Moving can be both a stressful and an exciting time, and that applies to our children just as much as it does to us. But with the right approach, you can help to make sure your children are happy with the move, making the whole process much easier for you and your family.
As one of the leading moving companies in the UK, we’ve put together some expert tips for moving house with children.
Give them plenty of time
It can be best to let children know that they’ll be moving home sooner rather than later, so they can have plenty of time to adjust to the change. They may have questions and concerns, and having more time to talk these through with them can help to make the process easier.
When you tell them, try to keep the conversation casual. You can emphasise that moving home will be an exciting time, but also make sure you leave space for them to voice any worries they might have. Encourage them to share what they feel about it and to ask questions throughout the moving process.
Involve them in planning for the new home
When you’re looking for a new home, try to get the kids involved. It might not be possible to have their input at the early stages, but once you have a shortlist of possible new homes, ask them what they think of each one. If you go for a second viewing, take the children with you so they can see the home themselves.
Once you’ve finalised a new house, keep the kids involved. If you’re redecorating, ask for their input on paint colours and new furniture. One area that you might be able to give them more control over is their own bedroom. Let them pick the colour they’d like it to be, as well as any new furniture that you might need to get for the space. You can also let them plan the layout. This can all help them to feel more comfortable and excited about their new home.
Teach them about the new neighbourhood
Your children may feel uncertain about moving to a new area, so letting them know what they can expect can help to alleviate some of their concerns. If your new area is local, you can take your children there for a day trip. You can take them to the local amenities, such as playgrounds, leisure centres, or shopping centres. Try to find fun things to do that will get your children excited about moving there.
If it’s not practical to visit the new area because it’s too far away, look up the neighbourhood online. You can use Street View on Google Maps to show your children what their new street will look like, as well as the local town. For older children you can encourage them to do their own research, so they can find what interests them. You can look at the local schools and also any clubs, societies or sports teams in the area that they might want to join after the move.
Pack their belongings last
When you move with children, it can be helpful to prioritise their belongings. This means packing up their toys and other items last, so they can have access to them right to the last minute. This also means that you can unpack them first when you arrive in your new home.
This can help to keep your children comfortable and avoid any extra tears or tantrums. Getting them unpacked first can help them to feel more settled sooner, rather than being surrounded by boxes.
You might also want to keep one or two special items unpacked so your children can travel with them. This might be a special cuddly toy that will keep them reassured or an activity that will keep them entertained.
Keep it fun
Moving can be stressful for everyone involved, so it will be helpful to try to keep things light-hearted and fun. Once your boxes are packed and labelled, you could let your kids decorate each one in bright colours – just make sure they know not to obstruct the label so you’ll still know what’s in each box.
When you get to your new home, you could play a game of hide and seek. This can be a good way of exploring the new place in a fun way, as well as giving you and your kids a quick break from unpacking.
Try to make an event of your first night in the new home. This could be a games night or movie night – get your children’s input on what sort of thing they’d like to do. This can make them feel more settled and happy in the new home.
Moving home?
If you’re planning to move home, contact Britannia Movers International for reliable and stress-free removals. We’re committed to making your move completely stress-free for you and your family, tailoring our removal services to your specific needs.
Find your nearest Britannia office or get a removals quote today.
