Moving Your Family: Tips for Moving with Kids

Moving can be tough, especially when you have a family and you’re moving out of state.

All the packing, the goodbyes to old friends, and the readjustment to a new city – moving can take its toll on kids.

Learn how to make your next relocation easier on your family with these simple tips.

Start a Conversation About Moving

Before you start packing, have a conversation with your kids. Explain to them why you need to move. Tell them why you are excited about the move, too.

Still, prepare yourself for some tears! Your kids might not be as excited for the change as you are. Invite them to express their feelings and concerns and do your best to address their worries.

Also, let them know that you expect them to pitch in and help with the family move in whatever way they can.

Involve Your Children in Relocation Preparations

Invite your children to help you choose what stays and what goes in your move. Walk through the house with them and enlist their help deciding what to toss and what to keep.

(Of course, exercise your authority when necessary. For example, if your eldest decides that her little brother or sister can go in the “toss” pile, exercise your right to veto her choice.)

Consider hosting a yard sale of all your purged items and ask your kids to help manage the sale.

Have a Packing Party

Make packing fun! Give your children at least a few items to pack themselves and provide them materials to pack their own boxes.

Getting your kids involved will help them feel like a part of this decision.

Get Together With Friends

Host a get-together with your children’s friends so they can see each other one more time before the big move. Let them know it isn’t a “goodbye” party, but a “see-you-soon” party. Remind them that they can stay in touch with their friends and visit when appropriate.

Research Your New Neighborhood

Before you arrive to your new home, research available activities for your young ones. When you arrive to your new house, you can immediately give your kids the scoop on the fun things to do in their neighborhood. Get out of the house as soon as you can to show them the exciting features of their new area.

After the Move: Decorate Your New Home Together

Once you start moving into the new house, consider asking your kids for input on the design of their rooms. Encourage them to help pick out various features of their room, including:

• Paint colors
• Wallpapers
• Drapes and blinds
• Bedding
• Furniture

When your kid chooses some of the features of his room, he may take more pride in his new home.

Know a thing or two about relocating with kids? Tell us your tips in the comments section below.