Moving to a new house is a stressful process for anyone, especially when kids are involved. Your children may feel excited at the thought of this change. But it can also be scary as they leave friends and family behind.
As a parent, it’s important to help your children navigate this new stage in their life and make the transition as easy as possible. With a little planning and preparation, you can move into your new build property successfully and ensure the experience is a positive one for all involved.
For more on this topic, check out the full Moving Tips collection
Communicate with them
First things first, it’s important to sit your children down and openly discuss the reasons behind the move. By keeping them in the loop, you ensure they feel more secure about this big change in their lives. It also gives them enough time to adjust and process things.
Be prepared for many questions. From small ones, such as bedroom size, to more difficult conversations about meeting up with best friends. Take their feelings into consideration and be honest with your answers.
Involve them as much as possible
Letting your children help with things such as packing and decorating can get them excited about moving to a new home. If you’re able to, take them to visit the property after school or in the evening. Doing so gives them a good idea of how their room will look and helps them to become more acquainted with the area.
If they can’t attend a viewing for whatever reason, take as many photos and videos as possible. You could even discuss what furniture they might wish to purchase for their new room or what color they’d like to paint the walls.
Keep routines consistent
Children thrive off routine, so aim to maintain your usual family schedules in the period leading up to the move as well as once you settle in. Try to hold off on important changes in their development until after you move, such as introducing new foods and potty training.
You should also ask your little ones to pack a bag containing items that are meaningful to them. Often referred to as ‘transitional objects’ by psychologists, these can alleviate the stress of being separated from their childhood home, supporting them during the move. From baby blankets to bedtime books and squishable plushies, these hold a powerful link to their sense of security.
Celebrate your new life
What better way to get the kids excited about the move than to throw a goodbye party for your old home? This will give your children valuable time to say their farewells to their beloved bedrooms as well as their friends – it may even give them time to arrange things with friends for the future so they don’t lose touch.
For more on this topic, check out the full Moving Tips collection
