Tips on Moving with Children

Moving to a new place can be both exciting and daunting. This can be particularly true for children – change and the unknown can be a difficult experience for them. Kids may have a hard time understanding what’s going on and why they are leaving the place they’ve always called home, saying farewell to people they are close to and having everyday routines interrupted. As parents, we want to minimize these potentially traumatizing moments and one way to do that is by planning ahead. Hiring a luxury moving company like Consider It Moved allows you to separate from the details so that you can be present to help ease the transition for the members of your family.

Below are some tips to help make your move easier for your children and, therefore, you!

Talk to Your Child About Feelings

Talking about the move can also help to prepare your child for this significant life event. Sit down together as a family to discuss the changes, and give everyone a chance to share their thoughts and feelings about what’s going on. It sounds simple, but it’s often something that gets overlooked in the busyness leading up to a move. It’s likely there are other changes happening which is why you are moving so be sure to address those as well. Books are a good resource for children of all ages, and you’ll find plenty on the subjects of moving to a new house, meeting new friends, starting a new school and general transitions. Having these discussions can help you to understand what’s going on for your family members and enable you to support them through the process.

Get Your Kids Involved

Try to involve your children in the moving process. This may seem close to impossible when searching for a home and trying to coordinate packing and delivery of your household items, but small things can help. Asking a child what is important to them in a home and neighborhood allows them to feel part of the process. Enlisting their help in choosing what items they would like to take and what they would like to get rid of is another way to get them involved. If they are too young to participate in some of these things, have them help with some of the easier packing by putting things into boxes with you. This small amount of input can help your child understand and feel included in what’s going on as they adjust to this change.

Scout Out the New Neighborhood Ahead of Time

Seeing your new neighborhood in person is one of the best ways to get your family prepared for the move. Before you go, research places like playgrounds, parks, restaurants, sports centers, dance studios, and other kids’ activities – and then check them out together. School-age children can tour their new school and it’s often possible to meet some of the teachers or the principal there. If your kids have a specific interest (gymnastics, rock climbing, skateboarding, etc.), find out what is available in your new area and plan a visit. Finding the local pizza place, ice cream shop, or whatever is important to you and your family can give kids a feeling of familiarity which leads to security and confidence when you finally arrive in your new area.

Include Kids in Decorating Their Own Space

Once you decide on your new home, show your child pictures of his or her new bedroom and, if possible, let them tour it in person. Discuss with them what they would like to have in their room and perhaps let them pick out paint colors, a new rug or bedding. This may add to their excitement about your new home and also give them the feeling that they are included in the decision-making process and that their opinion matters.

Plan for Packing and Moving Days

The packing and moving days can be particularly overwhelming for children. A full-service moving company like Consider It Moved can help you prepare for this chaotic time. We want to make sure that your kids don’t feel overlooked or lost in the hectic environment – strangers packing up their precious possessions and hauling furniture and boxes out of their home can be disturbing and confusing. We handle the details and logistics to give you the time to spend time with your family and taking care of what matters most – each other. Consider going away for a few days or planning some fun activities with friends to enjoy your last days in the neighborhood, we’ve got you covered.

Prepare a Comfort Bag

Allow your child to pack their own bag with a reasonable number of favorite items. This will see them through until you are in your new home, even if it only takes a few days. The security of having important items nearby – as opposed to watching a cherished item go into a big moving box – can provide some comfort. If you are making a long-distance move or have a bit of time until the unpacking of your new home is complete, assure your child that all of your possessions will be well taken care of during the time that he or she can’t see them.

Say Goodbye

For both adults and children, a time to say goodbye to friends and neighbors should not be overlooked. Marking an ending allows for a new beginning. Even if it does not mean goodbye forever, it’s still a goodbye to the current way things are. Saying goodbye to something or someone creates an opening for something new to occur. A farewell party can be a great way to say goodbye to friends, neighbors and family members you may no longer see on a daily basis. Don’t forget to check in with your children and see who they would like to include – you may not think of some of the people who your child may have been used to seeing every day such as the school crossing guard, the mail carrier, or their favorite soccer or gymnastics coach.

Keep Familiar Elements in Your New Home

Familiar objects can help kids to feel more comfortable in new surroundings. It’s a great idea to set up some things as they were at the old house even if it’s just for a little while. Keeping morning and evening routines that were working for you is often helpful as well. It can be confusing for them to remember where the new kitchen and bathroom are located, so keeping the toy box at the end of the bed like it was in your previous home or somewhere easily accessible may create a feeling of reassurance and consistency.

Create Adventures in Your New Area

Remember how you scouted out where to find the baseball field, the painting studio, and the best cupcakes? Now that you’ve moved, go out and have some new adventures! Make plans to explore new activities, join a club, and see which movie theater has your favorite popcorn. At Consider It Moved, we know the importance of making your new house a home, and part of that includes having fun and making memories in your new location.

NYC Kid-Friendly Movers You Can Trust

Creating a moving plan that’s sensitive to your child’s needs is paramount. Keep this in mind as you look for a full-service mover that has options which will support your family during this busy time. At Consider It Moved, we prioritize the care and comfort of our clients and their families by doing everything possible to help minimize the trauma of moving.

Our primary goal is to help your family maintain its normal lifestyle and routine while we handle all the details of your move with the least amount of disruption as possible. Getting your family settled into your new home is our primary goal. Moving is not just about the boxes. Yes, your belongings need to get packed and transferred but we recognize that supporting you through this process is equally as important. From pre-planning to setting up your kids’ rooms so that they walk into a space they love, we take you and your unique needs into consideration throughout the process. Contact us today to get the support you need as you move to your new home.