Tips to Make Moving House Easier for Kids

Moving from one place to another is something most of us have to do eventually, especially when our family starts to grow and the home we have is no longer big enough. The move itself can be stressful for grown-ups, as there are so many things you have to keep in mind – but it can be even more stressful for kids. They have no control over the situation, they don’t have as much patience as grown-ups do, and they might not fully understand what is going on. So, to make the move easier for your kids, here are a few suggestions you could try.

Acknowledge their fears

When you announce the move, your kids might react emotionally – they might get mad, or they might even cry, as the first thing they associate with moving is losing their comfort. So, listen to them, acknowledge their worries, and assure them that they won’t actually lose anything. Don’t try to talk them out of their feelings, but rather focus on the positive. For example, you can tell them that yes, they will have to go to a new school, but there are still ways to stay in touch with their old friends, and there is a beautiful park near the new school where they will have a chance to make many new friends too.

Make a family wish list

This is another way to help your kids focus on the positive, as it emphasizes all the things they will get instead of the things they are losing. So, make a wish list of all the things you’d like to have in your new home. For example, if you’re moving to a place with a bigger backyard, you can discuss getting a dog, as a pet can also help your child adapt to the new environment faster and easier. Or, if you’re moving to a bigger house, in general, your kids can finally get their own rooms. Things like those can make your kids actually look forward to their new home.

Give them some control

Depending on the age of your kids, there are always some things you can let them choose, like the color of their room and furniture, decorations, and similar details. You should also include them in the decluttering process, especially when decluttering their rooms – you never know which toys or items have a sentimental value to them even if they might look irrelevant to you. Moreover, by including them in the moving process, you are giving them a sense of control over the situation, and they are more likely to be excited about the new house than worried or upset.

Be careful when packing

Speaking of your kids’ stuff, be careful with their toys. When kids are young, they tend to get attached to their things, which is why breaking something in the process can lead to a bad start in the new home. This is why parents in Australia often hire professionals to help them with the move, and you can do the same. If you are from the Land Down Under, you can find the best removalists from Sydney who can help you get everything to your new home safely.

Maintain your routine

Kids love routine, as it gives them a sense of stability and continuity. So, try to stick to your routine as much as you can. For instance, if you’ve had movie nights every Friday, keep having them. Or, if you usually eat lunch or dinner together, keep doing that. Also, once you do move, invite your friends and cousins over. This way, your kids will feel more like you’ve simply changed your address rather than lost your old home.

Show your child what to expect

If your new place is not too far away, get to know it even before you officially move. Visit your new home with your kids, visit their new school and playgrounds, meet the neighbors, buy something at the grocery store, visit the local library, find the best pizza place and bakery, etc. This way, your kids will know what to expect, and even more importantly, they won’t feel completely out of place when you do move. They will already know where everything is, so they won’t be afraid of getting lost, which is bound to make them feel more comfortable too.

Moving is an exciting process, but it can also be stressful and exhausting, especially for your kids. So, don’t neglect their feelings, and do everything you can to make the move easier and fun for them. This way, your new beginning is more likely to be memorable in the best way possible.