Moving houses with children can be a challenge, as not only do you have to organise moving into an entirely new home, as a parent you need to consider your children’s comfort throughout the process. For children, a drastic change in living environment can cause problems and confusion, leaving parents confused about exactly how to make the move as comfortable as possible for their little ones.So, you’re excited to settle into your new home but everything isn’t always simple. Here we’ll discuss 11 tips that you can include in your moving process to ensure a smooth process. So, kick back, relax, and let us do the hard thought work for you.
Talk to Them
With all of the stress of organising a house move, it can be easy to forget to explain to your child exactly what is happening. Talking your child through the process, explaining why you’re moving house, and how your new home will be better for them will get them on board and rid them of any confusion.
Label… Everything!
This may go without saying when it comes to a house move, however, organisation and labels are the key to a successful moving process, particularly when children are involved. As a parent, you will know just how many belongings your family has between them and labelling each box with who the items belong to, what room they need to be in, and what exactly is in the box will make unpacking so much easier.
Get Them Involved
Moving house doesn’t have to be stressful – why not have some fun with it?Getting your children involved in the decorating process, particularly for their own room, will get them excited about the process and will ensure they are happy with their all-new bedroom and home.Of course, don’t let them loose with a wet paintbrush and hope for the best, be sure to provide some guidance throughout the move.
Prioritise Their Belongings
One of the most important tips to remember when moving homes as a parent, is to prioritise your children’s belongings during the process. This means that you pack your child’s belongings last, but unpack them first in the new home.This will prevent any tears and tantrums which may occur when your child is desperate for their toy which is buried in a mountain of brown boxes and will make the move as stress-free as possible for both them, and you.
Hold Off on Fresh Bedding
This may sound like a strange one, but it may be a good idea to hold off on putting brand new, fresh bedding on your child’s bed right away. Sleeping in a new environment can be confusing and unsettling for a child and using the same bedding with the comforting scent of your child’s old bedroom may make that first night in the new house a little easier for them.Once your child seems settled, you can finally get out that new bedding you’ve been dying to add to their bedroom!Of course, just because you’re not updating their bedding quite yet, doesn’t mean you can’t change other things in their room. A new bed may help them sleep better in their new home (I love the Orion wooden bunk bed) and a rolled mattress would be super easy to manoeuvre into place.
Be Prepared for Tears
Depending on the age of your child, you should prepare for some form of emotional response from your child throughout the move – whether it is when you break the news, or the moving process begins.Some children may be excited about the move, although it is expected for children to feel sad or angry about leaving the house behind which they have developed an emotional bond with. Remember that tantrums will pass, but be sure to address their concerns and talk with them throughout the move.
Don’t Burn Yourself Out
As a parent, it comes naturally to always put your children before yourself. However, moving home is one of the most stressful times in life and it can be very easy to burn yourself out from both ends throughout the process.Take your time, attack the house move in small sections, remain organised and always remember to listen to your body and take a rest if needed, reminding yourself that it will all work out in the end – if that means taking a few hours to yourself for a bubble bath and an unwind, then so be it.
Take the Opportunity
Moving house may be stressful, but it can be a great time to develop new positive habits and leave some unhealthy behaviours behind. Moving into a new home is the perfect time to address your child’s daily and nightly routine – whether this means more family time, earlier bedtimes or getting into a homework routine.
Make it Fun!
It can be easy to get caught up in the stressful organising of a house move, but it is important to take a step back every now and again to make some fun out of it.When children are involved, it is a good idea to make the new home a positive environment associated with fun times, as this will make the child warm to the new house easier and more quickly. Perhaps have a family game night or movie evening on the first night in the house as a cause for celebration from a long day of packing and unpacking boxes in your new home?
Stay Consistent
Whilst moving homes, it can be fairly easy to lose consistency in your child’s routine. A child’s routine is vital to their stability and breaking it can make the process, even more, overwhelming for everyone involved. Be sure to stay on top of things and be consistent to make the house move as smooth as possible.
Take Time to Reflect
It is important to remember that you’re leaving a beloved home behind and your child may grieve the loss of the memories they have enjoyed there. A home is more than a house and features fond memories and emotional attachment from both yourself and your children.During the move, be sure to be wary of this and be considerate if your child is feeling nostalgic or emotional – take time to share positive memories, visit old beloved places and take time to reflect as a family.
Are You Moving with Kids Soon?
We all move houses at least once in our lifetime and, although it can conjure up images of stacks of boxes and a whole lot of mess, it can be a very exciting time for your family too. Be sure to remember these 11 moving house tips when taking the plunge, and share your thoughts on your house-moving experiences with us via Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Happy moving!
