Moving to a new home is one of the few life experiences that combine disorganized chaos with hopeful excitement. It’s a new beginning – for both adults and children – but if you want your move to be a pleasant transition, you have to consider how it will impact your kids.
Here is a step-by-step guide for keeping your children optimistic about a fresh start in a new community:
Step 1: Share the News
As soon as you know that the move is definite, get your children involved. Order a pizza, rent a movie and talk to your kids family-meeting-style in the living room. Make sure you explain exactly what is happening and why, and be sure to ask for their feedback.
Step 2: Go on an Adventure
If possible, take the kids to see their soon-to-be neighborhood. If you are moving to a different state or across the country, sit the kids down in front of the computer and show them pictures of local places they might enjoy visiting. The idea is to get them excited – even if it means spending an hour or two on Google maps.
Step 3: Start Packing
Packing is perhaps the most stressful part of moving – especially for younger kids. But you can add an enjoyable twist to an otherwise dull affair by asking your kids to decorate their boxes. According to KidsHealth.org, unleashing your children’s creativity is a good way to keep them busy and help them forget their anxieties about the move. It will also be easier to organize boxes when you unpack.
Step 4: Discreetly Dispose of Old Toys
This might sound a bit insidious, but if your kids see you throw away toys that they haven’t noticed in years, a meltdown is almost inevitable. Children are attached to their belongings, but throwing away old possessions is a part of moving. Most parents who have been through this scenario recommend waiting until the children are asleep before you dispose of old toys, and then take the trash out of the house entirely.
Step 5: Hire a Moving Company
Hiring a moving company is always a good idea – no matter how far you have to travel. Moving professionals will know how to handle your belongings. They also will have a truck and packing equipment to complete the job quickly and without incident, so you can focus on your children.
Be warned, though, that not all moving companies are reputable. Make sure you do your research and compare the best cross country moving companies in your area.
In Conclusion: A Fun Move = A Pleasant Move
It’s no secret: Moving to a new home is a challenge. But it has upsides, and relocating can be an excellent learning opportunity for children. It’s a new experience and a chance to broaden their horizons, make new friends and grow as individuals.
Following these five steps not only will make the moving process easier, but it will also help you bond with your kids. It is inevitable that they will feel anxious, but if you can make the experience fun and uplifting, then it will be a pleasant memory for both you and your young ones.
