Moving home with children is always going to be difficult. But the good news is that there are a number of things you can do to make the process a lot easier on both yourself and your little ones. Here are 8 top tips that should help you, whatever the reason for your move.
- Involve Your Kids From The Start
Kids can feel betrayed or startled if you announce a move to them with no notice. Instead, involve them from the start. This will give them time to get used to the idea of a move and warm to it.
- Listen To Their Worries
You may be settled on a move and be certain that it’s happening. But you should still listen to your children’s concerns or worries if they say that they don’t want to go. This can allow you the opportunity to comfort them and put worries to rest.
- Familiarise Them With Their New Area
Take your kids to visit the area they’re moving too. Familiarity with the new place and new home can help reduce the shock of moving when the time actually comes. Show them the perks of their new living space. This will give them something to look forward to.
- Visit the House
Avoid taking your kids to the new house while it still has previous tenant’s or owners’ belongings in. Instead, wait until everything’s moved out and present it to them as a blank canvas. This will help them to imagine your family’s belongings and their own things in there.
- Use Professional Removals
Whether you’re moving down the road and just need a helping hand, or whether you need international moving services, you should always make sure to use professional removals when you’re moving home with kids. Sure, you may be able to load and drive a van back and forth yourself, but using professionals can free up your time and allow you to support your child emotionally through the move.
- Reset Your Normal Routine as Quickly as Possible
Sure, you may not get back to day to day living immediately, but you should try to get unpacked and instill your family’s usual routine as early as possible. This will give your child familiarity in their new home and feel more settled.
- Get Them Involved In Unpacking
Allowing your children to unpack their own belongings with you will comfort them, as they’ll be able to see that nothing has been lost and they still have all of their things. It will also help them to feel some autonomy and control if you allow them to choose spaces for their belongings themselves.
- Decorate Their New Room
Make sure to decorate your children’s new rooms to fit their tastes and what they like. This can help them to settle in much more easily. They’ll feel like they’re in their own room, rather than simply settling down in someone else’s.
Implement these steps and you should do well when it comes to moving home easily and comfortably with your little ones in tow!