A Blog For Mums
Moving house is a huge change whatever your situation, but for families with kids it can be an overwhelming experience.
While the prospect of an upgrade (I hope!) and a fresh start may be exciting, the process of relocating can be emotionally taxing and logistically challenging for little ones.
From bidding farewell to friends and familiar surroundings to adjusting to unfamiliar spaces, children often grapple with a whirlwind of emotions during this transition.
However, with thoughtful planning and lots of conversations beforehand, parents can alleviate the stress and make the move a positive, adventurous time for the entire family.
One of the most effective ways to ease children into the moving process is to involve them from the outset. As soon as the decision to relocate is made, initiate age-appropriate conversations with your kids, explaining the reasons behind the move and the exciting prospects that lie ahead.
Encourage their participation by taking them along to view potential new homes, browse online listings, and visit estate agents or realtors.
This inclusive approach not only normalizes the impending changes but also creates a sense of ownership and control, which can be particularly reassuring for young minds.
The move stops being something that is happening to them and becomes something that they are involved in.
Moving house presents a perfect opportunity to declutter and streamline your belongings. To be honest it can be pretty enjoyable to get rid of all the tat you have been hoarding for years.
However, the process of sorting, donating, or discarding possessions can be emotionally challenging for children, who often form deep attachments to their toys and keepsakes. Even things you might look at as complete rubbish.
To mitigate potential distress, involve your kids in the decluttering process well in advance of the move.
Encourage them to sort through their belongings, identifying items they no longer need or use, and gently guide them in letting go of certain possessions. If they are younger you can ask them to split their toys into baby toys and big boy/girl toys. That worked with my boy.
This gradual approach allows them to come to terms with the changes at their own pace, reducing the potential for last-minute panics.
While the excitement of a new home and fresh surroundings can be palpable, it’s equally important to maintain a sense of familiarity and comfort for your children during the transition.
Resist the temptation to completely overhaul their living spaces with new furniture, decor, or colour schemes right away. Instead, prioritize incorporating their existing belongings, such as bedding, favourite toys, and personal mementos, into their new rooms.
This continuity can provide a much-needed sense of stability and security, helping them feel at home in their new environment more quickly.
If you do have to redecorate their room for some reason, involve them, so it feels even more special to them than the previous bedroom did.
Familiarising your children with their soon-to-be surroundings can go a long way in alleviating anxiety.
If possible, arrange visits to the new home, both inside and out, allowing your kids to visualize where their rooms will be and how their daily routines might unfold. It’s a good idea to periodically show them the listing pictures too, even if they have already visited.
Explore the neighbourhood together, visiting local parks, cafes, and other amenities, helping them develop a sense of connection and familiarity with their new community.
For those relocating to a different area or city, take advantage of virtual resources like online maps, street views, and virtual tours to provide a glimpse of their new surroundings. Share stories, pictures, and videos that capture the essence of the new location, and make future plans that will spark their curiosity and excitement.
The day of the actual move can be particularly overwhelming for children, filled with unfamiliar sights, sounds, people, and activities. Take the time to demystify the process well in advance.
Explain the role of professional removal workers, the purpose of packing boxes, and the logistics of transporting belongings to the new home. Consider creating a visual timeline or storyboard to help your kids understand the sequence of events, ensuring they feel prepared and informed every step of the way.
If possible, arrange for your children to be present during the move, allowing them to witness the transition firsthand. This can provide a sense of continuity and closure, as they physically see their belongings being transported to the new location. They can even have their own box to pack, or help a parent take pictures to remember the old house.
However, be mindful of their safety and make sure someone is there to supervise and engage them throughout the day.
Amidst the chaos of packing and unpacking, try to maintain familiar routines and rituals for your children.
Consistent mealtimes, bedtime routines, and any family traditions can provide a sense of stability and normalcy, helping them feel grounded during this period of upheaval.
Even if your new home is not fully unpacked, try to recreate familiar environments, such as setting up their bedrooms with their personal belongings and creating cozy spaces for them to retreat.
Like everything else in life, see that they are set up first!
It’s best not to have other big changes going on at the same time if possible. Some of this might be unavoidable, but where you can try not to move at the same time as being pregnant, or to coincide with school moves or a change in parents working/caring patterns.
While maintaining old friendships is important, it’s equally important to encourage your children to forge new connections in their new community.
Enroll them in extracurricular activities, sports teams, or clubs that align with their interests, providing opportunities to bond with like-minded peers. Set up playdates or neighbourhood gatherings, allowing them to meet and interact with other children in a relaxed setting.
If there is any sort of community event going on make the effort to attend. It will be good for you as well.
Remember though, building new relationships takes time and patience, so don’t force it. Gently encourage your children to put themselves out there, while reassuring them that their old friendships can continue. Even if you have moved a long distance, video calls and the like are very easy to arrange.
Above all, do your best to encourage an attitude of adventure and positivity throughout the moving process. Frame the relocation as an exciting new start, highlighting the opportunities for fresh experiences and new fun places to visit. Celebrate milestones along the way, whether it’s unpacking the first box in your new home or exploring a local attraction.
Your own mindset and emotions can significantly influence how your children perceive and cope with the move. If you show a positive outlook and embrace the change with resilience and optimism, you can inspire your kids to approach this transition with a sense of curiosity and excitement, rather than trepidation.
Moving house with children can undoubtedly be a daunting and emotionally charged experience. However, by involving your kids every step of the way, preserving familiar comforts, and maintaining a positive attitude, you can transform this transition into an adventure for the entire family. With thoughtful planning, patience, and a spirit of exploration, you can create a foundation for your children to thrive in their new surroundings, embracing the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
Parenthood