Helpful Tips for Moving with Children

Helpful Tips for Moving with Children

Moving home is a stressful time, no matter who you are. But it can become significantly more so when you also have the emotional turmoil of moving your children with you. For younger children, this can be a difficult situation to make them understand. For older children, this can be met with resentment and a negative or stubborn attitude. To help create a smoother transition, here are some key things to remember. Some helpful tips for moving with children ahead.

Moving with Young Children

• Think About Schools

Not only will the move be a huge transition for your child, but if they have yet to start school, this can be another overwhelming change for them. It’s best to avoid too much at once. If you can, plan your move date to be a lot sooner than your child’s school start date to give them the chance to settle into their new home. Before they then have to tackle the beginning of their education. If you’re unsure whether your child is ready for school once you have moved and settled in, you should read this article from Pre Uni College as a guide.

• Keep All Familiar Possessions in Sight

If your child is at an age where they don’t completely understand what moving house means. They may not react positively to all their toys and furniture suddenly being packed up in boxes and taken out of sight. Ensure that you keep some toys with them during the move and unpack their items as soon as possible in the new home. Arranging them in a familiar way so as to comfort your child and assure them that nothing has been thrown away.

Moving with Teenagers

• Kit Out Your New Home with Technology As Soon as Possible

This means get your internet up and running as soon as you can. Ensure your teenager can use their smart devices with a clear signal and connectivity as soon as possible. Teenagers are most likely to be disgruntled about a move, especially if they are leaving important relationships and friends behind. Making sure that your teenager is not completely cut off from communication (such as having to wait a month before they can use the internet to Skype or speak to their friends) can help with the transition and assist in lowering any frustration levels.

• Let Them Have a Say

If your teen is not feeling positive about the move in the first place, it’s important not to dictate everything to them. Telling them what to do and how the move is going to go is only going to result in them rebelling and being uncommunicative. Instead, try to encourage them to get more involved, by saying, for example, ‘I know you’re not happy about the move, but you can have the first pick of your room and how you want to decorate.’ Or, you can encourage them to have an input in how to arrange furniture, or what time they would like the movers to arrive. Just asking for their opinion can often make the process a lot easier.