3 Tips To Prepare For Your Move With Young Children

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A move is a move, no matter whether you are relocating to a home a few streets away or to some other state. It is far more challenging if you have kids at home. The change is unsettling for your children as it is for youbecause they shift to unfamiliar surroundings. However, you can make the transition smoother if you take care of a few things when you relocate with them:

1. Complete all pre-move day work

Proper preparation is a prerequisite to reducing stress significantly. For the process to run smoothly on the move day, finish as much work as possible in advance. Some of these things include:

Tell your children about the move. Try to answer their queries and doubts. In this way, you free their minds of any anxieties and encourage them to look forward to moving with optimism. The idea is to create enthusiasm and curiosity about the new place and make them a partner in the transition.
It helps a great deal to remain calm and composed during this period. Children are sharp in picking up changes in your moods, especially when you are stressed and anxious. They will try to help you if you are relaxed and smiling while organizing and packing.
That is why it is essential to make packing an enjoyable activity. Let the children pack toys and some clothes in moving boxes.
Also, show them the map of the new neighborhood and tell about things that concern them, and they can understand. Familiarize them with their future surroundings.
Kids must look forward to moving to a new location. Many parents find it useful to read stories of moving day to their children in the pre-move days.

2. Preparation for D-Day

Never ignore packing properly for the move day, and the first night in your new home. You need food, medicines, toiletries, children’s toys for travel, it’s best to pack them separately. Keep a bag for your first night’s stay in the new house. Pay special attention to packing the following things for your children, depending on their age.

Wipes and diapers
Medications and First aid kit
Clothing
Favorite Toys
Food items like juice, formula, snacks, etc.
Bottles and sippy cups,
Car seat, carrier, and stroller
Blanket
Extra pacifiers
Bath items

You need to take care of your children’s first-night stay in the new home. Arrange their books and toys in the bed, so that they feel familiar and comfortable. Bedtime storiesare the best way to entertain them to sleep calmly.

3. Settling Into the New Home

It is not unusual for kids to adjust to new surroundings quickly, while adults may take some time. But some kids may find it difficult to accept the change. In that case, the parents need to extend a helping hand to help them get used to the new place naturally.

You must tour the house with kids. Let them explore the space and find their new favorite corners for play and fun. Your positive feelings will rub off on your kids, and they take to the new place quickly, which also means the exercise becomes less stressful for you.

It helps to provide some extra time to play with children in the yard. You must ensure that they do not feel lonely and are actively engaged in exploring the new place. When you interact with neighbors, introduce your kids to theirs. When they make new friends, they will adjust to the transition in no time, and you will be free to focus on your work peacefully.

Check out the infographic below for more tips on how to talk with your kids about moving, and other steps you can take so it’s not so hard on them.