Are you on the verge of moving with children? Learn how to minimize the negatives about moving, support your child in making new friends, and more here!
Moving: the process is not something anyone truly looks forward to.
In both local and long distance moves, you have to pack up your family and your home, put everything in boxes, unpack it, and get your life back in order when you arrive at your new destination. It’s a production, to say the least, and it can be especially difficult for children and families.
While hiring one of the many moving companies out there can help you streamline the process of packing, it’s important to pay special attention to kids during the entire moving experience. Between starting a new school, making new friends, and just adjusting to a new town, there’s a lot for your child to think about during a move.
Fortunately, you can help them through it with grace and good humor. Here’s how to minimize the negatives about moving and help your school-aged child adjust.
Moving in Portland, Oregon: When You Make the Decision
The first step to a positive move is to keep your kids involved. This means they should be informed of the move as quickly as possible after you make the decision to relocate. Not only does this prevent them feeling surprised by the news, but it gives them ample time to adjust and get used to the idea of living in a new place.
Remember: kids thrive on routine. The more you can maintain their routine during the move, the better they’re likely to do with it. With this in mind, it may be smart to postpone a move if your family has recently gone through a major life change, such as job loss, divorce, or death. This decision may give kids time to adjust and help them avoid feeling overwhelmed by all the shifts in their world.
Tips to Minimize the Stress of Moving for Your Child
Beyond informing your child as soon as possible about the move, here are a few ways to streamline the experience and keep them relaxed and confident during the move:
- Take care of yourself. The first one sounds strange, since it’s not about your child at all, but be sure to care for yourself during the move. You can’t be patient with your children if you’re exhausted, and having ample patience is essential during this stressful time.
- Be honest with your child. The more your child knows what to expect, the better. Be as honest as possible and help him or her understand what to look forward to in terms of timeline, location, and your new home.
- Support new adventures. When you arrive at your new location, support your child in his or her efforts to meet new people, feel at home in their new school, and get involved in the new community. If your child is young or shy, you may have to help encourage them to make these moves.
Moving to a new home can be difficult, but our team is here to help. Contact us today for professional moving assistance you can count on, and free quotes!