Moving with kids is always a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s important to take the time and plan for when you decide to move so that everyone can enjoy the process as much as possible.
Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, the process of moving can be a lot to handle. In this article, we’ll discuss 6 tips that will make the experience easier for everyone involved.
1. Talk in advance with your Kids about your move and their needs
- Be transparent about the reasons for your move
- Discuss how they will be changing schools and what’s going to happen at school.
- Ask them if there are any concerns or things that make them feel safe and secure in their current home environment, so you can work on making those same feelings come.
- To be stress-free hire movers. Get the quotes of the top 5 national moving companies in the US and hire the best suitable company. You also check for moving companies which are affordable. This will help you focus on your kids and be with them during the moving process.
- True in your new home.
- Encourage them to express their opinions about the move and how they feel, but be mindful of what they’re expressing (e.g., “I don’t want a smaller bedroom!” might mean that you need to offer more time to play outside).
- Be clear with expectations on chores, family time, and bedtime.
- Be sure they understand that this is a big change for you as well.
- Explain how much more there will be to see or do in your new town just because it’s different than what they’re used to.
- Don’t promise anything unless you know with certainty that you can provide it for them.
- Talk about how much they’ll love their new home and neighborhood, with the same amount of enthusiasm that you show. -Offer to find or purchase a few items from your old house as mementos for when things get too hard (e.g., favorite books).
2. Take their advice they feel good
Kids always love when you seek their advice, so keep asking them as It’s not too late to get their input on things like:
- What’s their favorite color which can be used to paint their new bedroom?
- Where should we eat dinner tonight?
- Do they want to pack up all of their clothes and toys themselves, or will you do it for them?
- Ask them what kinds of things they would like for the new house and let them decorate some rooms in advance.
- Find out where their favorite parks are and make a checklist with all the things.
You’ll be surprised how much easier it is when your kids feel good about the move. They need some tangible things that are reassuring, such as seeing their old friends and favorite places.
3. Collaborate with new school
When you move with kids, you need to find a new school for them on a priority basis. You can use the school finder to check this link. If you are moving from a different country, each state has its criteria for accepting international students. Therefore, it is better if you go through the websites of that specific State Board about how they accept an International student and when it comes to applying your children’s transcripts.
It is also a good idea to get in touch with the new school before you move and tell them about your children’s education history.
It is also essential that your children are enrolled for their next year of schooling within weeks of arriving at the final destination.
Tips to make Moving with kids easier:
- Get information about schools near you, such as contact numbers of principals or superintendents.
- Ask the teachers if they need any materials translated into English before moving day arrives? What are some textbooks needed by students in each grade level? If necessary, buy these books ahead of time so that everything is ready to go on the move date!
4. Pack their bedroom last and unpack it first
It is a good idea to Pack your kids’ bedroom last in a list of packing things and unpack it as soon as you reach your new home; this will help kids to adjust themselves to the new environment.
Packing and unpacking: Pack the things which are easy for your children so that they can help you pack their clothes, toys, etc. Unpack as soon as possible with minimum unpacking of boxes and take a tour around the house. Your kids will be very happy to see all the places where they would play from now on.
Tips:
- Label the boxes of clothes, toys, and books in their room to locate them easily. Place the box with items unpacked at the front door or a place where there is easy access for your kids when you move into your new home.
- Take photos of special furniture like beds, desks, dressers, etc., so that if any get damaged during transportation, you will know what needs replacing?
5. Make sure to pack some snacks, too!
- Pack some snacks for your children, so they have something to eat. Also, kids’ favorite treats will surely make them happy and less cranky.
- Try making a list of things that the kids would need during the first few days in their new home, like toys, clothes, etc. Pack these items with care, so it is easier for you and your child to find them in a short time when unpacking.
6. Kids, take time to say your goodbyes
Kids may not be very comfortable about the change they will see in their new surroundings. So be prepared for a tough few days before they start feeling settled and happy about the change.
Kids will find it difficult to adjust to the change in environment, school, and friends even though they are excited about moving too.
Keep a journal of your move so that kids can read about all the things we did while packing up or preparing for our move! Is it also a good idea to take pictures around every room? This way, children have something tangible and visual to recognize, making them feel more comfortable because they do not want to forget anything from before?
Don’t forget: Make sure to keep an eye on your children at all times while they are playing outside or if they’re left unattended inside as well – high windows, sharp edges, electrical outlets can all be potential hazards!
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