What’s more, moving can often be stressful for the children themselves. If poorly done, it can be very hard for the kids, leading them to believe that moving is supposed to be stressful. This is why as parents and adults, we must be able to create a friendly, joyous and more importantly, exciting moving process. It should be a fulfilling transition and the children should be involved in the decision making, unless you want to leave the negative sentiment of “I was moved, I didn’t move” in your child’s mind. Follow these tips on moving with kids for a fulfilling and effective transition.
Prepare the Kids for What is Ahead
The children should be involved in the planning process for several reasons:
- It allows for them to make arrangements, both internally and externally, to prepare for the move. This, in turn, enables the kids to be more prepared for moving day.
- The kids should be updated with the plan, such as where and when they’re moving.
- The kids should be allowed to have input. That is, incorporate them into the decision making process so that they feel (and are) part of the actual process.
Have the Kids Help Out
No matter how young, the kid’s input to the picture is important. Including them in the process let’s you, as the parent, know what they would like (and wouldn’t like) to include in the plans. It goes without saying that communication is integral to maintaining a happy moving process for the little ones. As a parent, this is also an excellent opportunity to teach some responsibility to children by having them complete chores and tasks like packing and organizing toys or other belongings of theirs.
Start the Moving Process Early
If you’re serious about moving to a big city like New York, you’ll have to make preparations beforehand. Otherwise, the vastness and insanity of the bustling metropolis that is New York will send you for a whirlwind. Things like taking inventory of your belongings, visiting your neighborhood and house beforehand, and preparing your utilities to be transferred are excellent ways to get the ball rolling on your moving process.
Purge Your Belongings
Decluttering your belongings will help you declutter your mind. Consider what has a place in your new home and what items should be left behind. These items can be donated to GoodWill or sold on eBay or Craigslist. You can also throw a yard sale if you have an excess of sellable belongings.
Don’t Forget the Kid’s Toys
Make sure you do not leave out packing the kid’s items, toys and their important items so that they do not feel far away from home when they move. Bringing their old toys allows the children to remember the past while treasuring the present. For children, toys are excellent for coping with the moving process.
Hire Professional Movers
Hiring reliable professional movers is an excellent choice when moving with kids. Things are going to be hectic on move-in day, so the last thing you want to worry about is hauling heavy furniture through corridors and alleyways. Hiring well-respected professional movers enables you to focus your attention on more important things like helping your children through the transition and making your new living space a home for your family. Request a quote today to get the process started.
After Moving
Explore Your New Surroundings Together
After the tedious process that is packing, unpacking into the new house can be stressful. Take it easy and don’t rush! Take time to explore your neighborhood and go with the kids to find fun new places that you can enjoy as a family. Make them feel excited about the new chapter of your lives together.
Make Your New Apartment a Home
Decorate and furnish your apartment so that it feels like home. This is especially important when moving with kids. Hang up family photos, put rugs and towels in the bathroom, set up the family knick-knacks around the living room, and outfit the kitchen with all the necessities. These are things that will help your children feel at ease and at home.
Spend Lots of Quality Time with the Kids
Make sure you relax, have fun, and spend time with the family. This is all very important in making everyone feel at home in the new living space. Soon, the kids will want to settle in and start going over their new friends’ houses, but for now, spend your time together so the kids feel supported.