How to Prepare for Moving With Young Children

Children love and thrive in a routine environment and the news of moving to a new home and town can bring up a number of emotions. The chaos of packing and saying goodbye to friends and the familiar comfort of their community can make children feel apprehensive and insecure. 

At the new home, children must adapt to a new neighborhood, a new school, and new friends. Some may even have a hard time making new friends. 

This can cause additional anxiety for you as a parent. There are several things you can do to make the moving experience less scary for your children and more peaceful for you.

Involve Them From the Start

Inform your kids as soon as you know you’re moving. Don’t surprise them at the last minute. In simple terms, let them know why you’re moving. Children adapt better when an explanation is shared as to why something is changing. 

Whether you need more space, you’re relocating because of a new job, or any other reason, be sure to explain what they should expect. Expectations are key!

Also read: Moving Day Checklist

The explanation will help ease any fear and confusion they might be experiencing. Ask them what they think, and try to answer their questions as thoroughly as you can. 

Stay Positive

When explaining to your children about the decision to move, focus on the positive things. Let them know you’re moving to a bigger home or a warmer climate. Telling them that their new school will have more extracurricular activities that can make them look forward to the move. 

Your own attitude toward the move can have a significant impact on how your children handle the situation. 

If you allow your kids to see that you’re stressed or sad about the relocation, your children will likely feel stressed and sad as well. Try to maintain a positive attitude, even if you are feeling uneasy. Kids feed off of our energy.

Start Packing Earlier 

When moving with children, it’s advisable to start packing several weeks earlier than you think is reasonable. When you are moving with kids, it can take you twice as long to pack up your home than it would without them. To avoid last-minute frustrations, be sure to start preparing for the move much earlier. 

Items to Carry with You 

Be sure to bring important and essential items with you while traveling to the new home. The moving truck will likely take 4-14 days, or have a similar spread of dates for delivery. You will want to be sure you have the necessary items you will be needing before the truck arrives.

Some of these items might include: 

Clothing for the whole family

Insurance cards, important paperwork

Diaper or utility bag

Blankets 

Comfort stuffed animals or a favorite toy to bring familiarity 

Baby toiletries, diapers, wipes, lotion, etc. 

Car Seat 

First-Aid Kit 

Stroller

Portable car toilet

Pack n’ Play or Portable Crib if needed  

What to Do After the Move

Once you get to your new home, try to prepare your children’s areas, such as their bedrooms, before you turn your attention to the rest of the home. Try to maintain your normal schedule for meals and bedtime so your children can have a sense of familiarity. 

Moving with young children can present many challenges. If you prepare well by keeping the above tips in mind, the process can be less stressful.