1. Moving with Children

2. Moving with Children Can Be Stressful Moving can be stressful. It takes weeks, if not months, of planning, packing up all your belonging, moving and unpacking. At best, it is a daunting feat. Moving with children makes the processes even more challenging. The packing of their belongings and familiar household items can be confusing and uncomfortable. Although never easy, the best way to move with children is to prepare them with open, honest and frequent communication to develop a level of familiarity and comfort.

3. Planning Your Move Using a moving company can take a lot of the stress out of moving, but pre-move planning and preparation is your responsibility. To help your children prepare, its essential that you speak with them early. Sit down with them over pizza or ice cream and explain to them (1) that the family needs to move (2) why the family needs to move and (3) where their new home will be.

4. Preparing for your New Home Stress The Positive: Before you even contact a moving company, tell your children that moving is a big change, but emphasize how excited you are and how great it will be. Build Familiarity: Make a day out of touring your new neighborhood, town or city. Visit local attractions, check out the new school (if they’re switching), and do a walkthrough of your new home and property. The key is, make it positive and fun! Your children will take cues from you.

5. Let Your Kids Pick Make then feel Empowered Let your children pick their own rooms during your pre-move walkthrough. It will help them settle into your new home. Minimize Discomfort Unpack your children first. It will help them adjust more quickly.

6. Car Rides If you’re moving to another state, the long drive can be especially taxing on children. Even if you’ve prepared them for the move, a long day (or several) in the car can be stressful. To make your children comfortable, pack them a special backpack of their favorite things. It can be their favorite pillow and pajamas, CD, DVD, videogame or book. Also pack some of their favorite snacks.

7. The First Night Make sure they have their favorite things with them. A blanket or a stuffed animal. If they don’t feel like sleeping in their beds, lay out a sleeping bag in the living room or let them sleep on the couch.

8. Settling into the Neighborhood When you move to a new place, make an effort to get to know your neighbors and neighborhood. It will encourage your children to do the same. However, don’t forget to help your children keep in touch with the friends they may have left behind.

9. Enjoy Your New Home! Moving can be stressful, but with preparation and the right moving company it is a manageable stepping stone to the next chapter of your family’s journey. Life’s a Journey MoveWell