Moving is stressful for parents, but can be very hard on kids.
When it comes time to move, especially if you’re moving to an entirely different area, kids can feel left out, or sad about leaving friends. They can also have trouble adjusting to new schools.
The best way to help your child adjust is by making sure they feel included in the process of moving.
Here are 10 tips for moving with young children.
1. Plan ahead.
You’re moving with young children, which means that you’re going to be stressed out and tired. The last thing any of us needs is more stress and fatigue. So don’t wait until the last minute to pack up your home, buy boxes and packing tape, empty out the refrigerator and pantry (or do anything else), hire movers or find storage units—all of these things should be done well in advance so that when moving day comes around there are fewer things left on your plate to worry about.
2. Keep the kids as informed as possible.
Make sure your kids are as informed as possible about the move. Let them know when it will happen, and how long it will take. Explain why you’re moving, and what they can expect when they arrive at their new home. Share photos with them (if possible) so they can see what life will be like there, and point out some of the benefits for them personally—a big yard where they can play ball or run around freely; a nearby park where they can play on swings or slides; maybe even some friends who live nearby who will soon become part of your child’s world.
3. Be flexible with your schedule.
You have to be flexible with your schedule, especially when moving with young children. This can mean rearranging your work schedule or taking time off from work altogether. It also means being ready to adapt on a moment’s notice if something unexpected happens, like an illness or other emergency that might prevent you from moving on the day you had planned.
It’s important for parents and caregivers to be flexible with their schedules because it helps them avoid stress and have time to handle any unexpected changes.
4. Don’t take their reaction personally, help them through it.
You’re moving, and your kids are probably not happy about it. They may be clinging to you, or they might express anxiety or anger. Either way, it’s important not to take their reaction personally. It’s not about you; it’s about the move.
- Don’t take it personally if your kid doesn’t want to talk about what’s going on in their life or how they feel about moving: They may need time alone with their thoughts.
- Don’t take it personally if your child refuses dinner: Kids often don’t eat well when they’re stressed out.
- Don’t take it personally if your child won’t go to bed at night: You need enough sleep yourself so that you can help out wherever possible during this stressful period.
5. Stay organized.
- Use a packing list to ensure you have everything packed before the movers arrive. You’ll want to make sure that each room has its own packing list so that nothing gets forgotten or misplaced during the move process. If possible, label boxes with the contents of each box so they can be easily located later on when unpacking takes place (this will save time).
- Keep bedrooms organized so kids won’t get confused about where their things go after the move—and remember: don’t forget any special toys or other items that may be used for bedtime routines like teddy bears!
- Look into the kids’ new school schedule and transportation before the move.
6. Let the kids help with small tasks.
- Let them pack their own clothes, toys and books. They’ll feel more in control of the process and more excited about the new home when they can take care of some things on their own.
- Have your child help clean up after dinner or tidy up before bedtime so they get used to keeping things neat. This will make it easier for everyone when you finally do move into your new space!
- Let them help you cook dinner together as a family at least once a week during this time period; it will teach them valuable life skills like organization and patience as well as give everyone something fun to look forward to.
7. Make sure they get plenty of exercise and fresh air during the preparations for the move and while moving.
Kids need a lot of exercise, fresh air and sunshine. It’s important to make sure that they stay active.
- While preparing for the move, take walks together as often as possible. The fresh air will do everyone good.
- If you have a long car drive ahead of you, take breaks at rest areas where kids can run around outside and burn off some of their excess energy outside. Consider restaurants with play areas as well.
- Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your move. This will help keep everyone from getting dehydrated or sick during the move process.
- Try not to let kids spend too much time playing on electronic devices such as phones or gaming systems—instead encourage them to play outside with friends or family members if possible.
8. Pack the kids’ special items separately and unpack them first.
- Pack the kids’ special items, such as their favorite toys, books, or blankets, separately and unpack them first.
- Unpack your kids’ special box first so that they can quickly have their most comforting items available.
9. Stick to your normal routines as much as possible.
It’s important to keep the kids’ routine as normal as possible. You may be moving into a new house, but you don’t have to change their bedtimes or feed them different foods. If your child has always gone to bed at 7pm every night, continue putting them to bed at the same time.
10. Be patient with each other!
When moving with young children, it’s important to remember that they are not responsible for the stress of the move and should not be expected to act like adults. If your child is upset about leaving their friends, don’t take it personally or get angry at them for being upset. You can try offering some comfort by saying something like “I know you miss your friend but she will be okay too.” It is also important not to get angry at them if they are excited about starting a new school or making new friends; instead try welcoming this excitement as an opportunity for growth in your child’s life!
Similarly, if you find yourself feeling frustrated by how much energy moving takes out of everyone involved (and there will probably be days where it does), try not taking these feelings personally either—this isn’t meant as an attack on anyone involved with the move itself but rather just another part of the process we all need time learning how best handle together as families united through circumstance rather than choice.
Starting over can be hard, but it’s worth it in the end.
In addition to being patient with each other during this process, parents should try to keep things as normal as possible. Let them participate in small ways like packing their own things or helping with unpacking when you get settled into your new home.
Moving can be a stressful time for families, but ultimately it is rewarding for your whole family to move into your dream home or start a new life in a better place.