How to make moving easier on children

Regardless of age, moving is a big deal. But, as disruptive and stressful as it may be, adults know how to channel and deal with how moving affects them in a healthy way. Children, on the other hand, may have a difficult time even verbalizing their feelings about it and, consequently, coping with it. Still, some moves are unavoidable. Luckily, professional movers Detroit based will help you make moving easier on your children.

Making the decision

Naturally, you want to do what’s best for you and your family. This is why, if you don’t have to go through with the move, and you’re simply flailing around in a “should you move? should you not?” limbo, you should weigh out the benefits of this decision against the impacts moving can have on your kids (and take them seriously).

Scarry. Confusing. Isolating. Overwhelming. All describe the common emotions of children facing a move. The fact is – familiarity and routine give kids a sense of security and control. And what takes it away is the disruption moving causes. This makes them hard to adjust and, most of the time, leaves them feeling powerless. Kids need reassurance in times of transition and change, especially if you’re moving long-distance, and a positive approach to the issue from your part might just give them what they need.

You can make moving easier on children by planning ahead of time

Even if you’re moving across town, the stage of planning ahead is especially important when moving with children as it has multiple benefits. The first, and the most obvious one, is a simple fact that you’ll have more time to organize and pack everything. Secondly, you can choose the moving date that suits you and your family best. Lastly, the kids will have more time to grasp what’s going on and adjust to the idea of their move the best they can (all with your help, of course). Rushing around and desperately trying to get things done at the last minute will definitely not make moving easier on your children.

Figure out the best moving date when moving with children

If you have the flexibility to choose the moving date, think about it carefully. This decision is entirely up to you since you know best how not to disrupt your kids’ routines, school work, and activities. Picking the option which best accommodates your circumstances and the age of your children will have a great impact on helping your kids cope with moving much more easily.

If you have school-age children, our best advice is to move during the summer months. This way, you will not only avoid a chaotic school year, but you’ll also not interrupt their studies. Moreover, the kids will have ample time to say their goodbyes and to start to feel comfortable in the new community. You, on the other hand, will have enough time to plan, book a quality moving company, and pack everything.

Discussing moving with your children is the best way to make the experience easier on them

Just like any adult, children handle change best if it’s expected, especially big ones, such as moving. Some parents dread having to share the news about the move with their children. Undoubtedly, having this conversation is anything but easy. However, postponing it takes away the time children need to process such a big change. Therefore, as soon as you know the moving date, let them know about what’s coming.

Here are some tips on how to communicate the move with your children

• Use age-appropriate language. But, try to keep it simple, straightforward, and sweet.
• Avoid information overload. There’s no need to give your child every detail, only the basics (where, why, when). Too much information at once will overwhelm your children and will not make moving easier on them.
• Anticipate a lot of questions. It would be best to think of some age-appropriate replies beforehand. But, the main point is to answer everything honestly and openly.
• Expect a reaction. Allow your child to cry, feel sad or angry. It’s a normal part of the process. The important thing is to listen to them and acknowledge their feelings. Let them know you want them to voice their emotions, thoughts, and concerns, and talk about it.
• Provide reassurance. Tell your kids that you’re all in this together, that you’re a team, and that everything will be fine. Your kids need to understand that no matter what happens they will be safe, loved, and they’ll make new friends and discover new favorite places (maybe even better ones than in their old neighborhood).
• Keep it positive. Think of some good things about your move. Use whatever you think will make them happiest about it. For example, a much better playground, a great ice-cream shop close to your new home.

Add some fun to the mixture by making it seem like an adventure

Making the process more fun will help kids accept and embrace your family’s move easier. This is a good way to get their mind off of leaving behind their friends and a home in which they now feel perfectly safe. Make the move sound fun all the time, be excited about it. Anything can seem like a fun adventure for kids if it is presented in a creative and playful manner.

We give you some ideas:

• Hype them up about the new neighborhood by drawing a colorful map for them that presents a path from your new house to a great new playground. Tell them you’ll go on a quest to find it as soon as you get there.
• Create a treasure hunt. Hide all of their favorite things around the house for them to find while they pack, like their favorite blanket or toys. Explain to them that they should find them and keep them in a safe place (a moving box) as pirates do with their treasures. That’ll keep them busy.
• Organize indoor camping after the movers have gone (never mind if it’s the last night in your old place or the first night in your new place). Simply pitch a tent in your living room and pretend you’re in the wilderness.
• Turn the house-hunt into a quest by making a family wish list/a bingo card with home features you all hope for (for example, a desired number of bedrooms, a yard with a basketball hoop). If you can actually take your kids with you, every time you visit a house, check off items from the bingo card together. If you can’t, make sure you take kids to see the new place before move-in day.

There are more ways you can make moving fun

• Involve them in the process. They can color-code the boxes, tape them shut, or even decorate them with stickers, crayons, and sharpies.
• Create a playlist by compiling all of your family’s favorite songs. You can even make packing a kind of dance-just task to the rhythm of the songs.
• Let them help you decorate. They can imagine how they would like their rooms to be organized, or make some crafts and arts to decorate the whole place. That will certainly make moving easier on children.