10 Tips for Moving with Kids

Lets face it. . . moving can be stressful, especially when there are children involved. The good news is it doesn't have to be. Read below MY take on these 10 tips.

1. Breaking the news

Tell your children first. Don't let them find out in a jolting way such as finding a sign in the front yard after school. Involve your children in the planning process. Have them come along for the house hunting festivities. Get them excited about the idea by telling them you need your help with this matter. Make sure to follow up with each child confirming that they understand your reasoning for moving and that they are on the same page.

2. Keep the lines of communication open

Being honest and open with your children will give them the freedom to come to you with questions and concerns. This can be an extremely tough time for little ones. The feeling of change can create a sense of uneasiness. Include them by asking what they want their space to look like. Envisioning themselves in a home can help the process be a positive one. 

3. Out with the old

Getting rid of things can be tough. Do we have room for this? Should we just buy new? Imagine how hard it would be being a child and doing this. With a ton of things to pack yourself, it could be a lot easier if you include the children in the sorting/packing process. Making a game of the sorting process can help more than you think. Mentioning a possible garage sale at the end of sorting can help get some additional cash for new goodies to decorate their rooms.

4. Timing is everything 

Trying to schedule a move around the school year is ideal, but it isn't always possible. Of course you aren't wanting to disrupt their lives but if a move happens to be during a school year, try to make sure the children's school schedule is not interrupted or little is missed.

5. Take advantage of relatives and friends

If small children are involved, nine times out of ten they are just going to get in the way of you packing. Allowing friends and family members to take the kids even for a few hours can help wonders. Another thing to think about is meals. When moving, your kitchen items and cook ware are packed for a bit. This will make meal preparation almost impossible. Ask friends and family to help by providing food for you and the children. This will give you more time to unpack and get things back in order quickly.

6. Pack small boxes of the kids' things last

Things that are used to most often or needed daily should be packed in smaller boxes that are labeled for each person. Make these boxes easily accessible for the children. Having these items at their finger tips will only aide in the ease of moving.

7. Saying Goodbye

Saying goodbye can be difficult for little ones, especially if they are moving to a new city or state. Making the goodbye a bit more upbeat and fun is key. Throw a small goodbye party where all their friends can come say farewell. Keep in mind a backyard or block party, something that keeps everyone out of the house. This will leave a positive lasting impression in those very impressionable heads of theirs. Keeping in touch via social media, video chats, or even by postal mail will help link them back together.

8. Familiarize your family with the new neighborhood

It can be tough for children to make new friends. When faced with a large life changing event such as a move, kids tends to isolate themselves or link to their parents. Finding fun ways to get the kids out and about in the neighborhood will help them make friends quickly. A fun game of kickball in the front yard, a long walk with the dog, lunch at the community pool, or a Sunday church service can all aide in this process.

9. Keep the familiar that works

Keeping traditions and routines that were done at the old home will help your children feel comfortable in their new environment. Mixing a little of the old with the new in a familiar way will help the process run smoothly. Family dinners at the table (or maybe even the floor for the first few nights), game night, church service, etc. can all help your children feel a sense of relief. That although their surrounding have changed a bit, there are many things that will stay the same. Take the opportunity of creating new traditions based on your new home and community.

10. Remember your own needs

Moving can be extremely stressful. Remember that the children are depending on you to not only guide the way through all of this chaos, but to maintain control. With so much being put on your shoulders, make sure you take time to reflect and reward yourself. Take a hot bubble bath at night to soothe your throbbing muscles, order in so your aren't flustered with finding things to cook, clean as you go, and always remember to breathe and accept. Things are going to break, go missing, and ultimately be very stressful. Know that this is stressful and tough for everyone, not just you. Try to make this experience as calm and controlled as possible. The kids will thank you.

To read the entire article and their 10 Tips for Moving with Kids, click the link below.
http://jaybanks.ca/vancouverrealestatenews/2013/07/05/tips-moving-with-kids/?goback=%2Egde_134657_member_255934560

Remember. . . I can always help in making this process a smooth one.

Victoria Gregory
JC Harper Realty
victoriasellsrealestate@gmail.com
(904)568-2008