While moving can be exciting, it can also be a stressful challenge. Moving is no simple task, from choosing the correct moving services to buying the right home. If you have kids, you should prepare for additional challenges. 

While some of your children can help you move, don’t expect much from them. As an adult, you need to recognize that your child is leaving a lot behind. 

They have to say goodbye to all their friends, leave the home they grew up in, and now they have to make new friends. Although there are kids who can seamlessly make the transition, be prepared to help your kids if they are having a tough time. With the correct approach, you can help ease the stress and make moving with your kids easier. Keep reading for some tips to help make moving with kids easier! Are you moving to another state? Do not worry, we can handle all your long distance moving needs if you are moving out of Chicago!

Understand How Moving Affects Your Kids

It doesn’t take a study to show that change affects people. Changes can affect a person’s mood, behavior, and overall character. While most adults can handle change, children might need a hand. Pay extra attention to your kids, and don’t shrug off their concerns. Take time to answer any questions as best as you can. Check out these tips to help your children transition during the move.

Let them participate in helping:

Involve them with the move by putting them in charge of easy tasks such as labeling or taping up boxes. 

Let them hang out with their friends: 

Send your kids to their friend’s house if you have a good relationship with another family. Besides, this will give them quality time before saying goodbye. 

Pack for them:

Some children do not have the mental capacity to pack their belongings. Help them and remind yourself that this is a teaching opportunity. 

Understand How To Prepare Your Kids for The Move 

Give your kids a sense of control by giving them something to look forward to at their new home. Start acknowledging the relocation before your move, not during. Before approaching your children, make sure to find out why this move can benefit your child. Finding the right motivations is critical but takes some consideration. Keep in mind each child is different. Just because a particular strategy worked for your daughter doesn’t mean it will work with your son. Regularly discuss the move while it’s occurring and see if there’s any way you can help them, whether it’s help moving their clothes or discussing their fears about making the new team or making new friends. 

Understand How to Move By their Age

While some children are mature for their age, most children display similar patterns or behaviors because of their age range.

Moving with Babies

If you have a baby or toddler while moving your home, chances are your hands are full. Not only are you in charge of getting all your belongings to your new home, but you are also in charge of something that cannot help itself. Because babies aren’t familiar with how the real world works, be sure you are there for all the hugs and kisses they might need. Make sure you have an essentials bag available at all times. This bag should include snacks, books, toys, and clothes. Keep in mind your daily schedule and what you already do to keep things going while you move. Routine is crucial for children. 

Moving With Preschoolers

Are you ready to explain everything that goes along with your move? Preschoolers are very quick to ask, “why?” and are relentless until they feel satisfied with an answer. Embrace it. The more you have to explain, the better you understand your plan. Additionally, your little ones will better understand what to expect when you get to your new home. 

Moving with Grammar School Children and Highschool Young Adults

This age group should be the easiest for honest and straightforward communication regarding the move. We suggest using the same approach, providing reassurance, affection, and any help with the relocation. 

We also must remember that although high schoolers are older, the friendship they are leaving behind are all they have. Come up with ways to ensure they can stay in touch with their good friends. You can either speak with their friends’ parents or give them the resources to connect. Those resources can look like an internet connection and a device to help them reach out. 

Extra Tips 

Keep your child in the loop with decision-making. For example, bring them to open houses or apartment showings and ask what they think. Let them give input and opinions between the options you like! Asking for their input will help them feel empowered by showing that their opinion matters. 

How to Help Your Child on Moving Day

Kids are some of the most expressive people, and moving is a rollercoaster of emotions. Prepare to see them scared, excited, happy, sad, and unphased, to name a few. Give them extra tasks if you’ve given them time to prepare ahead and only have a little to do. 

Extra tasks can include: 

Giving movers water and snacks 

Showing movers where the bathroom is

Handling additional packing

How To Help Your Kids Pack

Don’t expect much is the first suggestion for packing tips for children. If you have toddlers, just let them play. The only thing they should be in charge of is their essentials bag. Ask them what items they need and guide them to make those choices. If you have multiple children, be sure to label their belongings clearly. 

Are you moving from Chicago to Florida? Make sure your kids understand their region’s climate. Instead of wearing your down jacket, prepare a hoody instead!

Transitioning your Kids After the Move

After you move is where the real work starts. Make sure to spend time with your children and explore their new community. Some teenagers will want to be more independent in their friend-making endeavors. Make sure they’re safe and you can easily communicate with them. 

Take it easy on your kids. Depending on their personality and the resources they have, some children can take some time to adjust to their new school and home. 

To help them adjust:

Maintain routines or schedules.

Welcome old friends and help them make new ones.

Use technology to communicate with old friends.

How to Help Your Children Cope with Change

Like most humans, kids can react to changes in many ways. Take time and understand their challenges or obstacles so you can help them through them. 

How to Move Children with Limitations

Make sure to keep accessibility in consideration when moving. Accessibility includes ramps, entryways, elevators, stairs, and any other obstacles in the way. If traveling long-distance, have an essentials bag ready with everything your child will need. During your relocation, it is critical to schedule breaks. 

How to Move Out of State with Kids

Moving locally, while still challenging, is much easier than moving long distance. We suggest visiting the area before you move and getting your kids acquainted with the neighborhood. A visit is not necessarily the easiest thing to do, don’t make it a priority if it’s inconvenient. Thankfully, Google Maps offers Streetview to help them visualize their new home. 

Are you driving a long way? Do you have games ready? Whether it be your traditional driving games, Eye Spy or having a full charge on the Nintendo switch, make sure you have something to do for your children! 

Do you need help moving with children? Contact us and learn more!