How To Move With Kids Without Losing It

Moving can be a draining experience under the best of circumstances, whether you’re moving across the country or just around the corner. Moving can be an incredibly stressful time in your life, and add young children into the mix, and your stress level can go skyrocket. I have provided some tips to minimize the insanity of relocation with little ones. One rule to remember is to include your children in the process of moving so that they know it is a thrilling time for the whole family, and not just about change for the bad. 

1) Know the right way to tell them about the move:

Whatever the age of your children- toddlers to teens; you’ll want to tell them about your upcoming move at the right time. Your younger kids don’t need quite as much time as your teens, who will want to be more involved in the whole process. Rather than letting them fret, give them the low-down on the plan as soon as you know you are moving.

2) Create a moving day plan:

3) Address the separation anxieties:

One of the best things you could try and do is have a goodbye party. This gives your children something to look forward to and gives them a chance to say goodbye to everyone. Children love a celebration, and this can be a great way to turn your move into a positive, exciting experience.

4) Let the kids help you pack:

If they’re old enough, let your children help you pack some of their personal belongings, maybe get them to purge some of their older items. Even if they are young, kids can sort their toys and help you wrap objects, you can make it a game. One of the most fun and time-consuming projects they can do is decorate the boxes!

5) Don’t forget to pack a special bag of favorite toys and activities:

Also, keep kid ‘essentials’ on hand. Set aside one box or overnight bag of items you will need ASAP, and take it with you in your own car rather than the moving truck. Letting your children choose some of the “essentials” in their life will help with the whole process because, for them, it might be a certain teddy bear or toy. 

6) Make the first night special:

Make it feel like home. Move-in day is exciting and exhausting for kids. Make sure the first night is together-time with the whole family spending it doing something fun. 

Remember unpacking can take time, so take a break and explore your new neighborhood! Don’t be in a hurry to unpack. Give the children certain “jobs” or responsibilities, such as finding fun new places, like hiking trails, playgrounds, or even a local pizza joints.

If you’re able to handle your experience with a little extra care while following these tips, your transition will be memorable for all the right reasons. During the whole transition, one important thing to remember is to maintain familiar routines as much as you can, because this can be very reassuring.