photo of a family

The Moving With Family Guide

Relocating from one home to another isn’t just about packing and moving. Because when you stay in one place long enough, you can start to get attached to those walls and paint. Moreover, it won’t just be you experiencing the longing for familiar surroundings, especially that first couple of nights in your new place. Your family is going to feel it too, and this is very natural. In fact, you might even feel like you don’t belong in the new place yet.

You see, adults can make these connections. In other words, moving into a new house is going to take some getting used to, but eventually, it happens. However, it’s not the same thing for children. Given they are still at a sensitive stage regarding their physical and emotional development, the change can be very dramatic. It is more difficult than choosing one of the best moving companies for your upcoming long-distance relocation to a new city.

So, while you can empathize with your kids about the way they are feeling, it’s also the best time to help them get through it.

1. Ease Your Kids Into It

According to several experts, half the battle can be won if you take the time to ease your kids into the move. This means sitting them down at an appropriate time, and clearly explain that you are moving to a new home.

What is the most appropriate time, you wonder? It is recommended to tell them about a month in advance. This gives them enough time to process the news, but not too much time to build doubts. However, if you’ll be selling the house and potential buyers will be looking at the house, it’s best to tell them before strangers come walking through the halls.

2. Give Them Space

Experts typically agree that children, on average, will need about six months to adjust to their new settings fully. Of course, this is just an estimate, and every situation is unique. However, the point is that they might need more time to adjust than you do, and do your best to give them the space to do it.

In other words, if they feel sad or excited about the move, let them express it and get it out there. Remember, they are handling a rollercoaster of emotions, and what they find exciting today can be very scary tomorrow. Whatever you do, don’t try to contain these feelings. Allow them to feel and deal with it instead.

3. Invite Them To Ask Questions

The more a child knows about something, the less intimidating and scary it tends to be. So, invite them to ask you as many questions about the new house as they like. More specifically, let them prepare in their own chaotic way by learning as much as possible.

Obviously, this is not going to take away the strange feeling, but it helps to keep them calm and motivated.

4. Show Them The New House Beforehand

If you’ve got photos or videos of the new house, show them to your kids and start making exciting plans about what you are going to do. Maybe you have some ideas for the garden, and they can have their play section. Alternatively, perhaps the house has a nice nook where they can sit and play.

You can take a little charge here in terms of creating positive energy around the new house. Also, while recognizing the challenges, you want to show your kids that new challenges mean new possibilities.

5. Let Them Help With The Packing

Even though you can probably use a little help with the packing, there is another reason why you should invite your kids to join. It’s the opportunity to help them find closure. The best moving companies will suggest you different methods of getting your kids involved with packing so that they don’t get overwhelmed.

For example, ask them to think about the memories specific items bring back. So after they have a memory, let them put the item in the box. Then, remind them that they are taking all these memories with them. Basically, you want to reassure them that change doesn’t necessarily mean they lose the memories they love. Instead, it’s an opportunity to make some new ones.

6. Be Patient

Mostly, there is no telling how your children will react to the move. However, as long as they know they can express their fears and worries, especially to you, it will give them the support they need to adjust.

So, make your move with the family a healthy and happy one using these helpful long-distance relocation tips.