Moving to a new home or apartment can present many unique challenges, especially for young children. Whether you’re moving with kids to a new neighborhood across town or relocating to a brand new state, settling into a new home and adjusting to a new, potentially unfamiliar environment can be overwhelming. As a parent, it can be difficult to help children cope with a movie; luckily, there are a few steps you can take to make the transition as seamless as possible. Today, we will be sharing a few expert approved tips on how to make moving with kids easier!
1. Pack Together
As a child, having your personal belongings packed up and moved to a new space can be overwhelming and upsetting. One great way that parents can alleviate the pain of moving with kids is by allowing children to play a hands-on role in the packing and preparation process. By allowing your child to assist you in the process of packing, they are able to feel more in control of all the changes coming their way.
2. Encourage Exploration
One of the easiest ways to make moving with kids a little easier is by encouraging your child to get outside and explore your neighborhood after settling into your new home. Taking walks together or allowing them some freedom to wander independently (if appropriate) is a great way for your children to become familiar with the area and begin forming relationships with other kids in the neighborhood.
3. Personalize Their Bedroom
One of the most exciting parts of moving with kids is giving your child a brand new space to make their own. Allowing children to personalize their living space is a perfect way to help them feel connected and comfortable in the new environment. Allow your child to pick out their favorite decorations, furniture, and artwork to transform their new room into a special place just for them that they’ll enjoy spending time in as they adjust after a big move.
4. Get involved with after-school activities
To help your child make friends and adjust more quickly to the new environment, look for after-school activities that they can get involved in. This could be sports teams, art classes, or simply joining a local library club – it will help them meet kids their own age and form connections with them.
5. Help Them Stay Connected
As your child adjusts to life in your new home, ensure that they are able to stay connected with their old friends. Whether through Facetime or Zoom, texting, or any other form of communication, keeping in touch with those they’ve left behind will help them feel more at ease in a new space.
Moving with kids can be daunting – luckily, these 4 simple tips can help ensure that you and your child have a smooth transition as you settle into your brand new home!
Need more help with a move? From helpful tips to comprehensive local or long-distance moving services, the experts at Mike Hammer Moving have you covered. Click here to learn more about our services or to get in touch with a member of our team today!
FAQ’S ABOUT MOVING WITH KIDS
What age is hardest for kids to move?
School-age children and teenagers often have the hardest adjustment, since they’re leaving established friendships and routines behind. Younger children tend to adapt more quickly when their new space is set up to feel familiar right away.
How far in advance should I tell my kids about a move?
Most parenting and family psychology resources recommend telling children as soon as the move is confirmed, giving them time to process the change and ask questions. Involving them in age-appropriate parts of the planning — like packing their own room — can help ease the transition. See our Top 8 Things You Need When You Move Out guide for setting up a comfortable first night in the new home.
