Ways to Make Moving Easier on Kids

Posted on 16/01/2024

Moving is a difficult and stressful time for everyone involved, but it is especially hard on kids. Moving can mean leaving behind friends, attending a new school, adapting to a different teacher, or even spending time in a completely unfamiliar area. Kids may have difficulty understanding why the move is necessary or why they need to leave their beloved homes. Moreover, the process of packing up can be overwhelming and disruptive to the normal routine.

Fortunately, there are some things parents can do to make the transition easier for their kids. Here are some ways that you can make moving easier for your children:

1. Talk to Your Kids Early On

Start talking to your kids about the upcoming move as soon as possible - even if it's just weeks away. Try to use a positive tone throughout your conversations, emphasizing all the fun and exciting aspects of moving to a new place. They want to know that you are all going together and that no one will be left behind, so avoid using phrases such as, "We're leaving this house" or, "It's time for us to go now." Let them know what is happening in advance, so they have time to mentally adjust and process the information.

2. Involve Your Kids in the Process

Invite your kids to help with the packing process by having them choose which items they would like to take with them and which items they might want to donate or leave behind. Allow them some decisions as it encourages ownership and engagement in the move. If your child is old enough, allow him/her to help with organizing boxes and labelling items for easy identification when you arrive at the new location. It could also be helpful if you provide them with their own personal storage crates - preferably ones they can decorate themselves - containing all of their most treasured items, such as teddy bears or special toys. This helps ensure that all their favourite things make it safely with them during the move and gives them something familiar in an unfamiliar space when they get there.

3. Make It an Adventure

Help kids understand that moving doesn't necessarily have to be sad; instead, try telling them about all the new things they will experience during their journey! Make packing into an adventure with fun activities such as pulling out old pictures from when they were younger or exploring different rooms in their current home (like the attic or basement) for special keepsakes that can come with them on their journey. You may also take this opportunity for some quality family time by playing board games at night or taking weekend trips together before moving day arrives. These activities can help your children look back fondly upon this period rather than seeing it solely as an unsettling change in life circumstances.

4. Keep Routines Consistent

Maintaining regular routines will help keep kids grounded during this chaotic period of transition, so try not to let too much slip while preparing for the move itself. Keep consistent bedtimes, mealtimes, playtimes etc., where possible throughout the process as a way to offer comfort and foster stability at an otherwise uncertain time in their lives. Familiar habits are reassuring during difficult moments - plus, it will also help eliminate any last-minute surprises when it comes time for unpacking after everything has been relocated!

5. Utilize Online Resources

There are many online resources available that can help make moving less daunting for young children - from virtual tours of new neighbourhoods to mobile apps designed specifically for helping families prepare for relocation tasks. Many communities have websites specifically aimed at assisting newcomers with useful info covering everything from local schools and recreation centres to job listings and community events; scoping these out beforehand can help prepare both parent and child for what lies ahead after settling in a new place. The internet also provides many easy tools for keeping connected beyond physical distance; social media platforms, video chatting applications and website forums will all assist greatly in keeping long-distance friendships alive during times of relocation!

6. Give Kids Time to Adjust

When you arrive at your destination, give your child(ren) plenty of time to explore their new environment without being rushed through every activity right away - even if more urgent matters need attending too. Letting kids go off to familiarize themselves with their surroundings (with appropriate supervision!) will help build trust, while they learn how best they fit into this new environment - be sure to provide plenty of praise and encouragement throughout this adjustment period! Relatedly, don't rush into making big changes immediately after arriving either; keep routines consistent, so kids don't feel overwhelmed by too much change right away; gradually easing into new activities lets children acclimate more naturally.

7 . Last but Not Least: Be Patient!

Finally, please remember that transitioning into a new place takes time - sometimes more than others, depending on individual needs - so patience is key! Everyone needs some extra understanding when dealing with stressful life changes, especially children who find such occasions particularly disconcerting - give yourself and your loved one's room and grace needed while accepting feelings and reactions honestly and validly, doing your best-effort best while expecting not much else along the way!

Moving is never easy, but following these tips should make it a little bit simpler - both for you and your kiddos! Remember not everyone reacts differently so try not to stress too much about perfection - just focus on doing what feels right for your family!