Tips for a Hassle-Free Move when Moving with Children

Moving can be an anxious and traumatic time for everyone in the family, however, many times it is the children who struggle the most to accept the change. In order for the move to be less stressful for your children you'll need to keep in mind their feelings and remember to include them in the transition to your new location.

Telling children the news of a move can prove to be a difficult burden on parents, but straight forward honesty is the most effective strategy. Gather the entire family together and begin by making a concise and direct statement. For example, "Dad got a new job that is far away from here so we need to move." Remember to stay positive during this discussion while encouraging the children to ask questions and express their feelings. It is helpful to show the children pictures and information about the new location you are moving to so that they can visualize their new surroundings. Emphasize positive characteristics of the location and the advantages of moving. Give the children an opportunity to brainstorm ideas of how to make the move more comfortable for them and less stressful for the family. Finally, make sure to reiterate the importance of moving for your family throughout the discussion.

Include the children in the planning and packing process. Help them create a checklist of all their belongings and have them check it off the list when it has been packed. This is an excellent opportunity to show the children that none of their valuables will be left behind. Allow the children to help you purchase supplies that you might need for your new home. Giving children tasks helps them feel important and creates excitement for the change.

It is important to allow the children adequate time to say goodbye to their friends and places. Reassure them that they will meet new friends and discover new places. Remind them that they will be able to keep in contact with friends via phone or e-mail and offer to bring them back for a visit at a later date. If your pets will not be moving with you make arrangements for them and let your children see that they will be well taken care of. Depending on the circumstances, allow your children to choose a new pet once you are settled into your new home.

When the moving day has come and gone, be sure to stay consistent with the rules in your home. The rules that were in place in your old home should be the same ones in place in your new home. Of course there may be some minor adjustments, but overall children feel secure knowing that the rules remain the same despite location. During the first days and weeks after the move not only do you need to be diligent about enforcing the household rules, you also need to monitor you children's behavior closely. They could have trouble sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings so do everything you can to make them feel comfortable and safe.

*personal experience