Moving with Kids

A little girl with kids blowing soap bubbles in the park.

 

Moving is hard, but moving with kids is one of the hardest things in the world. It’s rough for both your schedule and your emotional health. However, hundreds of thousands of people do it every year, so you’re in good company! Here, we have some tips and tricks to help you survive the move with your little ones.

School

A row of books in a library with light bulbs, perfect for entertaining and educating kids.

In an ideal world, no one would have to move during the school year. But the world is far from ideal, and it’s likely that you’ll be stuck in just this sort of situation. This especially goes for our military families reading this: trust me, we hear you. If possible, ask that your child’s teacher throw him or her a special going away party for the afternoon. You can supply the treats and souvenirs, maybe have the classmates sign a card for your kid as a keepsake, and let your child say goodbye in style.

Transfer papers should be available with just a phone call.

The Long Goodbye

A young girl sitting on the floor with a book on her lap, moving to a new place with kids.

Let your child adjust slowly, if at all possible. Though there are last-minute moves, most of us aren’t dealing with that. Take time to get pictures in your child’s favorite places. Whether they a playground or a restaurant, take your child there one last time if you are moving a good distance away. Let your child remember the good times he or she had. Maybe make a scrapbook if you’re a crafty family.

Kids place a lot of importance on routine, and their entire lives are being uprooted with a move, even if it’s across town. Let them get comfortable with it, and you’ll have far fewer meltdowns.

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House Hunting Activities

A wooden house on a green lawn ideal for moving with kids.

Before house hunting, let your children know that you aren’t sure which house you’re going to purchase yet (or apartment, as the case may be). When you arrive, let them look at the rooms and explore. Let them be a part of the decision-making process; just don’t let them be the final word on it.

As you look through the houses, ask them for opinions. Remember, one day they’ll be making these decisions on their own. It’s good for them to have a chance to understand why you’re making the choices that you’re making. Talk to them. Explain it to them.

Moving In

A 3D rendered kitchen featuring a painting on the wall, suitable for families with children.

If you are unpacking yourself and the moving company is just providing transportation services, allow your children to help bring their belongings into the new house. It helps them adjust and gives them a feeling of accomplishment and claiming their new territory.

If the boxes are too heavy for your children, or they are too young to understand the unpacking process, help them out. Unbox some of their belongings, and show them where they go. Even toddlers can help mom and dad put their toys in the toy box at their new home.

However, if your children are very young and likely to explore a little too much, you may want to remove the knobs from the stove or hide stacks of boxes away from outlets that haven’t yet had the chance to have childproof attachments fitted.

Getting Used to the New You

A man and a child moving on train tracks at sunset.

Spend the first few nights in your home instead of exploring the area. Get used to the bumps, creaks, and sounds of the new place before overwhelming kids with everything else around them. While most little ones want to go see a new restaurant or a movie as a reward, try to order in pizza and enjoy something streamed to the house. You all need time to settle in, and that means staying home.

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This post is sponsored by lawrencemoves.com. Is your family moving soon? Call us for a free quote!

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