Moving can be a chore, but when kids are involved, things can get a little difficult. There are a number of things to consider, so getting everyone on the same page will help navigate an easy move. Here’s how to Make the Move Easy: Moving With Kids:
Have a meeting of the minds
A family meeting helps get everyone on board. This is when you discuss what dates you are moving, and assign tasks to everyone.Empower your kids to take care of their belongings – it will help them feel included, and can make a huge difference in their overall outlook.
Survey the new area
One of the best ways to get the kids excited about the move is by sharing the new place. If you can drive to the new home and allow the kids to pick out their rooms, they will now have a sense of ownership. If the location is too far away, pictures or seeing the home on the internet can suffice. As long as they can see where they will be living, it will help make the transition easier.
Clean house
Have the kids go through their rooms to determine what they don’t want or can’t wear. You can donate these things to the local shelter, or organize a garage sale. Allowing the kids to give to a greater cause, or make a little money. The family can decide what to do with the money as a collective, or each child can have their proceeds to do what they wish.
Own their new space
Give the kids an opportunity to plan their space once they see where they will be living. Letting them choose their paint colors and bedroom furniture will help them feel settled.
Organize their contacts
If your kids have a number of friends they will be leaving behind, help them organize a way to contact their friends. They could set up a Skype account or exchange emails just to keep the lines of communication open.
Put them in charge
Depending on their age, you could put your kids in charge of certain things. Color-code the boxes in each room and have them make a list of the boxes, and what they contain. You can also allow them to wrap certain items, and check off the list of boxes as the movers remove them from the old location, and check to make sure those boxes are intact at the new one.
These recommendations will help make the transition easier for your kids as they embark on a new adventure. Doing what you can to ease their anxiety and keeping them in the loop on the moves you make will also help bring the family closer during this transition. Making a move with kids doesn’t have to be dull and boring – with a lot of love and a sense of togetherness, you’ve laid the foundation for an easy move.
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