Moving is stressful, especially on younger children. Here are a handful of tips on how to ease the transition of relocating for the youngest members of your family.
Include your child in the conversation–Sometimes as parents we wait to break the bad news until the last minute to avoid outbursts. In some cases, that tactic works but not for a major change like relocation. Tell your child your moving once the decision has been made by the adults. This will give them time to adjust to the new idea, say goodbye to their old home, and get excited about their new house.e
Indulge all the questions–Give your child the opportunity to ask questions and express their concerns about the move. An open line of communication–even if you do not have all the answers–will help you gauge your child’s level of anxiety or excitement. Do some research together on what your new community has to offer such as parks, museums, and special kid-friendly activities. Get excited, and your child will follow your mood.
Visit the new house–If you are moving locally, take your child to visit the new home and neighborhood. Point out all the perks of the area like the big yard to play in or other neighborhood children who can be potential playmates. Allow your child the chance to imagine themselves in the new area.
Yard sale–Moving is the perfect time to go through old items and purge. If applicable, have a yard sale and encourage your child to participate. Let them choose toys and books to sell and let them keep any profits. The money they make can pay for decorations for their new room or help purchase that coveted toy.
Last to pack/first to unpack–Pack your child’s old room last so they can have that comfort as long as possible. Do not make the mistake of packing cherished stuffed animals or objects onto the moving truck since it’s those small consistencies that will help the day of the move. Once in your new home, set your child’s room up first as best as you can. You’ll have peace of mind to unpack the rest of the rooms knowing your child is settled in first.
Arrange for help on moving day–Enlist your child’s favorite adult(s) to keep them occupied and happy on the day of the move. This will allow you the freedom to focus on all the details while your child enjoys comfort and attention from someone they love and trust.
Decorate–Take this opportunity to redo the theme or look of your child’s space. Maybe this is the perfect opportunity to graduate your child from a toddler bed to a “grown-up” bed, or to create a small work space with a child-size desk. Incorporate them in the decoration process as much as possible. The ability to express their creativity on the walls can make the experience go from dreadful to fun. Also, try to salvage some of the artwork/stickers/projects from the old walls for that special touch of familiarity.
Have a “see-you-soon” party–Allow your child the time to say farewell to friends and neighbors. Make the occasion fun and invite guests over for a pizza or ice cream party. You can even purchase a blank journal and encourage neighbors and friends to write messages inside as a gift to keep your child connected to their old house.
Say Goodbye–Let your child say ‘goodbye” to the old house in their own way. Set aside time prior to the move to recall stories about certain moments and celebrations that took place in your old home and discuss how these same events can happen in your new home.
Aaron Bros. Moving System, Inc. wishes you a happy move! For a Free Moving Estimate click here.
