Whether it’s a short distance or across the country, a move can be quite an ordeal. This is particularly true if you have children. With some preparation and knowledge ahead of time, you can get through this experience relatively unscathed. Here are five ways to make a move easier on your family. Hopefully, these tips will ease your mind.
Plan as Much as Possible
One of the best ways to ease the stress of moving is to plan as far ahead as possible. This will give you enough breathing room to organize things such as putting your current home on the market, getting rid of unwanted possessions, packing, finding a new home and hiring a mover.
Advanced planning can also give you and your children time to adjust to the idea of the upcoming transition. You will have the opportunity to talk to them and answer their questions. They can say goodbye to their friends and begin to get excited about their new home. You’ll lessen stress a great deal by allotting plenty of time for planning and adjustment.
Check Out Your New Neighborhood
If at all possible, it could be a good idea to involve your children in the search for a new home. This way, they can see the geographic area where you plan to move and start to acclimate themselves to unfamiliar surroundings. Once you decide on a place to live, take them to visit the new neighborhood. Show them nearby attractions, sites and venues. Being able to see things for themselves can lessen any anxiety.
If the move is too far to allow for an in-person visit, there’s always Google. Check out the street view. Map out interesting locations to visit. Then plan for a later visit in-person when you’re able. This can help to make the move seem exciting.
Keep Essential Items Handy
One way to make the move easier on your family is to pack important or special items separately and keep them close at hand. Things you use every day can be packed together in an easily-accessible way so that you can find them when you reach your destination. Special comfort items like a favorite toy, blanket or food should also be stowed separately. Having these essential items handy will add to familiarity to what could be a stressful situation.
Include Everyone
The children don’t have to be shielded from moving responsibilities. In fact, getting them involved and delegating some responsibilities to them can actually help them to feel more involved and in control. Give age-appropriate duties to each child to help them feel part of the big move ahead. Kids can help to pack. Older teens might be interested in helping to map out the travel route. Ask them where they’d like to stop to rest or to eat. Let them set up their favorite possessions in their new rooms upon arrival. Get creative. Involve your entire family in the planning and moving process. It can be fun, as well as promote bonding.
Discuss Feelings
Everyone is bound to have both positive and negative emotions surrounding the move. This process can be especially confusing for children. They probably didn’t choose to relocate and might not see much of a benefit for them in having to move. Talk to them often and encourage communication about their feelings. Share your own thoughts, fears and concerns. This will let them know it’s natural and acceptable to talk about such things. Such communication can be therapeutic and can lead to real problem solving.
Keep these tips in mind when making a move with your family. The process can be scary, but it doesn’t have to completely overwhelm you. Preparing ahead of time and keeping everyone involved will help to allay fears and give each member of the family a feeling of belonging. These steps will help to make the process much easier.