Moving home is a big transition for everyone, especially young children, so doing what you can to make it as easy as possible for them is key.
Whether you’re relocating to another part of the country or just moving around the corner, the process can be incredibly stressful, so reducing some of the challenges that might come with moving with children can help alleviate some of this stress.
If you take the time to prepare them for what to expect, listen to their concerns, and help them to see the move as an adventure, chances are they’ll come through with flying colours.
Ben Hudson, Director at Hudson Moody in York, shares his ten top tips to help ease moving home with the children below…
- Prepare your children for what to expect
If your children are really young, they might not have a good understanding of what “moving” really means. Explain to them exactly what’ll happen and take the time to read some books about moving together. It’s also important to make sure you visit the new property with them well in advance so you can point out all the positives before your moving day like their new room or perhaps the garden they’ll be able to play in.
- Let the children help you pack
If they’re old enough, letting your children help you pack some of their personal belongings will help them feel involved in the process. Even at a young age, children can sort their toys and help you wrap objects in tissue paper or bubble wrap. If you’ll be putting some things into storage, ask them what they’d like to keep and what they don’t mind parting with for a while. They may even be happy to donate or sell any toys they don’t play with any more which can help you with the all-important decluttering process ahead of moving into your new place.
- Take their concerns seriously
Older children might have lots of questions or concerns. Remember to treat their feelings with understanding, even when you can’t accommodate their requests. Moving away from friends can be a major concern. Why not buy your child an address book and ask their friends to write in their names and addresses so they don’t lose touch?
- Try to time your move
Sometimes circumstances dictate when you have to move, but, if you have a choice, try to time your move so that it happens at a relatively calm period in your child’s life. School holidays may seem the perfect time but, bear in mind, the school routine can support your child as at least one aspect remains familiar especially if they won’t be moving school as part of your home move. It also provides valuable, uninterrupted packing and unpacking time for you.
- Pack a special bag of their favourite toys and activities
Invest in a small backpack or overnight bag that’ll stay with your child through the entire move. They can keep special items in this bag and you could pack a few things they can play with during the journey to their new home.
- Label boxes of children’s things very clearly
The day will come when you find yourself digging through boxes looking for the toy that they ‘absolutely have to play with right now’. To avoid this, don’t just label boxes with the word ‘toys’. Include as much detail as possible about what’s in each box and who it belongs to. This will also make things easier when you get to your new home as it’ll help ensure boxes are delivered to the right rooms when your belongings are unloaded.
- Make the move an adventure
Moving creates upheaval in your life and wreaks havoc on your child’s normal routine. Let your children do things you normally wouldn’t on the special understanding it’s a ‘moving day’ treat. Why not provide a ‘treasure map’ for them to follow where ‘X‘ marks the spot? It will also help your child familiarise themselves with the locality of their new home.
- Make a big deal about the exciting new things you can do
A new home means new friends and new opportunities. Get out and explore new attractions that you can visit if you’re in a new city or take advantage of all the things your new home has to offer that your old home didn’t to help your child get excited.
- Make it feel like home
Once you’re in your new home it’s likely some things will have to change but try to maintain the aspects of your life that are most important to your children. Stick as closely as you can to familiar daytime and bedtime routines. Ensure you hang or display some of your cherished and familiar personal items as soon as possible to help make the new house feel like home, for both you and your children.
- Don’t rush yourself
It’s hard to accomplish any task quickly with small children under foot. Give yourself lots of time to plan and execute your move and don’t be in a hurry to unpack. If you immediately start pulling everything out of boxes, you’ll have piles of stuff everywhere and the clutter will create unnecessary stress for everyone in the house. Take your time and unpack what you need slowly and gradually if possible.
Once you’ve unpacked, if you can, keep the moving boxes for your children. They make wonderful tunnels and space rockets and will keep them entertained for hours!
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