Moving to a new home can be an exciting adventure, but for kids it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. Whether you’re relocating across town or to a new city, helping your child feel comfortable before, during, and after the move is essential. Here are some tips to make the transition smoother and more enjoyable for your little ones.
Get Them Excited About Their New Home
Walk your child through the new house before you move in. Show them areas where they can create reading nooks, study areas, or play zones. If you can’t walk them through, show them pictures of the new space instead. They will have something to look forward to if you show them the beautiful possibilities.
Letting your kids help choose the decor or furniture for some of these spaces can be a fantastic way to involve them in the moving process and make them feel more invested in their new environment. Plus, it can be a fun and bonding experience for the whole family as you make your new house feel like home together.
Let Them Decorate Their Room
One of the best ways to ease the transition for your child is to involve them in the process of designing and decorating their new room. This can help them feel more at home in their new environment and give them a sense of control over their surroundings.
Take them shopping for new bedding, curtains, or furniture, and let them pick out a new paint color or wall decals. Encourage them to express their creativity and make their room a reflection of their personality and interests.
Explore the New Neighborhood Together
Before the move, take some time to explore your new neighborhood with your child. Visit local parks, playgrounds, and other kid-friendly spots to help them get excited about their new surroundings.
Point out fun places they can visit, like ice cream shops, libraries, or sports fields. Familiarizing them with the area can help alleviate some of their anxiety about the move and make them feel more at home in their new community.
Plan Something Special for the Move Days
Moving day can be chaotic and stressful, especially for kids. To make the experience more enjoyable, plan something special for the move days.
Consider arranging a slumber party at a friend’s house or better yet, a couple days with a trusted family member like Grandma. Whether its one day or two, that is extra time you can focus on making your living space comfortable again.
Your kids will be really pumped up if you tell them you all are planning to stay at a hotel with a pool for a couple of days! This can help turn the move into a fun adventure rather than a stressful event. They will be so busy at the pool and thanking you for a fun time.
For more tips on how to prepare for move day with your child, check out our YouTube video.
Unpack the Kids’ Room First
When you arrive at your new home, prioritize unpacking the kids’ room. Having their most familiar items like furniture, bedding, and books in place can provide them with a sense of comfort and normalcy amidst the chaos of moving.
By setting up their room first, they have a safe and familiar space to retreat to as the rest of the house is unpacked. Don’t forget to have some activities or toys set up in their room for them to enjoy and keep them entertained while the rest of the house is being unpacked.
Keep Their Routine as Normal as Possible
Moving can disrupt your child’s routine, which can be unsettling. Try to keep their routine as normal as possible, especially in the days leading up to the move and immediately after.
Stick to their regular meal times, bedtime routines, and activities to provide a sense of stability and comfort. Familiar routines can help your child feel more secure and less anxious during the transition.
Stay Positive and Reassuring
Finally, remember to stay positive and reassuring throughout the moving process. Moving can be stressful for everyone, but your attitude can greatly influence how your child feels about the move.
Encourage them to ask questions and express their feelings, and reassure them that everything will be okay. Let them know that it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions about moving, and that you’re there to support them every step of the way.
Moving with kids can be challenging, but with a little planning and preparation, you can help make the experience smoother and more enjoyable for the whole family. By getting them excited about their new room, planning something special for the move days, and staying positive and reassuring, you can help your child feel more comfortable before, during, and after the move.
What are some tips that helped you move with your kids?
