You’ve found your dream home? Congrats!
By this point, you have family and friends exciting over your new house and sharing unsolicited design ideas.
But the real question is, how to prepare for moving with kids?
For families moving with kids, we’ve compiled an ultimate planning guide on things you should know and do.
Tell Them Early
One of the first things in your moving steps should be telling your kids about the move as soon as possible. Help your children find reasons to be excited. It can be scary to move to a new place and leave old friends behind.
Take photos of your home and create a scrapbook to help curb your kids’ anxieties.
Try to answer their questions and give honest answers to help take the edge off of the uncertainty. Chances are your kids will be feeling overwhelmed, nervous, and afraid. Help your kids process and understand those feelings through:
- Music
- TV shows
- Books
Find a fictional or real character they look up to and relate the big move to something their role model experienced.
Make a Plan
The first step in how to prepare for moving is to make a plan. Moving day can sneak up on you so, start earlier than you think with a relocation plan. Try a relocation planner to create to-do lists to keep everyone in the family on track.
It can be challenging to decide how to plan a move with kids. Give your kids a say in the process to help them feel more in control. Create a positive packing environment with your children by:
- Offering incentives
- Creating a competition
- Pack alongside them
Try to stick to a routine to keep the packing days consistent and less overwhelming.
Try Color-coding
Keeping everything organized is already hard enough, but it’s even more challenging with kids. Check out color-coding to help communicate with your children what items should go where. Try using colorful tape or stickers.
Don’t forget to create a donation box. Not only can you knock out extra clutter, but you can teach your kids about charity work. Remember to let your kids have a say in what stays and goes.
Take Advantage of No Kid Time
It’s hard enough to pack all your possessions without your children around, but sometimes they can add to the chaos. Take advantage of the time your kids are of the house.
Moving in the summer months? Hire a babysitter to give yourself the time you need to plan and pack. Remember it’s okay to ask for help. Give your trustee neighbor, friend, or family member a call to help you get the job done.
Moving with Kids
Moving should be an exciting time. Don’t let moving with kids be an added stressor. Remember to try to keep a positive attitude and communicate clearly with the whole family.
What are you waiting for? Your dream home awaits!
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