Moving house can mean turmoil for every member of the family. The decision to move house is made largely by the adults, who then tend to focus on the practical aspects of it. The situation can be more stressful if there are children in the family, especially very small children. For them, it is a matter of a leaving their world behind. So, what must one do in order to make the transition as smooth and as close to natural as possible for the entire family?
The foremost step is to plan well in advance. Children should also be included in the decision-making process, depending, of course, upon their age and their levels of understanding. Even if they are too small to comprehend the gravity of the situation, they can be made aware of the decision to move and the reasons behind it. Talking to them about the whole process well in advance is essential, as this helps them get used to the idea of a change.
Involving them in activities like choosing the colours for their rooms or decorating their play area can make them feel very important, which would perhaps make readjustment less stressful. Multiple visits to the new house and locality before moving helps to familiarise with the new house and environment. This is a great way to know the layout, important landmarks and the amenities. Getting introduced to the neighbours removes a lot of anxiety for both the parents and the kids.
Packing things up is the most time-consuming and stressful issue of the whole process of moving houses. One can avail the services of movers and packers to ease the burden, if necessary. Even then, careful planning needs to be done so that they can be directed towards the packing process in an organised manner.
Older children can pack their own boxes with appropriate labelling. Younger children can also be encouraged to pack small boxes with their personal favourites such as toys, and name them accordingly. This would, in fact, turn out to be a very valuable lesson in organisation for the kids at an early age. Leaving the old place with proper goodbyes is a great lesson to teach children that cherished memories and new beginnings are part of life.
Disclosure: This is a PR collaboration.
I can’t offer any advice as I’ve never moved with young children but getting them involved is very sensible.
Moving with kids is very tough situation ever because they need an extra care & plan for a move. Involve your kids in planning & packing phase is essential in case to grab the interest of your kids towards the move.
I’m hoping to move within the next 6 months maybe a year but think it is going to be the hardest thing I’ve done. Not looking forward to it at all but hopefully we are doing the right thing for our family and as the children are young I’m sure they will see it more as an adventure.
We have never moved since having the kids – I think it would be pretty difficult!
We have moved twice now with our son and it is difficult. We have always treated it as an adventure and thankfully he has coped quite well!