Preparing for a move requires everyone in the household to work together. If you have young children and you are getting ready for a move, you may have a variety of concerns about how it will work. Kids can react unpredictably to a move, sometimes expressing conflicting emotions. Fortunately, you can minimize their stress during preparation and Moving Day. With this checklist, you will know what you need to do to smooth out everyone’s moving experience.
Prepare Your Kids for Moving
Your kids need to prepare for the move almost as much as you do, so early notice is key. Tell your kids about the following:
- Timing for the move
- New location
- Information about new schools
- When and how you will pack their items
For preschoolers and older children, you may want to create a social story about the experience. That way, they can remember what you tell them and feel more in control of the situation. Be sure to give your children time to adjust and make space for them to grieve or have moments of upset about the change.
Manage Your Own Stress
Moving is a stressful experience for everyone, even for adults who understand what is happening and are eager for the change. The best thing you can do for your kids’ sense of safety and well-being is to manage your own stress. Try to abstract as many of the difficulties as possible from your children’s experience, especially if you face obstacles during moving preparation. Find someone you can vent to about your own challenges, so that you can maintain a positive outlook for your kids.
Maintain Routines
The last weeks before you move can get hectic, with early mornings, long nights and lots of last-minute errands. As much as you can, plan to keep your children’s routines consistent. If they typically attend daycare or preschool, stick to their regular drop-off and pickup schedules. Try to eat meals at the same times and remember to spend time together as a family. To keep meltdowns in check, stick to the same nap and bedtime routines. Wait until after the transition is complete to make any big changes, such as dropping a naptime or moving to a big-kid bed.
Pack Essentials for Each Family Member
While you may want to minimize the number of items you have to carry personally, you should pack an essentials bag or box for each family member. Be sure to include the following:
- Changes of clothing
- Toiletries
- Snacks and drinks
- Favorite plush animals or blankets
Moving Day can be an emotional experience for everyone, and your kids may handle it better if they feel as if they have some control over their most important possessions. If you can’t replace it, or if your child can’t get through the day without it, you should plan to transport it yourself.
Create a Safe Space in Your New Home
The first place that you should plan to arrange in your new home is a safe place for your children to rest and play. Whether you are hiring a moving company in Los Angeles or making a DIY move to Miami, you’ll need time to unload and unpack. Scope out a room to designate as the safe area, away from moving dollies and access to dangerous tools or substances.
Childproof this area and set up barriers if necessary. If possible, ask a friend or family member to come along and help babysit while you work on setting up your new home.
Moving can be incredibly complicated, especially if you have young children to manage while you prepare. Big changes affect kids, and the best thing you can do is to get ready for it in advance. By following these tips, you can provide a positive moving experience for yourself and your children.
Author bio:Stan Caramalac is the founder and CEO of Move Central. He started the company because he truly believed that moving could be simple as long as it was done efficiently. He strives to help people make their moves smoother and less stressful. Caramalac and his team proudly serve San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles and the Bay Area.
SOURCES
