Preparing For A Move With Kids

Moving with kids is very different from moving on your own or with your partner. This is why you need to prepare for the move effectively and in advance. If you are unsure where to start with your preparations, there are some points to consider and work through.

1. Choose The Right Time

If you have some flexibility regarding your moving date, you need to carefully consider when the best time to move will be. You do not want the move to interrupt your child’s life too much. This means that moving in the middle of the school year may not be the best option, particularly if you are moving long distance and they have to change schools.

The best time to move will generally be the summer months. This will cause the least disruption in their schooling. If you are moving locally, you should try to consider moving during the week. While your children are at school, the move can occur and you do not have to worry about them getting in the way. Of course, this will not be as much of an issue if your children are older.

Long distance moving with kids during the school year needs to be carefully planned around the school calendar. You might be able to push your move to a short break in the school year. You should also avoid moving your children too late in the school year when they need to focus on exams.

2. Talk To Your Children About The Move

You need to take the time to talk about the move with your children early in the moving process. This is particularly important if they are young and will not fully understand what is happening. You need to tell them about the move, what will happen and answer any questions they have.

It is also important that you give them a chance to talk about their feelings regarding the move. This allows them to voice whether they are happy or sad about the move. It also gives you a chance to work through these feelings with them sooner rather than later.

3. Have A Visual Countdown

If you have young children, you should start a visual countdown. This will help them keep track of the time until the move. This is something you generally do not have to worry about with older children who have a better concept of time.

There are a few ways that you can create this visual countdown. A calendar is a good option, but might not be very fun for younger children. Instead, you should consider a paper chain with each chain representing a day until the move. Each day, one chain is removed and you can do this yourself or let them do it for a bit of control over the process.

4. Get Them To Help

Regardless of their age, you should get your children involved in the move. You could ask them to sort their room and help with the packing. Of course, what you ask them to do will depend on their age because older children can help more than younger ones.

If you have teenagers, you can ask them to handle the packing of certain rooms in the house. This will reduce the packing you have to do. If you have young children, you should ask them to help you as you pack a room. This is a great way to spend time together and teach them about moving.

5. Visit Your New Home

You can prepare your children for a move by showing them where you are moving to. Of course, it is not always possible to do this, particularly if you are moving long distance. However, it is recommended that you try when it is possible because you take away some of the unknown of the move.

If you cannot access your new home, you should take your children to the neighbourhood. This gives them a chance to visualize their new lives and understand that not too much will change. If you can access the house, you should allow them inside to see their new rooms and the rest of the house. This can make it easier for them to accept the move.

If your children have to change schools, you should also take them to see their new school before the move. This also makes them more comfortable with the move. The benefit of seeing their new environment will vary depending on your child and their age. This can often help younger children, but some older children can be put off more when you do this.

Long distance moving with kids can be hard, particularly if you have never done this before. It is a good idea to talk to your kids about the move and show them where you are moving to. You should also choose the right time to move and get them to help.