Are the kids pouty and sad about moving? Are they having a hard time letting go? It’s important not to ignore their very legitimate feelings. Cheer them up by letting them know there’s a lot to look forward to on this new adventure. Follow these 8 tips to make the moving process a smoother one with your kids.
1. Visit the New Neighborhood with the Kids
Especially if it’s the house they’ve always known, your kids may be anxious to leave. One way to get them excited about the move is to get them involved as soon as you buy the new house. Take them to their new neighborhood to walk around and have dinner or ice cream.
2. Go See the House and Let them Pick Out Rooms
Once you’ve signed on the dotted line and the house is yours, take the kids there. Make sure it’s in tip top shape, and let them pick out their bedrooms. Maybe even let them bring a picture or something special to mark their new rooms.
3. Let Them Pack Their Favorite Things
Kids have sentimental attachments to things you might not know about. What they will struggle to be without is anyone’s guess. So why not let them keep the things with them that they cherish most. Let them fill a few boxes with their favorite things and special mementos, and then give them some markers and crayons to decorate them with.
4. Keep One or Two Toys Out
Why confiscate their Kindles during the move? For young kids, keeping them distracted is a good tactic. Let them keep one or two toys that will keep them occupied while things are being packed and moved.
5. Let the Kids Check off the To-Do List
Many times, we adults get so wrapped up in getting things done that we leave the kids out. Believe it or not, by putting the kids in charge of checking off the to-do list, it gets them excited and involved with the move.
6. Take Happy Pictures of the Old House
Before you leave or even while you’re packing, take happy pictures of the old house and neighborhood. Let the kids go ham with the camera, taking shots of their rooms and the backyard so that they will always have something to remember of the old place by.
7. Get the Kids Settled First
Before unpacking breakable items, get the kids settled in the new house. It will keep them distracted unpacking and setting up their rooms so that you can focus on the rest of the house. Plus it helps them adjust to their new surroundings faster.
8. Give Them Something to Look Forward to When You Finish
Now that everyone is settled in and day one of unpacking is finished, reward yourselves with a treat. Go out to eat or order in and relax with each other in your new digs.