How To Prepare Your Children For A Move: The Ultimate Guide
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If you’re like most parents, you want to make sure your children are as prepared as possible for a move. A big change like this can be difficult for kids, so it’s important to go through the process step by step and help them understand what’s happening. In this blog post, we will provide an ultimate guide on how to prepare your children for a move. We’ll cover everything from explaining the reasons for moving to helping them adjust to their new home.
Follow these tips from some of the top movers, and you’ll be able to make the transition as smooth as possible for your little ones!
Talk about it as soon as possible
The first step in preparing your children for a move is to start talking about it as soon as possible. This will help them understand that moving is a reality, not just something you’re discussing. Furthermore, it is important to explain the reasons for the move. Is it because of a new job? Do you need more space? And so on.
The sooner you can talk about these matters and be as open and honest as possible, the more time they will have to process the news and deem how they feel about the change.
Allow them to express their feelings about moving
It’s important for kids to know that it’s okay for them to express their feelings when you tell them, “We’re moving!” They might be excited or sad – either way is fine, but letting it all out will help with emotional preparation before your family moves away from its current home (and school).
Begin a visual countdown
Once you have booked your moving company and have secured your moving date, one way to help your children emotionally prepare for a move is by starting a visual countdown. This can be anything from marking the days on a calendar to putting up pictures of the new house as it nears completion.
This will give them an idea of how close the move is and when they can start getting excited about their new home. It also serves as a reminder that even though there might be some sadness in leaving their current home, there is excitement ahead too!
Plan your move around the school holidays
Movers are always the busiest during the summer months; however, if possible, plan your move around the summer school holidays. This will make it easier for kids to adjust because they won’t have to miss any classes or deal with the stress of starting at a new school mid-semester. Furthermore, this will give them some time to get used to their surroundings and make friends in their new neighbourhood before diving into a new academic year.
Visit their new home and area
One way to help kids emotionally prepare for a move is by visiting their new home and area ahead of time. You can take pictures or videos of the trip so that they can see where they’ll be living. If possible, drive through the neighbourhood and show them where their house is located in relation to other landmarks.
This will help them familiarize themselves with the surroundings and start dreaming about all the fun adventures they might have there!
Visit their new school
If you’re able to, visit the new school before your children start attending. This will help them get a feel for the place and meet some of their future classmates. It can be nerve-wracking starting at a new school, so anything that can make the transition smoother is helpful. If you are not able to take a tour of the school, alternatively one weekend you can walk around the outside of the school and check out all the great play equipment and outdoor facilities the school has.
Talk about any changes in routine
Moving can cause a lot of changes in routine, so it’s important to talk about those with your kids. They should know what time they’ll get up and go to bed each day (if this is different than before). You also need to explain how the move will impact their daily activities, such as extracurriculars or playdates with friends from school.
If possible, try not interrupting any regular routines too much during moving week as this may add even more stress for them leading up until you you move!
Let them help plan out their new room and help pack up their belongings
Kids love feeling like they’re in control and being able to help out, so let them plan their new room and help pack up some of their belongings for the movers. This will make them feel more excited about the move and like they have a stake in it. Plus, it just makes packing up easier on you!
Read books about moving
There are a ton of great books out there about moving that can help kids prepare. They’re often written in a fun and engaging way, so your kids will enjoy reading them even if they don’t want to think about the move itself! A few examples include The Berenstain Bears Moving Day and Movers To The Rescue.
Having these books on hand during the process can be a great way to answer any questions they have or just provide some comfort during what might be a chaotic time.
Be positive!
The most important thing that anyone, as well as the moving company, will tell you is you are is to remain positive yourself. Kids pick up on their parents’ emotions more than anything else, so if you’re stressed and anxious, they’ll likely be too.
Moving is definitely a transition, but it also marks a new adventure and a chance for your family to start fresh in a brand new place. Embrace that excitement with your kids, and they’ll be more likely to as well!
In conclusion, moving can be an exciting time for the whole family, but it can also be stressful – especially for kids. If you’re prepared ahead of time, though, it will make the process much smoother for everyone. By following these tips from the top moving companies, you can help your children prepare emotionally and mentally for their upcoming move!
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