Moving is exciting and daunting at the same time, but even more challenging when children are involved.
Children hate change and emotions of uncertainty, anxiety, and sadness of leaving their comfort zone will most likely set in. As a parent it is important you prepare your children to transition into your surroundings and make it as stress free as possible by involving them in the process. Talk to them and address their concerns to make them feel comfortable. Children stress about leaving their friends, their school, and their everyday surroundings that they are comfortable with. Get them involved in the move so they feel comfortable with new surroundings.
Here are some tips that may help you:
1. Explain to them why they are moving and what the new home will be like to help them ease their fears and anxiety. This is a very important part of the process.
2. Get them involved in the move by having them pack their belongings (not you). This will make them feel invested in the move and not forced out of their home.
3. Have them make a list of things they would like in the new home. This can be things they already have or may want in the future. This will give them a positive outlook to moving.
4. Make sure their routine is kept as close as possible. This means socializing with friends, going to school, attending extra calicular activities, mealtimes, and bedtimes.
5. Pack a special bag for each child with their favourite toys, books, and snacks to keep them occupied during the move.
6. If you must, hire a sitter of send them with family or friends for moving day, if they are too young to help.
Packing and labelling boxes for moving.
7. Label boxes clearly so that you can quickly find belongings and set up their rooms in the new house first.
8. Have a plan for dinner the first night by having their favourite food ordered in so they are excited about the big day.
9. Throw a goodbye party prior to the move for your children and their friends before you move. Give them a chance to say goodbye and feel closure about leaving their old home and friends.
10. Take photos of your old home with your children so they can remember their community. When they are older they will appreciate these photos and bring back memories of where they came from.
11. Try and maintain connections with their old friends by scheduling visits and phone calls or video chats. This will help them ease into the new community.
12. Visit the new house and community ahead of time as much as possible and let them get familiar with the new surroundings and reduce their anxiety about the move.
13. Get your children involved in choosing decorations for their new room, such as paint colours or bedding. This can help them feel more excited and invested in the move.
14. Most Importantly - Be patient!
After The Move:
Now that you have moved in its not over yet! They will need assistance in the transition.
15. Explore the new neighbourhood together by taking walks or bike rides around the neighbourhood with your children. This will give them an opportunity to meet other children with you by their side. This will help them get comfortable with the new area and new people.
16. Get involved in the community, be it enrolling them in sports, clubs or volunteering. This will help you and them feel more connected to the community and your new home.
17. Have a family night and play games or make popcorn and watch a movie together. Make it a fun night so they feel connected to you and the new home.
18. Remember that routines are going to make them comfortable and secure in their new home.
19. Make it a priority to meet your new neighbours as quick as possible. Some neighbours will come and introduce themselves, but some may feel shy to say hello. Go out into the community and help them meet the new neighbours and their children. They will feel more welcomed and accept the new community. A great place to meet neighbours is the local park, the school playground, and just walking around the neighbourhood and introducing yourself and your children.
20. Above all always keep an open communication with your children about how they are feeling and any concerns they have about the move. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings about the new home.
Moving with kids can be challenging, but with some planning and preparation, it is possible to make the move a positive and pleasant experience for everyone.
If you or someone you know needs advice on REAL ESTATE, please feel free to reach out to me and
I will do my best to be of assistance. I am here to help!
Tony Rinella – B.A. Urban Studies (1981)
Ethos Realty
204-771-3866
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