Moving is always challenging. Having children involved adds another layer of difficulty to an already complex process.
Children need to feel stable and secure. Uprooting their home to transition to a new one can disrupt school performance, interfere with social skills, and result in behavioral challenges.
Many factors influence how a move will affect children, including age, school changes, and frequency of moves during childhood. In this blog post, we share some thoughtful ideas about making the transition easier when you have children to care for during the move.
Communicate
Talking openly about moving is critical for children of all ages. Let them know you aren’t going anywhere and will still be together in your new home. Openly sharing what to expect before, during, and right after the move is important. It will help them feel connected to the process.
Be Aware
Personality differences will influence how children react to this big transition. Some kids are very chill and can go with the flow easily, while others may not cope well with a change. Moving is a busy time for parents, but it is crucial to stay aware of your child’s reaction to the move so you can help them cope with their feelings.
Plan Ahead
Help your kids know what to expect by discussing the process and showing them around your new neighborhood. Plan some activities in your new area. Some ideas include taking them to check out the local library, tour their new school, or find some new favorite places to eat near their new home.
Keep the Kids Involved
Giving your kids some control over their situation will help them feel connected and secure. Let them make decisions like what to keep or toss from their room. Other kid-friendly decisions may include paint colors for their new room. When older kids are involved allowing them to do some new neighborhood research can help them feel more in control of the situation.
Take Time Out for Hugs and Reassurance
Pausing for hugs or just a minute to connect can reassure kids during a move. Babies may need snuggle time, toddlers may need more hugs, and even older kids can welcome your intentional reassurance during a move.
Give Them Space for Sadness
While a move may be exciting for the adults in the house, it can be a time of sadness for children. They can associate moving with losing something because of the safety and security they feel in their current home. Be sure to allow them to feel sad and validate their feelings throughout the process. Allowing them to express their sadness will help them work through it healthily. Preserving memories is another way to help kids work through sad feelings. You can make a memory box with photos, and take time to share some of the fun, meaningful memories you made in your old home.
Try to Stick to a Schedule
As much as possible, sticking to a routine will help children through a move. Fear of the unknown can negatively impact children’s behavior. If you can make sure meals and bedtimes stay relatively consistent, it will help them through the transition.
Set Up the Kids’ Rooms First
Setting up the kids’ rooms first will help them feel more comfortable in your new home. Making their rooms a priority will create a safe space for them while you are busy dealing with mountains of boxes to unpack and organize. Kids will feel more at ease surrounded by their favorite things and in their own beds at night. Mark the kids’ boxes clearly and let your movers know they are top priority upon arrival.
Safety
Safety is critical when moving with babies and toddlers, but also a priority for children of all ages. Ensure a responsible adult is watching the children and have a safe space away from loading and unloading zones for them to play or hang out. Be aware of cleaning supplies, tools, cords, scissors, and other hazardous items that may be accessible during the move. Accidents do happen, but it helps to be vigilant in taking precautions to prevent them.
Don’t Take Your Kids’ Personally
If your kids are angry and sad, it’s easy to take it personally. Although the move may be due to a positive for you, like a new home or job change, your kids may not see it that way at first. If they are acting out with verbal anger, it may feel like a personal attack.
Introduce the Movers
When moving day arrives, a group of strangers will enter the house and remove all of your possessions from your home. While this concept is not alarming to adults who have scheduled and paid a trusted moving company, it can be very stressful for children. Introduce your kids to the moving crew to set them at ease during the process. Explaining that the moving team is there to help move everything safely will reassure the kids that they will see all their toys and favorite belongings again at your new home.
Take Care of Yourself
Taking care of your kids begins with taking care of you. Moves are stressful for everyone. Being stressed out and short-tempered can cause more stress on your children. Ensuring you are getting adequate sleep, taking breaks, eating, and staying hydrated is essential.
How Local Movers Can Help
Hiring a local moving company can help reduce stress during your move. Local movers have real-life knowledge about your area, so they can navigate local weather and traffic issues. Local movers are often more cost-effective than big chain companies and can provide personalized customer service. Movers familiar with the area will be more relatable for you and your kids.
Smooth Move
Smooth Move is proud to serve the greater Charleston, South Carolina area. We have a solid reputation for our commitment to excellence in customer care and providing the best stress-free moving experience possible.