Best Practices for Moving with Kids

When it comes to moving, you want a good experience for all parties involved. This includes children, which often have a difficult time with moving in general. According to an article published by the New York Post, moving is the most stressful event in life, above even having children or getting a divorce, so imagine how it is for the youngest of us.

Ideally, moving should be celebrated, not stressful. Here are some best practices for moving with kids and making it a memorable (instead of stressful) experience. 

Communicate

Just as communication is helpful in an office setting and with your spouse, it helps to be transparent and communicate with children about your upcoming move. Your kids may already have an idea that something is changing soon, so letting them know the plan will ease uncertainties and help them prepare for an easier transition. You also build trust.

Involve Them

One way to get kids excited about a move? Involve them! You can have them participate in researching a new location, planning the move or how to decorate the new residence once you arrive. Children thrive on responsibility and reward, so involving them in the moving process is a great way to give them both (especially if you give them a treat once it’s complete). 

Plan In Advance

Last-minute life changes aren’t fun for most of us. Planning in advance, on the other hand, ensures as little stress and impact on young lives as possible. Consider planning a trip to your future location with your children, or have them pick a time to visit their old neighborhood and friends after living in your new residence for a bit. The longer your kids have to prepare, the lower the risk of meltdowns.

Hire Help

One of the biggest things you can do to help your kids during the moving process is be there for them. Answer any questions they have, do the moving work/planning with them and just be around if they need you. This is hard to do if you’re handling the entire moving process yourself, so consider hiring a residential moving company to handle the move instead. The less you have to do, the less stressed you’ll be and the more time you’ll have for your kids.

If you have children and are planning a move soon, we’d love to address anything you’re worried about. Contact us for a no-obligation quote today.