Moving can be rough for anyone. Kids, regardless of their age, will also feel worried and even stressed out once you tell them the big news that you are relocating to a different city or state.
Even though there will be a lot of things running through your mind to ensure everything goes well during your upcoming move, you still have to make it a priority to prepare your kids for this big change in their life.
You can help reduce your kids’ anxieties and worries before and during the move by following these useful tips:
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Involve your kids throughout the whole moving process
The best way to move interstate with your kids is to involve them from the start.
When relocating with children, keep in mind that even the smallest task can make a huge difference in their feelings toward the upcoming move and their new home.
By allowing them to participate or have a say in some decisions that have to be made, you will increase their excitement (and lower their anxieties) before the move.
Some of the tasks that you can safely assign to your kids are:
- Sorting their belongings and letting them choose which ones they can bring, give away, or sell.
- Letting them pack some of their small, non-fragile items such as socks, underwear, toys, etc.
- Allowing them to choose the paint colour for their room if it will be repainted.
- Letting them label their boxes with their names and decorate them if they want to.
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Talk to your kids about the place you will be moving to
Help your kids prepare mentally and emotionally for the move by talking to them about the new city or state, neighbourhood, and house. Do this sometime before the move; bring it up at least 2-3 times a week.
Make your kids feel more excited about the move by showing them pictures of the popular and fun destinations you can visit once you are in the new city or state.
In addition, if you have already bought a home, on your next visit, take videos or photos of your new house, neighbourhood, the local park or playground, mall, and other places that your kids will be interested in. All these will boost your children’s interest and anticipation for the upcoming move.
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Declutter and pack your kids’ bedroom when they are not around
Avoid stressful power struggles about which items your kids can bring and which ones to throw and sell by packing their bedroom while they are in school. If you will be doing this during the weekend or when school is out, bring your kids to their grandparents’ house or a neighbour.
Kids are often possessive of their belongings and “works of art”. As such, if they see you throwing out an old toy car that has missing wheels or the hundreds of pictures they drew in kindergarten, they may pick them out of the garbage bag and insist that you pack them.
To avoid having an argument with your kids and reduce the items you need to pack, do this when your kids are not home.
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Throw a goodbye party
A few days before moving day, host a farewell party for your kids. Invite their classmates, friends, and other people close to them.
Before the party, ask the guests to bring small keepsakes they can give your kids which they can treasure and hold on to as they move to a new place. These mementos will always remind your children about the fun times they had in the past as well.
With this farewell party, you will allow your little ones to say their goodbyes properly. They will also get some closure and feel more prepared about living in a new city or state.
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Prepare a moving day bag
Lastly, a day or two before the scheduled moving day, pack a bag for each of your kids.
It should contain one or two pieces of clothes, their pajamas, slippers, and their favorite blanket. Make sure you pack a few of their favorite toys, books, and snacks in these bags especially if you will be on the road for several hours.
With the toys, books, and snacks you pack, your kids won’t get bored easily and start becoming unruly during the drive.
Once you and your family arrive at your destination, you will still have to help your kids adjust to the new environment. You can do this by making your new home as comfortable and homely as you can for them.
Another tip to help your kids make a smooth transition is to explore the new neighborhood with them. Encourage them to meet and play with other kids. You can also start looking for potential schools while you and your kids are exploring the community.
Lastly, try to get back into your normal routine immediately. Try to keep things such as mealtimes, bedtime, and other activities the same as much as possible.
If your kids have always been fascinated with a sport, dancing, acting or modeling, encourage them to pursue their interests and find ways to help them improve their craft.
To help your children cope with a move, make sure you follow the tips above and continue showing your love and support to them after you have settled into your new home.
AUTHOR BIO
Robert Wise, Sales Administration Manager at Nuss Removals, has been a respected figure in the removals industry for over 20 years. His attention to detail and the ability to truly understand the needs of the customer have ensured the successful relocation of thousands of satisfied individuals and families. For moving and storage across Australia and around the world, Robert’s wealth of experience ensures his customers are in safe hands.
