Top Tips for Moving with Children
Moving house is a very exciting time and can bring about lots of new opportunities for your children, however, there are lots of changes happening and this can be a bit daunting for children when they don’t understand what’s happening. Here are our 8 top tips for making moving house with children easier.
1. Talk to them about the move
It’s incredibly important to explain to your children exactly what is happening to help ease any fears and anxiety they might have about the move. Make sure to explain why you are moving, what the new house is going to be like, where it is and changes they might face for example are they going to need to move school etc. There are books and TV shows such as Topsy and Tim Move House that are designed to help your child understand what is happening. Bluey ‘the sign’ also covers preparing for a house move where one of the children is more reluctant, spoiler alert – they don’t move in the end so you’ll need to decide if this will be helpful for your child or not!
2. Involve them in the process
You can involve the children in all steps of the move, from coming to any final viewings and potentially choosing their new bedrooms, to helping pack their things up (even if you need to repack after they’ve gone to sleep!) and letting them choose how they would like to decorate their new room. This can really help to get them excited and invested in the move rather than worrying about what’s ahead.
3. Keep their routines as consistent as possible
Young children thrive on routine and moving house is a big change therefore it is important to keep their daily routines wherever possible such as mealtimes, naps, bedtimes etc. This will make them feel slightly more at ease about the process but it also helps to ensure that they are still eating, playing and resting properly.
4. Pack a special bag for each child
During the lead up to the move, the move itself and for some time after, everything is packed into boxes and nobody knows where anything is therefore it is a great idea to have a bag full of each child’s favourite toys, books, snacks, chargers etc. so that you know exactly where these things are and they’re easily accessible for the children when they are bored or need occupying.
5. Ask for help
Preparing for the move and juggling children can be difficult so make sure you organise some time where somebody else is able to look after the children for a bit so that you can sort everything out around the house. The same applies to moving day and even once you’re moved in. If you can, get your friends or family involved or even hire a sitter to help with the children, then your full focus can be on the move and making sure that you are able to organise everything ready to enjoy the new house when your children return!
6. Unpack familiar items first
By unpacking key items such as their bed, favourite toys, books etc it can really help them feel more familiar in their new surroundings. By starting with their room and the things they are most familiar with, it can give them a safe space in the new house and help them feel more comfortable with the change.
7. Have a plan for the first night
To help settle the children on the first night have a plan of what you are going to do. An idea could be to unpack their room first and maybe set up the TV to watch their favourite film with their favourite takeaway for tea. Make it fun, camping out in the new house if you don’t have time to build furniture or eating dinner off a cardboard box table will be a great adventure!
8. Explore your new surroundings
Speak to your estate agent, they know the area better than most people and will be able to point you in the right direction for the best parks, food spots, clubs etc. Try and go for walks or bike rides around the new neighbourhood, take the children to find the nearest parks, talk to your new neighbours. You want your children to get as familiar with the area as possible and by speaking to your neighbours you might find out tips or even meet new friends.
By preparing properly for the move and managing their expectations it can make moving an enjoyable, positive experience for the children.
