Making the big house move is stressful for anyone, let alone your kids. You have a lot to consider before you move house, and one of the most important things is how it will impact your children.
Their lives are being turned upside down and it can be confusing for them, no matter how old they are. Here are some ways to help your children to navigate the moving process.
The Effect of Moving On Children
The first thing you need to do is look into the effect that moving house can have on your children. A lot of this comes down to their age, as well as their personality. Some children will take to the move far more easily than others.
Babies and toddlers are young enough that their most important attachments are you, the parents. This means that they won’t be impacted by social changes or the stress of uncertainty while moving. However, it also means that they aren’t old enough to understand what’s happening, and are far more dependent on you for care. They can find the moving process highly stressful and confusing.
Older children and teenagers are better able to understand the moving process and are old enough for you to explain things to them. However, they have also likely made connections in their home area and have developed an attachment to it. If you’re moving far away, then they will worry about losing friends and having to get reestablished in a new area.
Make sure to involve your children in the process as much as possible. Help them pack their belongings, and let them choose which items go into storage and which come with you. This will help ease the transition and make it an exciting adventure for them rather than a stressful event.
Getting as much help as possible with your move is essential.
Removals of boxes and furniture can be a daunting task. This means hiring a reputable removal company to handle the heavy lifting and enlisting the help of friends and family to get everything packed up and moved into your new home.
If you have time before the move, visit your new neighbourhood with your children. Explore the parks and playgrounds, and introduce them to the neighbours. This will help make a move feel less like a significant change and more like an exciting new adventure.
Dealing With Young Children
Babies and young children are reliant on their caregivers and can find the moving day incredibly stressful. Things are loud and confusing, and the chances are that you are distracted by the moving itself. Toddlers can get underfoot and might even get hurt.
The best way to make sure that your baby or toddler is safe and happy somewhere is to make sure that they aren’t around during the move itself. If your toddler is in preschool or a daycare center, then you can do the heavy lifting then. Otherwise, ask a trusted friend or family member to take care of your child during the day.
The same principle applies to pets. Your pet isn’t going to care that much about a new house and will quickly settle into wherever its family is, but it will find the moving process difficult. So ask someone to look after your pet to help everything run smoothly.
Dealing With Older Children
The best way to help older children and teenagers to cope with the move is to communicate with them. As soon as you’re sure that you’re moving, speak to them like adults and explain what’s happening. Listen to their concerns and, if possible, help them to keep in contact with old friends.
It might help to get them involved as well, by having them help with the packing. Pack well in advance and take anything you can’t fit in the house to a Storage Area to keep it safe.
