Although moving is frequently an exciting moment, the transition may be difficult. Moving is stressful enough as it is, from selecting the best moving services to purchasing a new house and locating the best area. Adding children to the mix might create even more difficulties.

The idea of saying goodbye to friends, moving to a new home, and becoming the ‘new kid’ can be stressful for children. And the stress your child may be feeling might make moving as a parent much more difficult.

Moving with the appropriate strategy does not have to be a terrible experience for your children. Here are some recommendations to make moving with children better.

1. Talk About the Move

Whether moving across town or the country, your kids will need time to adjust to the idea of a new home. Have a family meeting before the move to explain what is happening and why. Depending on their age, your children may want more than a rough outline of where and when you will be relocating. Make sure kids know the day you’ll be in your new home, what life will be like while moving, and whether or not they will be sharing rooms in your new home. It will help ease any anxiety or confusion your child may be feeling. Moreover, make sure to introduce your child to the new house or apartment before the move. It will help them feel more comfortable in their new home.

2. Support Children’s Emotions

It is one of the most important aspects you can do to assist your children. They will have intensely frightening emotions and may not comprehend what they are or how to deal with them. Use books, music, or snippets from popular TV episodes to help your children understand and manage their emotions.

3. Let Kids Pack

Allow your kids to pack their special belongings. It will help them feel more in control of the situation and give them a sense of ownership over their new home and also help them to better understand what is happening and why.

4. Plan Activities

Make sure you have plenty of activities for the days leading up to the move and the first few days in your new home. It will help keep your kids occupied and distracted from all the changes happening around them.

5. Be Patient

Being patient with your kids during the move is essential. It’s a stressful time for everyone, so try to keep it cool and be understanding if your kids are acting out or seem unhappy. Also, don’t forget to tell your kids how much you love them. This is a big change for all of you, but it’s important to remember that no matter where you live, your family will always be together.

6. Look for Help

If possible, have someone watch your children while packing or unpacking. It’s always best to have someone else around when moving with small children, just in case something happens, to keep an eye on your children when they are near the moving truck or any other moving vehicle. Plus, keep all sharp objects and chemicals out of the reach of children and be careful when carrying heavy items around children.

7. Keep Children’s Routine

When it comes time to move, ensure your child is well-rested and has eaten a healthy meal. It will help to avoid any meltdowns or tantrums during the moving process. If possible, try to schedule the move when your child is not in school. It will make it easier on them emotionally and logistically. In addition, during the actual move, try to keep your child’s routine as normal as possible. It will help minimize the stress of the situation.

8. Pack Essentials

Pack a few of your child’s favorite toys or blankets to help them feel more comfortable in their new surroundings.

9. Create Incentives

If your children are dragging their feet when packing and sorting, a tiny treat might help motivate them. You might offer to let your children retain any money they make from selling their old items or to let them choose a new item for their new room after everything is packed. Incentives are a great approach for everyone to make packing less of a burden.

10. Propose a Competition

Nothing makes children happier than winning their siblings at anything. Make the most of this competitive attitude by turning packing into a game. Set a timer for each “round” of packing, and then let your kids pack as much as they can in that period. They must pack everything carefully to receive credit, and the winner wins a prize.

11. Donate Old Toys

Donating your old and unloved toys instead of tossing them away gives them a second opportunity. Donation is more than just a great method to get rid of excess clutter; it’s also an opportunity to teach your children about giving and charitable work. Help children comprehend that the toys they no longer play with can be given to another kid who will adore them unconditionally.

12. Make a Route Time

If you’re traveling a long distance, plan your route to offer your youngster enough breaks from the lengthy drive. It includes staying in hotels or arranging a stay with friends or family in advance. You’ll want to make sure you have everything your child requires wherever you go for a break.

With a little planning and preparation, you can make moving with small children much easier and less stressful. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your child has a smooth transition into their new home. If you need help with your moving, JFK Moving is your best option. We understand that planning, organizing, packing, and dealing with children can be overwhelming, but we will connect you with the best local movers in your area, with the best services and affordable prices according to your needs and budget to make your moving process as fast and simple as possible. Start your moving experience today!