Moving to a new home is an exciting change, but it can be both exciting and a little overwhelming for families with kids. Kids often thrive on routine and familiarity, so the idea of a new home, school, and neighborhood can bring up emotions like anxiety and sadness.
However, with the right preparation and a few well-chosen strategies, moving with kids can become a positive and even memorable experience for the whole family. Let’s review some helpful tips to make your move with kids as smooth as possible.
1. Start with Open Conversations
One of the best ways to support kids during a move is to talk to them about it early on. Children, especially those in school, benefit from knowing about the move ahead of time so they can process their emotions. Homeschooling and moving is hard, so discuss why you’re moving, what the new home will be like, and what they might find exciting about the change. Ask them about their feelings and allow them to express concerns or questions.
Books and stories about moving can help introduce the concept gently to younger children. For older kids, particularly teens, honesty and openness go a long way. Listen to their concerns and involve them in the planning where possible.
2. Let Kids Help with the Packing
Allowing your kids to participate in the packing process helps them feel a sense of control and involvement. Even simple tasks, like packing their toys or decorating boxes, can help ease anxiety. Make it fun—set aside time to go through their room together, letting them decide what to keep, donate, or toss.
Pack each child a “moving day survival kit” filled with snacks, favorite toys, water, and wipes. This can be a massive help on the day when everyone feels the strain of leaving the old place behind.
3. Create a Easy Moving Day Routine
When moving day arrives, having a routine to keep things organized is helpful. Assign specific roles to different family members and consider having a friend or family member help keep the kids entertained. This could mean setting up a small play area with coloring books, puzzles, or a tablet with their favorite shows. Have a professional mover take on the heavy lifting to reduce stress and keep the day running smoothly.
Saying goodbye to the old house can also be an emotional experience for kids, so consider adding a goodbye ritual. This could be as simple as taking a final walk through the house, snapping a few photos, or letting each child say goodbye to their room. These small acts can provide closure and help kids transition mentally to their new home.
4. Settle Kids Into the New Home First
Once you arrive at the new house, setting up the kids’ rooms first is a great way to help them feel at home. Familiar toys, bedding, and decorations bring comfort and familiarity to a new space. Encourage them to help decide where things go in their room; giving them a sense of ownership can make the new house feel more like home.
Also, let them explore the house and get familiar with it. Point out their new “special spots”—like a cozy corner for reading, a spot in the kitchen to help with cooking or a favorite window with a great view. This exploration process helps ease the adjustment and lets them feel more comfortable in their new environment.
5. Maintain Routines and Offer Comfort
Kids often feel secure with familiar routines, so maintaining schedules for meals, bedtime, and family activities during the move can help ease their stress. Try to keep these routines as consistent as possible, even if things are still chaotic in the new home.
If your kids are starting a new school, consider contacting the school counselor or teachers to help ease the transition. Many schools offer programs or buddies for new students to help them feel welcome. It can also help to set up a plan for staying in touch with friends from the old neighborhood through video calls or letters.
6. Help Kids Build New Connections
Settling into a new neighborhood means making new friends, which can be challenging for kids. Encourage them to get involved in local activities or clubs that interest them, like sports, art classes, or scouting. Finding ways to connect with other kids early on helps ease feelings of loneliness and makes the transition easier.
Parents can also set a positive example by participating in the community. Connecting with neighbors and joining local events shows kids they’re part of a friendly, supportive new network.
7. Focus on the Positives of Moving
Moving with kids is a chance to expose them to new experiences, friendships, and perspectives. While it may be initially challenging, many families find that kids become more resilient and adaptable as they adjust to their new surroundings. Moving can help kids learn how to face new situations, make new friends, and discover new interests—all valuable life skills that will help them throughout life.
Conclusion
By approaching the move with empathy, communication, and a little planning, you can make the experience positive for everyone. For parents, working with a local mover can alleviate some of the logistical stress and allow more time to focus on supporting the family through the change. Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it can become a great adventure that brings the family closer together with the right approach.
FAQs
1. How do I prepare my kids emotionally for the move?
Preparing kids emotionally starts with open communication. Talk to them about the move as early as possible, explaining why it’s happening and what they can expect. Allow them to express any concerns or fears and validate their feelings. Using books or stories about moving can help younger kids understand the process. Where possible, involve them in decisions about the new home to give them a sense of control.
2. How can I help my kids feel comfortable in the new home?
Setting up their rooms first and bringing familiar items like toys, bedding, and decorations can help kids feel at home. Let them decide how they want to arrange things in their room, which gives them a sense of ownership. Encourage them to explore the new house and find their favorite spots. Also, routines like bedtime and mealtime should be consistent to create a feeling of stability in the new environment.
3. What should I pack in a moving day kit for kids?
A moving day kit should include essentials to keep kids comfortable and entertained, like snacks, water, wet wipes, a favorite toy or stuffed animal, and a few activities like coloring books or tablets with their favorite shows. If the move is long-distance, consider including travel games or audiobooks to keep them engaged during the trip.
4. How can I help my child make new friends after the move?
Encourage your child to participate in activities they enjoy, like sports, art classes, or other community programs. Many neighborhoods or schools offer clubs and after-school activities where kids can meet others with similar interests. Additionally, meeting neighbors and attending local events together as a family can help create a sense of belonging and show kids that they’re part of a supportive community.