Moving home is stressful enough! But moving to a new house with the children under your feet can feel like an overwhelming task and leave you tearing your hair out. However, remember that it’s not just you who can get stressed, remember children often feel anxious by the home move process too.
As a parent, you know that every child is different – some embrace change, some need to warm up to it, and every child will adjust at their own pace. While the best approach to preparing children for a home move will vary depending on their personality, a few simple tips can help get you through.
Tips
- Talk them through it – They might not understand what simply saying ‘we’re moving house’ means. Sit them down and calmly explain exactly what they can expect to happen on the moving day. Getting them used to the idea early will help alleviate any anxiety they might have about leaving their old home and moving somewhere ‘new and strange’, in their eyes.
- Take them to visit the new home – Another great way to help children understand what is happening is to bring them along to a second/third viewing or for a walk around the new neighbourhood you are moving to. Getting them comfortable with the change before it happens is important.
- Don’t assume you know what they are thinking – Ask children what’s on their mind – It’s important that you listen to their worries and answer their questions honestly and as fully as is appropriate for their age.
- Choosing your moving day – Choosing an appropriate time to move isn’t always easy, but the more thought you put into it the better it will be for your child. While many parents opt for moving in the summer holidays, others find it easier for their children if they move during term time. This can help keep them busy and out from under your feet whilst you get organised. It is not always possible but try to incorporate your move into your child’s routine as best you can.
- Ask for help – Don’t be afraid to ask family and friends to help. Whether packing and preparing for the move, or taking care of the children, any help you can muster up will help you get through a potentially difficult change.
- Get to know the new neighbourhood – Doing a drive-by of the new home and neighbourhood to familiarise children with their new area is a good way to build excitement and reduce any anxiety. Try to turn moving into an adventure; checking out new playgrounds and shops can be a good way to create positivity. Try to involve the children in some fun decisions such as choosing decorations and paint colour for their new bedroom.
- Get them involved – A good way to make the moving process more real and tangible for your children is to get them involved with the process as soon as possible. Whether it’s simply letting them help you pack or helping with a pre move declutter. Not only will they feel included, but it’ll also give you an ideal natural opportunity to have some conversations about how they’re feeling and what’s on their mind.
- Prepare a ‘must-haves’ box – Pack a separate box for things like comfort toys, schoolbooks, device chargers, nightlight (new houses can seem scary at night to young children) snacks and toothbrushes – that way you have quick access to essentials during the first few days, which will buy you time whilst you unpack the bulk of your belongings. Ask your children to help pack the ‘must-haves’ box – they can pick out items that are important to them, to have to hand, and it’s a positive way to help them feel included.
- Make sure you know where everything is – Make sure you are clearly labelling during the packing process when dealing with your child’s belongings. Just writing ‘clothing’ on a box label will not help you when they ask for a favourite top or teddy. Being able to put your hand straight on it will keep them happy…and you sane!
- Take plenty of breaks – For your own sanity and energy levels, as well as your children, ensure that everyone is taking a break together frequently. Sit down and have a snack or meal and stay hydrated. Moving is a big job, and it can be exhausting.
- Settle them in – It’s important to settle children down as quickly as possible when you are left after the removal van leaves. Unpack familiar belongings out of the boxes quickly will help make them feel at home, but it’s just as important for you to stick to normal routines as well. Bedtime is still bedtime, even if you are in a new home.
- Remember to have fun – Above all else, try to make some fun moments during your move. Children will pick up on your feelings, so if you’re stressed, they will be too. Relax and let the day roll out. If things go wrong, take a breath and ask yourself if it really matters and put it into perspective.
We won’t pretend that moving house with children is easy! But if you follow some of our tips you should find it more bearable – maybe even fun at times.
