There are times sooner than later that families find themselves in the midst of having to pick up their belongings and move. As disruptive as this can be for parents, it could be even more traumatic for your kids, depending on when and why you are moving. Although parents may not think it, kids really need time and attention during a big transition like moving. In this post, I’m sharing some helpful tips to help the whole family adjust the best and happiest way possible to a move.
This website uses affiliate links. Please see the disclaimer for details. This is a sponsored guest post.
Moving Help: Tips for Relocating with Kids
Why Are You Moving?
Many kids thrive on a schedule and routine, mine especially. Moving definitely disrupts all of that beneficial structure. If you and your spouse are considering making this transition, think about the benefits and cons that go along with uprooting your family. Think of the comfort that you’ve established in your neighborhood including the social life for your kids, the school and your neighbors. In making your decision to move your family, consider the timing; if your family has had a recent life change such as a death or divorce, perhaps a move may be something your kids need time to adjust first. In this case, perhaps consider you should work through that first before adding this to the scene.
Perhaps the decision to move is out of your hands because your work is making you change jobs for a transfer. Even if you may not be happy with it, try to have a positive attitude because your kids do watch your every move, as I’m sure you are very aware of, LOL. It can greatly affect your children in more ways than one because they do watch what you are doing. Rest assured that you are fine and talk to them about any reassurance they may be needing it. Remain as positive as possible.
Talk About It
Regardless of the reason why, which is a big deal, of course, the most important thing to help your kids adjust to moving is talking about it with them. Give them as much information as you can as soon as possible so it doesn’t come off as a huge shock at the last minute. Talk with them in a place where you aren’t distracted so you can give them your full attention and can help answer questions truthfully and fully. Be respectful and share the positive and negative reactions to the answers.
Your kids want to be involved in the planning as much as possible which will make them feel as if they are apart of this big decision. Let them. If you are moving to a new house, allow them to help look at the homes if you can and see their new schools. This helps make the change not as scary as it may seem in their heads. If they get to see the house before the move, they can visualize themselves in it more easily, which should help with the transition.
Moving With Younger Kids
If your kids are younger than 6 it can be helpful to make things as clear and simple for them. Sometimes it’s helpful to make a story to use trucks or furniture to act out what’s going to happen. When you put things in boxes, assure them that they are not being thrown away but safekeeping in a box to move to the new home. If you are able to visit the new home, bring them with to help them see where it is, where their school is and even if they can see where their new room is.
Parenting tip: If you are in a transition phase of potty training, try not to make any big changes until after you move.
Teenage Children and Moving
I know moving can be a huge issue for teens who may be angry and rebelling because of the move. Your teen has probably invested a lot of energy and time to be in school groups, activities, and social relationships. A move could mean that they are also not able to make a prom or homecoming dance they were so excited to attend. See if they could still try to do it if they are within a few miles from the school. It’s important to listen to them and hear their concerns. After the move, considering visiting the old neighborhood again if you can. As with any change, don’t expect kids to behave perfectly, they are often doing the best they can.
Image: Relief Movers Company LLC
Moving Help: Tips for During the Move
While helping your kids adjust to moving could be easy or difficult, as stated above, it can be hard on you as well. To help you in this tough situation, you might want to hire someone for moving help to make the move easier on everyone.
If you live in the Minnesota area, one reputable company is called Relief Moving Company LLC. Run by a husband and wife, Itzel and Adam Page, the two began realizing the struggles that come with moving and wanted to assist in helping make it as worry-free as possible. When it comes to residential moving, they go above and beyond to make it easy for you such as helping you pack, boxing up your belongings so you can watch your children. If your new apartment does not have an elevator, don’t worry as the movers will help delicately bring your items up and even provide you with assembly and disassembly services if you need it. They are there to help save you time by handling the heavy lifting for you so you have time for your family. They help keep your belongings safe and secure and complete your move within three to four hours! Now that sounds like a perfect plan to me!
Most Importantly…
While this is a huge transition for your family, especially your kids, the biggest takeaway from this move is making sure that everyone feels confident, secure and as excited as possible for the new change. Do all you can to listen and be there for your family during this time. While the moment may be daunting, it’ll be beneficial for everyone in the long run.
I hope you find these tips useful and helpful.
Copyright © 2019 Julie Hoag writer. All Rights Reserved.
Looking for more helpful tips for families?
Top Money Saving Tips for a Family Vacation Fund
7 Tips to survive hosting a Kids’ Birthday Party
Tips for Saving Money for College
Camping Weekend Trip Packing list for fun, frugal, easy family time
Follow me on Social Media
Leave a Reply