Moving With Children: 5 Things to Consider

Moving With Children: 5 Things to Consider

Choose the Right Moving Service 

While many adults are completely fine being without some of their clothes or their book collection for a few weeks while the moving truck arrives, kids are more likely to want easy access to all of their toys and belongings. Many young kids do not understand that their favorite toys and clothes will eventually make it to their new home. Instead of using a traditional rental truck, it might be a better idea to hire a moving service that offers rapid delivery or if you are planning ahead, it might take weeks during the busy season for moving.

Prepare Your Children for Moving to a New City Ahead of Time

Even if your children are generally laid-back, it’s a good idea to prepare them ahead of time for what the moving process will be like. Communicating with them openly about what will happen and when helps them mentally prepare for the changes. Some of the best ways to get different aged children ready include:

• Toddlers: Moving can be very confusing for toddlers, and it’s a good idea to use books and television shows that your child already watches to explain the moving process. Be ready to answer any questions that they have and reassure them that all of their belongings will be in the new home.
• Preschoolers: Preschool children are often more interested in visualizing the new home. What does the new house look like? Show them a picture! Where is the new house located? Show them a map. There are many ways to help tie moving into your child’s learning. 
• Elementary School Children: These children are typically very easy to move with, as they are old enough to understand what is happening during the move and not so old that they are extremely upset at the idea of leaving their friends behind. You can still expect your child to have lots of questions, but moving with an elementary school-aged child is generally simple and straightforward.
• Preteens and Teenagers: Preteens and teenagers can be almost as challenging to move with as preschoolers, just for different reasons. Many preteens and teens already have social circles and relationships that they’ve built in the classroom and neighborhood. Be prepared to give your child plenty of time to cope with the move. If possible, allowing your teenager to make over their new bedroom and engage with the moving process can make things a little bit easier and help them feel included.

Help Them Stay Connected

One of the biggest anxieties that many children have when moving is losing touch with their family, friends, and neighbors. Before the move, set up different ways to communicate with people they like to keep in touch with, whether that means weekly video chats with their friends or writing letters to their old neighbors.

Have a Fun Drive to the New Home

For most adults, the moving process is stressful, which means that they want it to be over as quickly as possible. However, adding fun stops along the way and incorporating some whimsy into the journey can make it much easier for kids. If you’re headed on a longer trip, plan a couple of fun stops for pictures or a treat. You can create BINGO cards with different road features or license plate numbers on them to keep kids occupied. With a little planning, it’s easy to keep kids well-behaved during the drive.

Be Safe when Moving!

Finally, safety is especially important when you are moving with young children. Make sure that your children understand that they should never climb into the moving truck on their own, even if it’s empty. When packing around the house and stacking up boxes, secure them to the wall, or do not stack them more than a box or two high.

On moving day, it’s a good idea to get a babysitter while you are loading the truck. Children are very curious, and it is never safe to have them underfoot while you are moving heavy objects and furniture.