or babies, this is a wise move – it’ll save you having to juggle all things at once and you’ll have peace of mind that your children will be safe and sound until the move is complete.
If you do keep the kids with you on moving day, keep snacks, drinks and toys close to hand so they stay energised and entertained throughout.
After the move
The settling in period can be difficult for kids – especially if you’ve moved a long distance. Try to maintain channels of communication with old friends and family as much as you can, and stay positive.
Keep to a normal routine as best you can and listen to anything they have to say about the new home and their feelings towards it.
If you’re planning to redecorate parts of the house, involve your children as much as possible. They’ll definitely have some ideas about their own rooms, so let them get imaginative and try to do everything you can to make them feel right at home.
At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® we aim to make moving day as stress–free as can be. Whether you’re moving down the road or across the country, we help to make the transition to your new home a smooth one. We offer a full packing service – or we can provide quality packing materials if you’d prefer to pack yourselves – and we make sure all your possessions are kept safe and sound throughout the removals journey. For more information, or to arrange a free quotation, simply contact us today.