When you have lived in your home for many years, moving into a new home can account for a big transition for yourself, your partner, and most of all, your children. Whether your kids are toddlers or teenagers, additional challenges arise when kids are involved in the moving process. This is especially true when they don’t know what to expect with this new change in their lives. Therefore, it is important your children understand that moving into a new home is a positive change that will present endless opportunities for your family as a whole. Need help preparing your kids for your big move? Here are 9 tips that will make moving easier for your children!

1) See the Move From Your Children’s Perspective 

It’s important to understand how your kids feel about moving into a new home, so adjust your point of view to understand your children’s perspective. Will they be leaving the home they have lived in their entire lives? Will they be leaving their friends and family who they are used to seeing on a regular basis? If this is the case, moving may be intimidating or upsetting for your kids. Understanding how your children will feel about moving will help you address any concerns they may have, as well as help you to be patient, provide them with a little extra attention, and deal with any disputes that may occur.

2) Talk to Your Kids About Moving

Processing the fact that your family will be moving into a new home can be hard for any child. Therefore, start talking to your kids about your move as far in advance as possible. Doing so will help prepare them for the move, adapt to changes, and allow for any nerves to settle before the big day. Here are some tips to help the conversation with your kids go as smoothly as possible:

• Let them know that moving is a great opportunity for the entire family. Your routines and structures will be the same, you will just be in a new home!
• Reassure them that all their belongings will be taken with you. You won’t leave anything behind!
• Let them know what they can expect with their new home, as well as on moving day without overwhelming them with too much detail.
• Slow down and watch for your children’s nonverbal cues. This will give you insight into how they feel about moving, as well as show that you are really listening to them.
• Give them time to fully comprehend that you will be moving into a new home and reassure them that any feelings they have towards moving are valid.
• Tell your children that this is a new chapter in their lives and that it may seem like a big deal now, but they will grow to love their new home along with their new adventure in life.

3) Take Your Kids to Your New Neighbourhood Before Your Move

Once your kids understand that moving is a good thing, you can start getting them excited about the move. If possible, bring them to your new neighbourhood and show them around. Show them your new home, as well as any parks and fun amenities that are nearby. By making positive associations with your new home, your kids will see it as a new adventure rather than a loss.

If this is a long-distance move and you can’t bring your children to visit the area before you move, try teaching them about the new city and your new neighbourhood. Show them pictures of your new home, the area, and tell them about all of the fun things that you will be doing once you move. You can even compile a list of activities that you will do as a family upon moving into your new home to give them something to look forward to.

4) Stick to Your Routine

If your family has a solid routine in place, try to keep your routine as consistent as possible before, during, and after your move. Children are often afraid of the unknown and moving into a new home can be a big unknown for them. Maintaining their basic day-to-day routine can help settle any fears or anxieties they may have.

Routines help children learn to make decisions for themselves and take charge of their day. When they have a consistent schedule that works for them, that sense of control can be huge with such a big change approaching in the near future. Be sure to establish your routines in your new home as quickly as possible. Although your home has changed, your kids will feel like their lives are still the same.

5) Be Patient with Your Kids

As much reassurance and positive feelings you associate with moving, your children may still feel a little anxious about moving into a new home. Feeling anxious is perfectly normal, so allow them to express their feelings. Answer any questions they may have about moving and be sure to keep a positive attitude. They will adjust to this new change; they may just need some time to process. Here are some things you can do to stay patient and positive with your kids:

• Give yourself and your children time to process and unwind.
• Ask for help when you need it. You may need a babysitter or professional help when packing.
• Enjoy some time with your children in your home before you move out. Make some memories in your home and take in all the moments you have together.

6) Be Strategic with Packing Your Kids’ Things

Leave your children’s things to the end of your packing! By packing up their bedroom last, they will have a familiar place to go to as the rest of their home is being packed away. When it finally comes to pack up your kids’ bedroom, make sure to involve them in the process. Allow them to help you pack up their toys, electronics, or whatever belongings that they hold special value to. Also, be sure to label your boxes with extra emphasis on the boxes that hold their special belongings, so when you’re unpacking, you will know exactly which boxes should be opened first. If you need help with packing up your belongings, furniture, and valuable items, Deluxe Moving & Storage is here to help! We can pack, move, and unpack your belongings, so you can focus on your children and the logistics of your move.

7) Have a Plan for Moving Day

If your children are young and you are moving locally, arrange to have a babysitter, friend, or family member to take care of your kids on moving day. With boxes and furniture being moved around, there will be too many distractions for you to give your full attention to your children. Just be sure that your kids arrive to their new home with enough time before bedtime so that they can explore the house and get comfortable before having to go to bed.

If a babysitter isn’t an option for you, be sure to take the time to explain what is happening and what moving day will look like. Make sure your kids understand that your boxes and belongings will be transported and unpacked in your new home. Also be sure to give them your extra attention whenever possible, as well as give them something to focus on such as watching over a special stuffed animal, your phone, or iPad.

When everything is packed and out of your old home, walk your kids through every room to say goodbye. Let them take their time and answer any questions they may have. This closure will be good for both your children and your entire family.

8) Keep Safety Top of Mind

Keep your children safe before and after your move. If you have young children or toddlers, try to “baby-proof” your home before your kids arrive. They’ll want to explore their new home, so there’s a greater chance that they will get into things they shouldn’t. Here are some precautions you can take to ensure your childrens’ safety:

• Put away cleaning supplies and anything dangerous that could be ingested.
• Refrain from stacking your boxes high or leaving piles of things laying around.
• Bring your first aid kit with you – don’t pack it away in a box.
• Make a safe space for your kids right away, so they have a space to roam free without worry of any danger or injury.
• Let your children explore each room after it is set up. Make each room a surprise to keep them out until the room is ready.
• Take your children out of the house while furniture is being set up. This is the perfect time to take them to nearby parks and amenities.

9) Allow Time to Unpack and Get Settled

A sense of familiarity is extremely important for children. Unpack their things first and bring out their favourite items right away to ensure a sense of security. Additionally, try to keep your schedules and routines consistent. Setting up a new home is a big task, so consistency will be good for the entire family.

In the first few weeks of living in your new home, your children may need more attention or assurance than they normally would, so make sure you are open to talk and available for them to seek comfort in. Try to reduce your hours of work or hold off on making plans until your new house feels like home for your children. Dedicating extra time to your kids will help them to feel secure and comfortable, even if it means taking a bit longer to unpack.

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We hope this blog provided you with some valuable tips that will help ease the stress that moving into a new home may present for your children. It is a matter of ensuring they feel supported, and helping them understand that moving into a new home will help your family grow and take on new, exciting adventures. Need help packing your belongings, moving into your new home, and unpacking your items as efficiently and effectively as possible? Deluxe Moving & Storage offers full-service moving so you can keep your focus on your loved ones. Contact our team today for a seamless and stress-free move!

Want more moving tips and advice? Never hesitate to contact our team with any questions you might have about the moving process. Whether you’re moving across the street or to a brand new city, choosing Deluxe Moving & Storage for your next move is the best thing you can do to ensure a safe and healthy moving experience for you and your loved ones. Learn more about our moving services and packing services and don’t forget to fill out our FREE, no-obligation quote form. We can help make your move easier and safer, leave the work to us!