As a Chicago business for 45 years, Aaron Bros. Moving System, Inc. has relocated our fair share of families.
One unfortunate thing that comes with moving is stress which affects even our littlest of customers, the young child of the family.
For many children, moving can uproot their whole world and be very overwhelming. They are leaving their comfort zone and only memories of home, school and friends. Here are a number of fun tips to help ease the stress of moving for the young child of the family:
- As soon as you know you are moving, tell your child. Order a pizza, gather the family and have a meeting about the decision to move. Encourage your child to voice their concerns and fears and together as a family, prepare a “wish-list” for the new neighborhood and house. Perhaps the kids want a bigger yard or a playground near by and the parents are looking for a better school district and plumbing. Either way, focus on what is positive about your family relocation.
- Spend an afternoon exploring your new neighborhood. Do some research beforehand and make sure you visit kid-friendly areas such as parks, playgrounds, libraries, ice cream shops; anything that would be appealing to a child as a “pro” for moving. These neighborhood spots can serve as gentle reminders of things to look forward too as your moving day approaches.
- Allow your child to help pack the house. They will take great pride in helping the family out and the activity can bring excitement about the change.
- While packing, set aside a special box or suitcase for your child to open first. This designated box is a wonderful place for their “treasures;” must-have stuffed animals or blankets, any object that serves as a comforting reinforce to them and one that you have easy access to.
- Before the big day, allow your child to say goodbye. Have a going away party or schedule play-dates with their closest friends. It is okay to mourn a little and to recall all the memories of the old house, but remind your child that the family is not changing, just the space you share and that he or she will make new memories soon enough.
- Make a playlist of family favorite songs to get you hyped and keep you dancing on your moving day. Music is a wonderful distraction and will help keep everyone’s motivation up.
- If you are able to paint, let your child choose the paint color for their new room. We recommend providing a few “parent approved” colors first with the ultimate decision coming from your child. You can also designate a small budget for new room items, like a bed spread or wall art, anything to get him or her excited about their new space.
- Once you are successfully relocated, unpack and set up your child’s room first. Encourage and take their input on where the items should be placed about the room. While doing this, it may also be helpful to continue the positive talk about all the good points of your new family home and neighborhood.
- Who wants to cook on that first night? Instead, go out and celebrate! Explore the neighborhood. Make a first night family memory of pizza and ice cream.
- Those now unpacked moving boxes make for a great foundation for a fort, tunnel, or whatever else your child’s imagination can come up with. Set aside a few used boxes with some markers and let them have at it! After all, they deserve it.
Above all, we encourage everyone in the family to remain positive and look towards the future of your new home. After all, “home is where the heart is,” and as long as you and your child are surrounded by love, everything will be okay!
If you are interested on how hiring movers–ahem, Aaron Bros.’ Movers–can lessen the amount of moving stress, click here for a free estimate.
