Moving can be a scary experience for children, but it doesn’t have to be. Here is our guide to moving house with children.
Communication is key
It is important to tell your children early on about the move. This way, they will have plenty of time to process the news. Children tend to take longer when adapting to change and will likely have higher levels of anxiety if they feel like something big is happening but are not completely aware of the details.
Highlight the positives
When you do tell your children about the move, be sure to highlight the positives of having a new home. That way they will understand that there is much to look forward to. For example, you may want to tell siblings that they no longer have to share a bedroom. For younger children who may not understand the process of moving at all, you may want to remind them that their favourite toys and possessions will be coming with them.
Talk
Another way to make the move feel less daunting is to continue talking about it as you get closer to moving day. Talk to your children about what is available for them if you are moving to a new town, such as parks, after school clubs and more. The more your children see the potential that a new home has to offer, the easier it will be for them to get into the same mindset as you.
Saying goodbye
Leaving can be very difficult for children. It is important that you give them a proper chance to say goodbye to their home, friends and family. One way to make this easier is to organise a small leaving party and take photos that everyone can add to scrapbook. This could also include contact numbers so that they can stay in touch.
Get them involved
When moving day creeps nearer, your children will begin to see everything in the home slowly get packed away. To make this experience less daunting, why not get them involved? Give them a box and ask them to start putting away the toys they wish to take with them or any clothes they don’t want to wear until they are in the new place.
Toys in last
If you are using a removal company, be sure to ask them to put your children’s toy boxes onto the van last. This way, they can get them as soon as the van arrives at the new property and decide where they would like to store them in their new bedroom.
Settling in
Once you have moved into the new property, it is natural for your children to become clingy. The best way to deal with this is to stick to your regular routines, such as dinners, bath time, etc. Make sure you help them unpack their boxes first so that they can take comfort in their possessions and feel more at home.
You should also take your children out to explore their new surroundings, from the local park to your new supermarket. The more familiar they get with their new location, the easier it will be for them to embrace the move.
Make moving simple by finding the perfect home with Joules Estate Agents
There are many elements to moving that can be daunting but finding your new property should not be one of them. At joules Estate Agents, we are proud to help families and individuals find the perfect place to call home. Get in touch to find out more.
