How to Prepare Your Kids for Moving Day

Some families decide to move because one or both parents get a great job opportunity. Others may want a fresh start, a safer neighborhood, or a healthier environment. Whatever the reason, moving with kids poses more challenges than doing it alone. While the entire family may feel anxious, children rarely have a say in this major life event. No matter the age of your kids, a move is difficult and takes adjusting. As a parent, your children may feel that you’re taking them away from all they know, in a sense. You have to guide them in adapting to their new life, which includes a new school, social life, and surroundings. It can seem downright daunting. 

But there's no need to worry about things — we’re here to teach you how to prepare your kids for moving day.

Tell Them Early in the Process

Let your children know early on about the upcoming relocation. The sooner you have the discussion, the more time you give to process emotions. Your kids will also be able to ask any questions before the family moves. 

According to Plano movers, waiting or not telling children about your decision can create a tense situation. Kids may feel powerless or have anxiety issues if they’re unaware of the move. Sit down as a family and list the reasons for the relocation. By helping your children understand your decision, they’ll be able to process it better.

Involving kids in the conversation about moving can foster confidence and independence. Later down the road, as your children grow, they’ll be able to make their own difficult decisions. Older kids need to be informed about the move as soon as possible, while parents can hold off on the younger ones.

Let Them Express Their Feelings

Kids will view moving as a loss — they’ll lose their friends, familiarity, and comfort. In many situations, children go through the stages of grief. Kids will feel denial and anger, then go through the bargaining phase. This step involves negotiations, and parents may have to compromise on some things after moving. Then, the final two stages of grief are depression and eventually acceptance.

Many children at a young age don’t move far away or often in their lives. If you’re moving your kids for the first time, they’ll feel overwhelmed by the idea. Also, if children are leaving close friends behind, this will create negative emotions.

As a parent, try to understand where your kids are coming from and let them process their emotions. If your kids’ behaviors start to get out of hand with constant acting out, you’ll need to put your foot down.

Be there for your children to answer all their questions and ease their anxiety. Consider planning visits to return to the old area so they can see their friends. Your kids will have something to look forward to and feel better about moving.

Take Them to See the New Location

Get your kids excited by taking them to visit your new home. This step allows them to envision living there. Children can see their bedrooms or even get to pick which one they want. Show the kids the yard and neighborhood, so they look forward to moving.

Research fun places in the area and show your children all the activities to enjoy. Drive the kids around the new town or city. Point out local parks, movie theaters, restaurants, stores, and other recreational places.

Also, it would help if you take your children to their new school so that they can see the surroundings. Depending on the time of year, they can meet their teachers and get a tour. Kids will feel less anxious and a bit more comfortable about moving. 

Include Them in the Process

If your children can pick out their bedroom, let them, so they feel a sense of excitement. You may already have one in mind, but explain and show them why. Include the kids in designing and setting up their new room. Let the children plan where to put the furniture and pick out colors or a theme.

After moving, have your kids unpack their belongings to help you settle. When a child gets to set up their bedroom, they’ll feel more empowered. Kids will be excited to have their say and love the sense of control. Unpacking after the move will go faster, and the children will stay busy and focused.

You can also get your kids involved in designing more rooms in the new home. Take your children shopping to help pick out new appliances or furniture. By making the move a family affair, you’ll foster positive emotions and fond memories.

Have a Happy Move With Your Child

Moving is a significant lifestyle change for both parents and children. Be sure to discuss the upcoming plans with your kids as soon as possible. The entire family will experience emotions before the move. Let everyone face their feelings and fears and stay mindful of the stages of grief. The moving process for a family is not as seamless as one would hope. The goal is to prepare your kids and have them feel optimistic about the change. Involve children in the process and show them their new home and town. Having your kids help prepare for the move will ease their anxiety. Children will come to accept that they’re going to have a new home. After the move, the family will eventually adjust after things settle down. Properly preparing your kids is the best way to have a happy move.