{"id":4220,"date":"2020-03-10T13:28:15","date_gmt":"2020-03-10T13:28:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mymove.com\/?p=4220"},"modified":"2022-05-26T18:16:15","modified_gmt":"2022-05-26T18:16:15","slug":"moving-with-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mymove.com\/moving\/kids-and-pets\/moving-with-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"The Complete Guide to Moving With Kids: Tips, Checklists, and More"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Even though moving is often an exciting time, the transition can be a considerable challenge. From choosing the right moving services<\/a> to buying a new home and finding the right neighborhood, moving is stressful enough as it is. Adding kids into the mix can present even more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The thought of saying goodbye to friends, leaving your home for a new one, and being the \u2018new kid\u2019 can be overwhelming for children. And the stress your child might experience can make the moving process as a parent even more difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But with the right approach, moving doesn\u2019t have to be a negative experience for your kids. Here are some tips that will help make moving with kids a little smoother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Download our printable moving with kids checklist!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How relocation affects your kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Change as a result of moving can be hard on everyone, but studies show it\u2019s particularly difficult for young teens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One study found that moving schools when you\u2019re 12-14 years old significantly increase the chance of substance abuse and violent behavior \u2014 even controlling for income and psychiatric history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is mostly because kids in this age group are already dealing with significant changes. So, the added stress of upheaval in their social lives can be a lot to handle. If your kids are around this age, pay close attention to how they\u2019re coping with the move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research shows that kids under 8 showed a minimal increase in risk for negative behaviors. But they still need help with the significant changes that a move brings \u2014 it will just look a little different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are tips on how to help your kids transition during the moving process, which will \u2014 in turn \u2014 move easier on yourself, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

How to prepare your kids for the move<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Learning that they\u2019re going to move is often hard news for kids because they don\u2019t have control over the change. So, one of the keys to helping your kids through the transition is helping them feel like they have a sense of control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the framework for behavioral change by psychologist James Prochaska<\/a>, that can \u2014 and should \u2014 start before the move occurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The time before a change happens falls into what\u2019s known as the \u201cpre-contemplation stage.\u201d This is the time when a person is resistant to change, but is aware that it needs to happen. And according to Prochaska, giving the child a reason to embrace the change or instilling the proper motivation to make the transition is key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With your kids during a move, that often means helping them see the change in a positive light. Here are 10 tips for helping them do so:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that every kid is different, so finding what helps your child with the transition is crucial. That\u2019s why regularly talking about the move is so important \u2014 it enables you to stay close to what they\u2019re struggling with, so you can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Moving by the ages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The upheaval of a family move affects everyone regardless of age. Each person in your family will need your support in different ways, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Babies and toddlers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll definitely have your hands full if you\u2019re moving your home while having a baby or a toddler in tow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can be a scary time for them too because everything they\u2019ve ever known is being changed. Make time for hugs and reassurance, making the reason you\u2019re moving very simple, and keep their favorite things nearby: toys, books, food, and clothes. Try to keep your routines intact as much as possible for mornings, bedtimes, meals, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preschoolers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is the age of the question \u2026 so many questions! Embrace that and let your preschooler know why you\u2019re moving, where to, and that their room will be the first you set up (and keep that promise), let them help as much as possible, but also let them play and safely explore their new surroundings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parents magazine offers some great ideas<\/a> to help your preschoolers get comfortable with their new normal.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

School-age kids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

From K-12, this is the age span for honest and straightforward talk about the move, put into terms each age group can understand, of course. The theme remains the same of providing affection, reassurance, and help with their transition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For teens, make sure they have activities they love to keep them engaged. At this age, friendships are critical, so it\u2019s up to you to facilitate ways that they can keep in touch with those friends they are leaving behind. This can be through email, video chats, meeting up if you haven\u2019t moved too far away and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

School will be the hardest adjustment for kids of any age. They\u2019ve most likely left their friends and they\u2019ve definitely left their comfort zone. Work with their new school for ways to help them make friends and get involved in school events. Visit the school together to tour the grounds and meet staff and students, if possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The biggest takeaway a parent of a school-age child can have during all stages of the move is to listen to your child – what they say as much as what they aren\u2019t saying to you. Ask leading questions with examples that require more than a yes or no answer. \u201cHey, what are you worried about with your school? Friends, clothes, food, the bus ride \u2026?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The biggest takeaway a parent of a school-age child can have during all stages of the move is to listen to your child – what they say as much as what they aren\u2019t saying to you. Ask leading questions with examples that require more than a yes or no answer. \u201cHey, what are you worried about with your school? Friends, clothes, food, the bus ride \u2026?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Activity book for kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Download MYMOVE’S Moving Day! Activity Book For Kids<\/a> to keep your children engaged and busy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Involve your child in the move from the beginning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Depending on their age, of course, it\u2019s smart to keep your kids in the loop about your moving plans, so nothing comes as a surprise and they have time to mentally and physically prepare for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne of the things that troubles kids most during the move is that they don\u2019t have any control over their environment,\u201d says Jacey Eckhart, a military sociologist who is the Director of Spouse and Family Programs at Military.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider taking your child with you when visiting a prospective apartment complex or any new homes you are interested in purchasing or renting. If they can\u2019t join you, take videos or photos and share those with them later, asking their opinions on which place they like better and why. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Help them feel empowered by asking them their opinion on the place, which room would make a good bedroom for them, if there is enough outdoor space for their favorite sports or hobbies, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

How to help your child during the move<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your kids will typically feel one of two things on Moving Day \u2014 either they\u2019ll be excited about being part of the process, or they\u2019ll be sad to see their things removed from their home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve prepared them ahead of time, they will hopefully be in the first camp. In this case, giving them special tasks to accomplish, like making sure the movers have water or even putting them in charge of knowing where all the most important things are packed can go a long way to further a child\u2019s sense of control over the situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve created a special moving checklist for kids<\/a> that you can print and use to get them involved (and out of the way of the movers, at the same time):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Packing tips when moving with kids <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most kids can and will want to help with the actual process of moving. The boxes and tape will provide endless hours of fun for the smaller set, but your older children can handle the packing of their rooms and special items, with a bit of guidance from you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important they feel that they have some form of control over what is happening in their life right then. Give them a list of what to pack together, and help them create a \u201cfirst-night\u201d box so they can easily get to pajamas, their toothbrush, pillows, blankets, a favorite sleeping buddy, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the younger kids, take the time to let them just play – boxes can be fuel for the imagination! Let them build forts or give them blankets, flashlights, and snacks to set up a \u201cclubhouse\u201d where they can retreat if things overstimulate them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have multiple children, create a color-code system for their boxes and rooms, so there isn\u2019t a lot of fighting over whose box has what inside it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few additional tips to make Moving Day less stressful for everyone, even if you\u2019re worried your kids won\u2019t be excited about the process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to help your child feel stable after the move<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When things are fresh, new, and unknown, anything you can do to help your kids find stability and familiarity in their new surroundings is key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Something as simple as getting their room put together right away can go a long way to building a feeling of home and normalcy. Here are a few additional tips that will help you create that sense of stability in an unfamiliar location:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many teachers say it takes children up to<\/a> six weeks to adjust to their new class at school fully, so it will likely take the same to adjust to your new home as well. But keep in mind that some kids may take longer than others, depending on their personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Talk to your kids regularly about how they\u2019re feeling, so you can be on top of any challenges they are facing (this is especially important with teens). Communication is key!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Helping your child cope with change <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just like adults, children can have pretty diverse reactions to big changes. Moving is an important time for children to be heard. You need to know their fears and challenges<\/a> about this move so you can help them through it. Help them gain control over their feelings with some fun exercises from Bright Horizons <\/a>while you move: <\/p>\n\n\n\n