14% of the US population moves every single year.
Moving is quite a feat on its own. However, how many people do it with kids in tow too? It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the process of moving with kids can be more stressful than without.
In this article, we’ll look at ways in which you can cut down the stress and ensure moving is as enjoyable as possible for both you and your kids.
Let’s look at a few ideas:
1. Make a Detailed Plan
Developing a detailed plan is necessary to make sure you’re on schedule to relocate. With kids, you need to schedule more time to get everything ready!
Whether it’s pen stains on the wall or dirty footprints above a bunk bed, you’re bound to find inconvenient marks that your children have left on your home.
Factor these into your moving process. Also, ask yourself questions such as:
- How many months do I need to get everything done?
- How am I going to sell the items I don’t want?
- Who can help me with the move?
It’s never too early to start asking for help, buying boxes, and getting your kids used to the idea of moving.
Discuss the moving plan with your family. An open discussion will help your kids adjust to the upcoming changes.
2. Involve the Kids with Packing
Allow your children to be part of the moving process so that they feel empowered. Helping with the packing process may help them come around to the idea of moving.
Give them specific tasks that you can help control. You might need to do some of the real packing when they aren’t around, however.
Consider leaving your kids rooms until the end of the process so that you can donate things they don’t use without them noticing or getting upset.
3. Ask for Help from Friends and Family
Everyone knows that moving is hard and requires time. So, ask your friends and family for help.
While you’re packing and clearing out the house, have your kids go over to their friend’s houses or their grandparent’s.
This way, they’re occupied, out of your hair, and you can focus on what needs to get done.
You may also want to consider asking friends and family to help you pack. The moving date will creep up on you, have people ready to help towards this date!
4. Keep a Bag of Toys
To ensure your kids are happy and adjust well to the many changes around them, keep a bag of their favorite toys with them and available.
They can help pack this bag up and put it in the car next to them. This way, they won’t be feeling lost and overwhelmed when they can’t sleep with Mr. Penguin.
Better yet, you won’t need to be stressing about where Mr. Penguin is when you arrive in your new house!
5. Say Goodbye to the House
Yes, tears will be shed, but saying goodbye to your home can help bring your entire family a sense of closure. You should also say goodbye to neighbors (and their pets!) to help your kids move on.
Go around each room and talk about the happy memories you had in that room. Show your children that moving is a big deal for you too, but it’s the right thing to do.
Discuss why you are moving with them to help them to understand.
Moving with Kids Requires Patience
Moving with kids is not an easy task. But it’s necessary. If your children get upset during the process, the best thing you can do is be understanding.
Factor in time so that if it all becomes too much for your kids, you can take a break from the packing and go out to do something “fun.”
Alternatively, you could hire professionals who will move the process along much faster than you can yourself. Contact us today if you need help moving with kids.