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Moving House Kids
I haven’t had to face a move with kids so I hadn’t even stopped to consider half of the stresses mentioned in this contributed post. We’ve opted to renovate our house, adding the extra bedroom and playroom we need and I fear that in itself is going to be a mission.
If you’re about to move, there’s some great advice offered in the post below as well as this one: Moving House with Toddlers in Tow.
On with the contributed post.
Moving House with Kids
Moving to a new house can be a nightmare. It’s even worse when you’ve got kids.
To start with, there is a lot more stuff to move. It’s amazing how much little people need, and how many toys they suddenly seem to have all over the house. Then, there’s keeping them happy as you start to pack up their possessions, as well as helping them to understand the move.
Moving day itself can be the worst, how are you going to keep them entertained while you complete your move?
Then, even when you are in your new house, you may find it takes them a long time to settle or that they can have a hard time sleeping or that their behaviour changes.
Let’s look at some ways to make your move as easy as possible, for you and the kids.
Talk
As soon as you decide to move, speak to your children about it. How much you tell them will depend on how old and mature they are, you know them best. But, even young children can be prepared by playing house move games, reading books and talking about what’s happening. Let them ask questions about the move and answer as honestly as you can.
Spend Time in the New House
The last thing that you want to do is pick the kids up one day and take them to a different house that they’ve never been to. Instead, take them around a few times before you move in if possible. Let them spend some time there, even if the house is empty. Take a few of their toys around and let them explore their new surroundings. Explain that eventually, everything from your old house will be there and that this will be home. This will help them to adjust and feel safe.
Get Help
While it’s great for them to spend time in the new house, they don’t need to be around on moving day itself. It can be dangerous for them, and their presence will make your day much harder even if you are using movers. Get a family member or babysitter to look after them for the day. If possible, let them have a sleepover, so that their first night in the new home is in a lovely unpacked bedroom, instead of surrounded by boxes and disorder.
Let Them Help
A new bedroom can be scary, but it can also be fun and exciting. Go to a DIY store together and look at colours and bedroom accessories. If they are ready for a bigger bed, let this be the time to do it. Shop and choose things together. Even very young children can have fun looking at colours and new décor, and a trip to Ikea is always fun.
Be Prepared
If your children are still quite young, you may find that a house move sets you back when it comes to sleep and bedtime. If they’ve been sleeping well for a while, suddenly going back to sleepless nights can be a shock. Be prepared for it, and patient with your child.
Have you had to move your entire family into a new home before? Did you relocate to a new town, a new country, a new continent or just a few streets away? I’d love to hear your favourite moving stories in the comments below.
