During a long drive or plane ride, give your kids wrapped presents that they can open along the way (age appropriate). This can make the trip more exciting for them.
Be available to listen to their concerns. Although you may be preoccupied, it is important to assuage their worries and let them know that they are not alone. Get your finances in order so you can focus on spending time moving with your kids. See what your new home warranty covers and get a budget in line for your new home.
1. Plan Ahead
When planning for your move, make sure to include your children. They are more likely to be open and honest with you about their feelings and thoughts. This can help alleviate any fears and anxiety they may have about the upcoming change.
Tour the new house with them (in-person is preferable, but photos and Google Maps street view are a great substitute). This allows them to become familiar with their future home.
Also, try to get them involved in the packing process by letting them sort through their belongings and create two piles: keep and donate. This will give them a sense of control and ownership over their things.
2. Pack Early
Leaving kids’ things for last can make them feel like their home is getting taken away, which can cause a lot of stress. If possible, try to get your kids’ stuff packed first so that it can be one of the last boxes loaded on the truck.
This will also give your children something familiar to retreat back to as the house gets packed up. You could even set up their new room before moving in so that they have somewhere to go right away.
If you’re able, take them to their new neighborhood and school to let them see where they will be living. This can help ease their transition and allow them to start making friends before they leave.
3. Have Fun
The best way to keep kids happy during a move is by helping them connect with their new community. If possible, take them along on home tours or let them browse realtor websites with you. Ask them what features are important to them (swimming pool, fenced in yard, two-car garage, etc.).
Make sure they meet neighbors with children the same age. This will help them feel less lonely and connected to their new home almost immediately.
If you can, pack the kids’ things last and unpack them first. This will give them more time in their old room and a chance to get excited about the new space.
4. Get Organized
Getting organized is a must when moving with kids. Make sure you have all of your storage hacks on hand to keep everything organized and easily accessible during the move.
Let the kids help with the organization of boxes and arranging furniture, if they’re interested. This can be a great way for them to feel like they have control of their new home.
Be sure to pack your kid’s bedroom last and unpack it first at the new house. This will help them feel like their new home is familiar and consistent with the old one.
5. Let Them Explore
As much as they may resist it, kids will be more excited about a move if they get to explore their new home and neighborhood. This doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, either – just make sure they have opportunities to see things they can connect with like a park, a nearby playground or a cool local restaurant.
Another thing you can do is let them help plan their rooms in the new house, even if that just means picking out paint swatches and decor. This can help them feel like they’re in charge of the situation, which is important during such a big change.
6. Don’t Overdo It
During the moving process, it is important to keep your child’s routine as consistent as possible. For example, try to feed them and bathe them at the same times each day. This will help them feel safe and secure.
If your children are old enough, allow them to help you select your new home. Even if they can’t have the final say, letting them trek with you to hardware stores to look at paint chips and picking out bedding and decor can make them feel empowered during this time of change.
7. Be Prepared
It’s important to talk to your children about the move and why it’s happening. Even if they’re too young to understand the reasons, it can help them feel comfortable with this major life change.
Try to keep their daily routines the same leading up to and during the move. This includes maintaining their bedtime and wake up times, and allowing them to continue participating in extracurricular activities.
Also, take the time to baby-proof your new home before moving in. This will prevent them from getting into things they shouldn’t, like cleaning products and outlets that aren’t covered.
