How to Make Moving With Kids Stress-Free

Moving with kids out of state can be a tiresome task, but there are ways to make it easier for everyone. If you have young children, it is important to involve them in the process as much as possible. Help them pack and let them choose what they keep and bring with them. Explain what is happening and the reasons for relocating. Older children may be more resistant to the idea, but it is still important to have them involved. Talk to them about their concerns and try to address any fears they may have.

Moving With Kids Starts With Being Honest About the Move

On the morning of their move, the majority of parents wouldn’t tell their kids, “Well, we’re leaving all behind and relocating to a new city today with a white glove moving company!” However, this does not suggest that merely informing them in advance is sufficient. You must inform them effectively.

Unlike relocating to another state alone, it can be a tough decision to make when you’re trying to figure out the best way to approach moving with children. Should you tell your kids right away? Or wait until everything is finalized? There are pros and cons to both approaches, but ultimately it’s up to you as the parent to decide what will work best.

One of the things to consider when you’re relocating to a new state is to make sure everyone is present when you share the news with the family. Inform your children first, then inform any other adults who might tell them. Naturally, you will have grown-up confidantes who are likely to be aware of the relocation before your kids are, but you should wait to inform teachers and friends’ parents until your kids are aware of it themselves.

Be Ready to Answer All of Their Questions

Many parents still fall short in their efforts to fully prepare their kids for a move, despite having the best of intentions. If you simply tell them about the relocation from a small town to a big city and leave it at that, your young ones will only think about what they’re leaving behind. They won’t cope easily with leaving their school, the neighborhood kids, potentially their grandparents, or their personal bedroom. When having this conversation, parents should place more emphasis on the goals their children could be working toward, such as:

• A fresh school,
• A new house with a focus on desirable features that your previous house lacks (a backyard for the dog or a bedroom for everyone),
• Different weather conditions (such as a cold climate or a warmer one),
• Whether there are any nearby children’s museums or sizable playgrounds that stand out about the new town.

Clarifying who and what is joining on this new trip is also crucial. Even if your children are older, tell them up front that both you and your partner, as well as their siblings and all priceless possessions – are coming. If you are planning to relocate with pets, the kids can take care of them.

Inform Them as Much as You Can

Keeping a child informed is the best approach to help them adjust while you plan a move to another city. Don’t ignore children when it comes to the finer points. Give them quite enough information as you can about their new life, such as:

• The change of address,
• What their school’s name is,
• New neighborhood’s name,
• Your motivation for relocating (such as a new job or a different setting),
• The title of your company or that of your spouse.

Although this may seem like unimportant information, youngsters like to feel informed, just like anybody else. In this manner, children will have accurate information to provide when teachers, family members, or other adults inquire about their new lives.

If Possible, Take Them With You to Visit a New Place

Before you contact white glove movers and pay for long-distance moving services, you should spend a weekend exploring your new hometown. Sure, you can view your future place on Apartments.com or any other real estate website, but it’s better to visit in person. Before returning home, take your kid to your new community, by their new school, and to an interesting landmark. This will help your child get a better sense of their new community and probably ease any pre-move anxiety. By including a memorable landmark, you provide the child with a fond recollection of your new hometown.

Let Them Be a Part of the Relocation Process

If you’re considering letting your kids be a part of the relocation process, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, it’s important to be honest with them about the reasons for the move. If there are specific aspects of the new location that you’re excited about (like a better school district,) make sure to share that with your kids. It will help them feel more positive about the change.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the younger your children are, the easier it will be for them to adjust after they move to a new home. Toddlers and preschoolers, in particular, are very adaptable and tend to thrive in new environments. If you have older kids, they may need a little more time to adjust and may experience some adjustment insomnia. But ultimately, they’ll be able to handle the change as long as you’re there to support them.

Letting your kids be involved in the relocation process can be a great way to help them feel more positive about the move. It can also help make the transition smoother for everyone involved. Just make sure to keep the lines of communication open and be honest with your kids about what’s going on. With a little planning and good organization, the whole family can make a successful move.

Allow the Kids to Pack Up Their Favorite Belongings

It makes sense to want to clean up as much mess as you can when you’re in the middle of packing, so you’re planning a thorough move-out cleaning. However, your kids probably seem to be working to your disadvantage at every turn. It may be tempting to cram the toys, all their favorite books, and stuffed animals into a box to put them out of the path at the time being, but this is not the best course of action. Your kids really require something to hang onto when you’re stressed out, your house is a mess, and the truth of relocating sets in.

Take additional care to keep the things they cherish out and visible even though they may obstruct your movements. That includes their preferred pillows, art supplies, toys, dinnerware, other kitchen items, and blankets. This is particularly true when you have young children.

Leave certain areas unobstructed as well, rather than concealing them with boxes, if they enjoy hiding behind a specific chair or playing on a particular sunny windowsill. It’s best to keep the old life as familiar as it can be for the time being until you can build a new one. Additionally, even if you’ve invested in packing services, let the young ones pack their own boxes.

Fun and Creative Projects Can Keep Them Busy During the Relocation Process

Ideally, your kids will spend most of the move-out day with grandparents or in a different vehicle aside from the relocation truck. But it doesn’t solve their problems for the remainder of the time. It takes a long time to pack. If the kids are allowed to bother you while you get ready, neither you nor they will be satisfied.

Here are some entertaining activities for young children to enjoy while you pack. Have older kids who get upset when they have to leave their middle and high school classmates behind? See if you can use these simple tips for moving with kids.

Bribe Them With Candy and Keep Up the Positive Attitude

Children put in a lot of effort to impress their parents, but the desire to behave has its limits. If you notice that their attitude changes, it’s time to get the snacks, the toys, and the special time out. It helps to provide a reward when you need youngsters to remain out of your way for labor-intensive tasks like arranging your home or packing. It might be a much-wanted treat, a computer game, or the assurance of some quality time spent with them afterward.

Perhaps you could let your kids stay up a tiny bit later or let them dress up as superheroes during relocation day preparations. Have pizza in the morning or allow them to smuggle in a midnight snack. Allow them to watch that show they keep pleading for, or even go to the shop and get them some candy.

The following video offers some ideas for quick and easy homemade sweets that can pleasantly surprise your whole family.

Let Long Distance Movers Assist You During the Move

The most important thing to remember when moving out of state with children is to stay calm and be patient. It will take some time to adjust to the new surroundings, but eventually, everything will fall into place. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can make the transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved.

Another crucial thing that will ensure the move goes smoothly is to start planning early and give yourself plenty of time to get everything organized. If you keep your own stress and tension at bay, the kids will eventually relax and enjoy the adventure to the fullest. That’s why you should ensure you’ve invested in white glove moving services so you have time to take care of your family.