6 Moving Tips for Families to Prepare to Relocate
When moving a family to a new city or neighborhood, it’s important to remember that it can often be stressful for the children. That’s why creating a friendly, joyous, and, more importantly, exciting moving process is essential. Follow these moving tips for families to prepare for a fulfilling and effective transition.
1. Prepare the Kids for What is Ahead
The children should be involved in the planning process for several reasons:
- Involving your children in the planning process of a move is not just a great way to make them feel included, but it’s also an excellent opportunity for them to learn and grow.
- It Reduces Anxiety: Moving can be a stressful experience, especially for children who might be leaving behind friends and familiar surroundings. You can help alleviate their fears and anxiety by involving them in the planning process. They get a sense of control and understanding about what’s happening, which can reassure them.
- It Builds Excitement: Participating in the planning process can turn a potentially scary experience into an exciting adventure. Children can research their new neighborhood, find local parks, discover fun activities, or even choose the color scheme for their new room. This builds anticipation and excitement about the move.
- It Develops Skills: The planning process can be a practical lesson in organization, decision-making, and problem-solving. These are valuable life skills that your children can carry forward into other areas of their lives.
- It Strengthens Family Bonds: Lastly, moving is a significant family event. Including your children in the planning process encourages open communication, teamwork, and shared responsibility. This can bring the family closer together during a time that could otherwise be stressful and chaotic.
Remember, involving your children when moving your family ensures they feel heard, valued, and excited about this new chapter in your family’s life.
2. Have the Kids Help Out
Having kids help out during a move can be a game-changer. Not only does it keep them occupied, but it also gives them a sense of responsibility and involvement in this significant family event. Start by giving them age-appropriate tasks. Younger children can sort their toys, deciding what to keep and what to donate. Older kids can help pack their own rooms, label boxes, and even assist with cleaning. If they’re tech-savvy, they can help catalog items for inventory or research about the new place. Remember to make the process fun and rewarding––perhaps with a favorite meal or a movie night after a day of packing.
3. Start the Moving Process Early
If you’re serious about moving your family to a big city like New York, you must prepare beforehand. Otherwise, the vastness and energy 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 setting up your utilities to be transferred are excellent ways to get the ball rolling on your moving process.
4. Purge Your Belongings
Decluttering your belongings will help you declutter your mind ahead of your move. 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, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. You can also throw a yard sale if you have an excess of sellable belongings.
5. Prioritize Packing Your Child’s Belongings
In the hustle and bustle of moving, it’s crucial not to overlook the importance of your child’s personal items, especially their toys. These items serve as comforting reminders of home, providing a sense of familiarity and stability in a new environment. Toys, in particular, play a significant role in a child’s life. They are not just playthings but symbols of continuity and safety. They can help your child remember and cherish past experiences while adapting to the present changes.
So, when packing, involve your child in the process. Allow them to choose which toys to bring along, and consider packing a special “moving day” bag with their favorite items for easy access during the journey. This will ensure they have something familiar and comforting close at hand.
6. Hire Professional Movers
When it comes to how to relocate with a family, hiring reliable professional movers is a game-changer. Things will 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 lets you focus on more important things, like helping your children through the transition and making your new living space a home for your family.
3 Moving Tips for Families for After the Move
Once you’ve made it to your new home, follow these tips to ensure everyone settles in. Getting familiar with your new surroundings may take time, but prioritizing family time can help.
1. Explore Your New Surroundings Together
The tedious process of packing your old house and unpacking into the new house can be stressful. Take it easy, and don’t rush! Explore your neighborhood and go with the kids to find fun new places you can enjoy as a family. Make them feel excited about the new chapter of your lives together.
2. 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.
3. Spend Lots of Quality Time with the Kids
Make sure you relax, have fun, and spend time with your 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 to their new friends’ houses, but for now, spend your time together so the kids feel supported.
How to Relocate with a Family: Hire Professional Movers in New York City
Moving a family is a big undertaking, but hiring professional movers can be a big help. At Metropolis Moving, we offer comprehensive services that encompass packaging, transportation, and unpacking, taking a load off your shoulders. We have expertise in handling valuable and delicate items, ensuring they reach your new home undamaged. And with our experience navigating the busy streets of New York, we can make the transit process more efficient and less stressful.
We understand the unique challenges that come with moving a family. So, we work closely with you to ensure every detail is taken care of, providing personalized solutions for each stage of the journey. Are you ready to plan your move to New York City with Metropolis Moving? Get a moving quote today!