Are you starting the process of moving with kids? No matter the age of your children, it is a daunting task and can be stressful for everyone involved. It doesn’t matter if you are moving from apartment to apartment or house to house, this transition is likely going to be challenging for your kids.
I have some great tip to help make the transition to a new home a little less stressful
Tip 1: Acknowledge your kids emotions
Moving is emotional for everyone. In fact, moving is listed as one of the five most emotionally stressful situations that a person may experience during their lifetime. Even if the move is exciting, sadness or even anger is a natural response to stress. Allow your kids to express their feelings and help them examine the roots of those feelings. Validate their emotions and encourage them to openly share them without judgment.
Tip 2: Packing options
When it comes to packing, you are going to do one of two things depending on your child’s age and personality.
Option 1 – Pack while they are sleeping or when they are not home. Some kids may struggle with seeing their things being packed up. If you are going through and disposing of broken items or donating unused toys, do so when your children are not around.
Option 2 – Involve your kids in the packing process. Give them some boxes and tape and have them pack up their room. If they want to help in other areas of the house, let them. Even if this means you have to go back and fix some of their poor packing jobs.
Tip 3: Favorites box or bag
Pack a “favorites” bag or box for each child. Make sure all of your child’s favorite items are in this one special bag or box. That last thing you will want on your first day in the new house is your child crying because their favorite stuffed animal is missing. So be sure to think about your kids’ comfort items and put them into one location.
Tip 4: Moving day tips
Moving day is often the most stressful day of the whole moving process. If it is possible, send your kids to play with friends for the day or overnight with their grandparents. This allows you the space you need to accomplish the tasks involved in moving without hauling your children around with you.
If you don’t have somewhere for your kids to go, provide your kids with some planned activities to keep them busy. For example, young kids can be provided with a cloth and spray bottle to do “cleaning duty.” Older children can stay distracted by building a fort out of the empty boxes.
Tip 5: Unpack their room first
Make your children’s room the first priority when it comes to unpacking. This gives the kids a safe space to spend time while you focus on unpacking the rest of the home. Let them help organize their room. Have them choose where the bed and dresser should be located. Once you’re unpacked, take the time to really make their room personalized by painting the wall and hanging decor that your child loves.
Tip 6: Maintain a routine
I get it. This is much easier said than done. But sticking to your normal schedule as much as possible will help the transition to this new norm. Re-establish your regular nap times, snack times, bed times, and meal times as quickly as possible.
Tip 7: Tour the neighborhood together
Make a list of all the fun things to do in the area and do them! Take breaks from unpacking and spend time as a family getting to know the new community.
Tip 8: Set the tone
Again, this is easier said than done. As the parent, you are going to be feeling stressed and overwhelmed. But it is important to remember that if you are stressed, your kids will naturally pick up on that stress. So try to maintain your cool around the kiddos. Take breaks yourself and focus on some personal self-care throughout the process.
Tip 9: Say goodbye
Take time to say goodbye to the old house. Let your kids visit their favorite places in the home and say goodbye. If you are also changing communities, don’t forget to take the kids to their last visit at their favorite park or ice cream shop.
Tip 10: Read books
Read books about moving. This is a great thing to start before the move actually happens. Hearing stories about other kids’ similar experiences can help normalize their emotions and ease any fears.
Some great books that I recommend:
- Tigger’s Moving Day by Kathleen W. Zoehfeld and Robbin Cuddy (ages 2 to 4)
- A Kiss Goodbye by Audrey Penn (ages 3 to 7)
- The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day by Stan and Ian Berenstain (ages 3 to 7)
- Teacup by Rebecca Young (ages 4 to 8)
- When You Are Brave by Pat Zietlow Miller (ages 4 to 8)
I hope all of these great tips help reduce some of the stress related to transitioning your children into a new home.
If you are needing help with the challenging task of house hunting with your kids, you will want to check out my post 7 Tips for Housing Hunting with Kids.