10 Tips for a Successful Move With Kids

10 Tips for a Successful Move With Kids

Moving with kids can be a daunting experience, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right preparation and resources, you can make the transition to a new home smoother and less stressful for your family. In this blog post, we will provide you with 10 tips for a successful move with kids. From finding ways to keep your children entertained during the move, to providing them with the necessary emotional support, these tips can help you and your children make the most of your new home. So, let’s get started!

1) Include Them In The Planning Process
When it comes to moving homes with your child, it is important to include them in the planning process. Doing so will help them adjust to the new chapter ahead and reduce some of the challenges that come with it. Talk to your child about their feelings and let them know that you’re there to help them throughout the process. Ask them what they want from their new home and if there’s anything that makes them feel comfortable and secure. Give them a say in deciding where the family should move to and let them help in the process of researching and making a decision. This way, your child will not only feel included but also that their opinion matters.

2) Keep Their Routines as Normal as Possible
Moving homes can be a stressful time for any family, especially when there are kids involved. It can be difficult to maintain the same routine and comforts of home when the family is undergoing a major change. Despite the challenges that come with this new chapter, it's important to keep the routines your children are used to as normal as possible. This can include meals, bedtimes, activities, and any other regular habits they have. Keeping these routines in place will help provide a sense of security for your children and make them more comfortable in the new home. Consider also preparing ahead of time by bringing their favorite snacks or items to make their transition easier.

3) Let Them Pack Their Own Boxes
One of the best ways to involve your kids in the moving process is by letting them pack their own boxes. It might be tempting to get everything done quickly, but allowing your children to take ownership of their belongings can help them feel more comfortable and excited about the move.
Start by giving your children a box or two for them to fill with their belongings. Encourage them to pack things that are important to them, such as toys, clothes, books, and anything else that makes them feel at home. Letting them choose how to pack and organize their items will help them transition more easily and make the move feel less daunting.
Help your kids out by providing labels for each box, so that when it’s time to unpack, they’ll know exactly where each item belongs. Also, let them decorate the boxes with stickers or drawings – this is a great way for kids to express themselves and show off their creative side!
Finally, if your kids are old enough, you can let them handle the task of loading their own boxes into the moving truck or car. This will give them a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of being part of the moving process.
By allowing your children to pack their own boxes and have a say in how their items are handled during the move, you can help ease any stress or worries they may have about leaving their home.

4) Get Them Excited About The Move
Making a move can be an exciting adventure for your kids, but they may need some help getting excited about it. You can help them get excited by focusing on the positive aspects of the move, such as exploring a new place and making new friends. Talk to them about the places you’ll visit, the fun activities you can do together, and the new experiences you’ll have. Show them pictures of their new home, and plan a special day just for them to explore the area. If possible, involve them in some of the planning for the move, such as picking out paint colors for their new room. This will give them a sense of ownership and make them feel like they are part of something special.

5) Set Up Their New Room First
Moving homes with children can be a challenging and stressful experience, but there are some steps you can take to make it go smoother. One of the most important is setting up their new room first. This will help your child feel more settled and secure in their new home and make the transition easier.
Before you even begin packing for the move, plan out your child's room in the new house. Measure the walls, windows and doors, so you know what kind of furniture you can fit in the room. If possible, let your child pick out their own bedding, decor and other items that they’d like to have in the room.
If possible, try to unpack the child’s room before any other rooms in the house. Move their bed, dresser, nightstand, and any other furniture they had in their old room into their new one. Once these items are in place, hang up decorations, pictures, and artwork to make the space feel more homey. Assemble any toys or games that were packed away and set up a reading corner where they can relax.
Finally, help your child settle in by unpacking all of their belongings. Let them decide where to put things and take their time organizing as this is an important part of the process. Doing this together can help create a positive atmosphere and make the move much less daunting.

6) Unpack Their Things Together
Moving with children can be challenging, but unpacking together can help make the transition smoother. This is especially true for younger children who may not understand why things are different. When you're ready to start unpacking, make sure your children are included in the process. Allow them to choose which box to open and help them decide where to put their things. Ask them for ideas on how to arrange their rooms, and take the time to explain what all of their belongings are for.
This is also a great time to talk about any items that need to be donated or thrown away. Encourage your children to be mindful of what they have and what they don't need anymore. By involving them in the unpacking process, you can help them build an emotional connection with their new home and develop a sense of ownership over it. This can be very beneficial when it comes to helping them adjust to their new environment.

7) Throw a Housewarming Party
A housewarming party is a great way to welcome your family and friends into your new home. This can be a fun way to get your kids involved in the move and let them meet the new people in their community.
Start by making a list of family, friends, and neighbors you want to invite over. Make sure to include any important people in your child's life, such as teachers or coaches. You could even throw a virtual housewarming party if you’re unable to have an in-person celebration.
Organize some decorations and snacks to make the event more festive. Have your child help you plan the menu and decide what kind of activities you’d like to do. If you don’t have a big enough space to host a party indoors, consider having it outdoors in your yard.
Your housewarming party should be a memorable event that your child will look back on fondly for years to come. It will give them the opportunity to meet new people in the community and start building relationships with those around them.

8) Have Family and Friends Over
One of the best ways to make your move with kids easier is to have family and friends over. Inviting people into your new home can help create a sense of comfort and familiarity in an unfamiliar place. It can also provide a distraction and an opportunity for your child to make new friends.
Have your family or friends over for dinner, watch a movie, play games, or just hang out and get to know each other. Whatever the activity, it's important that your child feels like they're part of a community right away.
Invite friends who live nearby or are willing to travel to visit and help make your child's transition smoother. These individuals will become a support system that your child can rely on when things get tough. This can be especially helpful if your child doesn't have a close friend at their new school.
Additionally, having family and friends over can provide a sense of stability during a tumultuous period. Their presence may give your child something to look forward to during the transition. Plus, seeing familiar faces can help ease the stress of moving and make your child feel more at home.

9) Get Involved in the Community
Moving to a new place can be an intimidating experience, especially for children. One of the best ways to make the transition smoother is to get involved in the local community. This not only helps your child settle in, but also gives them a sense of belonging and makes the move more enjoyable for everyone.
Start by introducing yourself and your family to your neighbors. Let them know you’re new in town and that you’re looking to meet new people. This will open up opportunities for your child to get to know their neighbors and make friends.
Get involved in your local schools and extracurricular activities. Check out the local sports teams, clubs, and classes that your kids may be interested in and encourage them to join. This will help them make friends and become familiar with their new surroundings.
Another great way to get involved in the community is to volunteer or become a mentor. Consider joining a nonprofit organization or volunteering at a local animal shelter. Not only will this give your child a sense of purpose and belonging, but it will also teach them valuable life skills.
Finally, make sure to keep in touch with family and friends who live far away. Helping your child maintain relationships with their old friends is important as it will provide a sense of comfort and familiarity during this time of transition.
Making the effort to get involved in the local community can help your child adjust to the move faster and make their transition smoother. Encourage them to try new activities, join a club, and make new friends - this will help create a sense of belonging and make the move an enjoyable experience for everyone.

10) Give Them Time to Adjust
Moving homes can be a big change for children, so it's important to give them time to adjust. This means creating a calm environment and making sure to set aside some family time for fun activities or to just enjoy each other’s company. During this transition period, make sure to provide emotional support and show them that you’re there for them no matter what. You can also encourage them to get involved in their new community by finding activities they’d enjoy or joining clubs and organizations. Making friends can help with the adjustment process, as can getting involved in activities they like. Above all else, patience is key when it comes to helping your kids adjust. This may take longer than you’d expect and each child may adjust at a different rate. So, don’t put too much pressure on yourself or your kids - try to remember that everyone needs time to adjust in their own way.