10 Essential Tips for Moving with Kids
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At Lund Conlon Removers & Storers, we know that moving to a new home is a huge challenge and when it comes to moving with children it adds another layer of complexity to an already stressful process.
There are very few life events that can evoke such emotions.
As a parent, you want to try and make the transition from old to new home as smooth as you can no matter what stage of life your living-at-home children may be.
For most, a new home also means a new location.
This brings big changes – new schools, getting used to different teachers and having to make new friends.
The experience can make them feel anxious and unsure about the future.
From the youngest babies to older teenagers, every step of moving to a new home can create a time bomb situation.
However, there are ways you can lessen the upheaval during and after the relocation.
Here are 10 essential tips for moving with kids and minimising stress for the whole family.
Article Contents
1. Moving with Young Children
Children who are well informed of what is happening adapt to the situation much quicker – communication is key.
Begin by talking to your children about the move as soon as you know it’s happening. This gives them time to process the information and ask questions.
There are even children’s books available following the journey of moving home. Visual aids enable young readers to embrace the change and see it as an adventure.
By talking about the move regularly you are re-enforcing the relocation while they take time to get to grips with it, even if it is on a subconscious level.
2. Moving with Teenagers
As hard as relocation can be on smaller children, it is just as stressful for teenagers, some would argue more so.
Teenagers will have already developed strong attachments both to their environment and with friends.
Discuss the reasons for the move and listen to their concerns and preferences.
Emphasise the positive aspects of the move, such as new opportunities, a fresh start, or exciting experiences in the new location.
Empower your teenagers by involving them in aspects of the move that they can control, such as packing their belongings, choosing their new room decor, or researching activities in the new area.
Take time to visit the new location and explore it. It will familiarise them with the area well before you all arrive.
Arrange a visit to their new school and meet the teacher so that it is not a shock on their first day.
Check out what clubs that are available locally such as a football team, tennis clubs and even some kind of volunteering. These are surefire ways of making new friends.
3. Listen to Your Kids Concerns
Every child is unique and each handles change differently.
You may be lucky and have confident, outgoing, and adaptable children, but this is rarely the case.
Few kids manage to sail through the relocation process without at least a few unsteady moments even older ones!
Be patient. Listen to their concerns even if you think they are silly.
Offer reassurance and validation as they navigate the challenges of saying goodbye to their old life and adjusting to the new one.
4. Stay Connected with Old Friends
For children of all ages, it helps to stay connected with old friends.
Stay connected with friends and family from their old location. Encourage them to keep in touch through social media and video calls.
If you haven’t moved too far away, you can invite old friends to stay for the day.
Staying in touch with old friends allows children to continue sharing their experiences, thoughts, and emotions with people who understand them well.
This ongoing support can be invaluable as they adjust to their new surroundings.
Moving to a new place can feel like starting over, but maintaining friendships from their previous location provides a sense of continuity and belonging.
It reminds children that their past experiences and relationships are still important and relevant.
You will be surprised at how quickly kids and even teenagers adapt and make new social circles.
5. Involve Kids in the Move
This is particularly important for younger kids.
There are several ways you can make them feel involved.
Make a promise that they can help decorate their new bedroom.
Closer to the move day, let them pack some of their belongings. You can provide them with several boxes, tape, and a pen.
Doing this in advance of the move helps to prevent them from feeling like everything is happening at once. They can take time to think about what they do or don’t want to pack.
You can also let them help you to pack. The actual move day will likely be hectic and too busy, however, even the adults need to do some preparation and packing before the big day.
Make sure you keep their packed boxes close to hand, so they are easily accessible during the first couple of weeks of moving into your new abode.
6. Apps and Games Based Around Moving Home
Prepare yourself and your children!
You may not be aware that some clever apps and games are designed to help kids adjust to moving by making the experience relatable and less intimidating.
Understanding what is happening to them makes such a difference in how they handle the situation.
Google has some top games and apps you might want to explore:
Amazon sell a range of moving house books with easy-to-understand explanations and images specifically designed to gently introduce young children to the idea of moving house.
7. What to do with Kids When Move Day Arrives?
This is a difficult question.
Again, it will depend on age. The moving day will be both incredibly busy and stressful for you. It is not a conducive environment for kids.
Ideally, try to pick a day when children are at school. This way they keep to the normal routine minimising any possible disruptions and stress.
If you use a professional removal company, you will have packers moving about throughout the home.
They will be working fast, and carrying heavy, potentially dangerous large items of furniture.
You won’t want your little ones getting hurt, and neither will you want the removal team dropping or damaging your belongings due to children running amok.
Older teenagers can plan to be out socialising for the day. It is a bit easier with this age group.
The best way to deal with little children is to ask family or friends to take them for the day.
You can add an incentive too. Tell them you have planned a special “moving house dinner” later.
A family meal (or a takeaway) together is the ideal time to discuss the day and what fun it will be moving into the new home. Plus, any fears or worries the kids may have.
8. Settling into the New House
After the initial busyness of moving-in day, it is time for all the family to get used to the new home.
Having their “own packed” boxes full of all their favourite toys, games and electronics placed into their new bedroom means they have familiar items to hand creating a sense of familiarity.
For a few weeks or so, keep everything consistent. The same morning and bedtime routine is important.
Initially, even using the same curtains and bed sheets, can help them feel they are in their old home.
Sort their rooms first. Perhaps let them help you buy a couple of new pieces of furniture such as a desk or chair.
You may even want to let them choose a night light. Sleeping in a new room can be daunting for little ones.
A special light shaped like a football, a unicorn, a rabbit or one that reflects the planets onto the ceiling is a great choice.
Sitting with them a little longer at bedtime and reading a story is another way to address their fears and anxieties.
Children are very adaptable and it won’t take long before they are familiar with their new surroundings and thriving again.
9. Keep Communicating
Until you are sure that the kids are well and truly settled, keep communicating with them.
Ask your children how they feel about the move. Even if they seem fine, initiate conversations to ensure they have an outlet for any hidden concerns (particularly with the new school)
Adapt your approach based on each child’s needs. One may need extra reassurance, while another might benefit from focusing on the exciting aspects of the new home.
Acknowledge their emotions, whether they are excited, anxious, or sad. Validating their feelings helps them process the change healthily.
There may be some behavioural changes or signs of distress. Moving is a significant transition, and adjusting takes time. Try to remain patient.
As a parent, you can make the process of relocating a much more positive experience.
By easing their fears and fostering a smoother transition, it will also benefit you in the long run.
We hope that our 10 Essential Tips for Moving with Kids will help the move to your new home less stressful.
10. Use a Professional Moving Company
Calling in professional movers is the easiest way to reduce stress for both you and your kids.
Why not let Lund Conlon Removers & Storers handle the heavy lifting and logistics, allowing you to focus on your family.
We are a flexible and friendly removal company adept at managing moves within the UK and overseas.
Our bespoke individually planned removal service is here for you. Big or small, you can be sure your move and your belongings are safe in our hands.
To find out more about how we can help plan and manage your move, give us a call today at 01234 819334
Alternatively, complete a quick quote form on our website. A member of our friendly customer service team will be in touch shortly to assist you.
By enlisting the help of Lund Conlon Removes & Storers, you can ensure a smoother, less stressful moving experience for your entire family.