Moving home is an exciting time for families, but it can be stressful, especially if you’re moving with young children.
We’ve put together our five top tips on how to involve your children in the moving process, to help them feel more prepared, excited, and at ease with the big move ahead.
Involve Children from the Start
One of the most effective ways to help children adjust to the idea of moving is by involving them from the very beginning. As soon as the decision to move is made, talk to your children about the change. The earlier they know, the more time they have to process the information and get used to the idea of a new home, school and potentially new friends.
Try giving your children small tasks to help with the move. Organising toys or clearing out clothes gets them involved in the moving journey and can help them understand the process better.
Make It an Adventure
Moving home is an exciting new adventure and it’s important to help your children see it that way too! Talk to them about the opportunity to discover new places, meet new people, and have new experiences. Children are naturally curious and love to explore new things, so focusing on their new adventures can help to replace worry with excitement and anticipation.
Visit the New House and Area
If possible, take your children to visit the new house and the surrounding area before the move. Show them their new school, nearby parks and exciting places they can explore. If you can’t visit in person, use maps or virtual tours to familiarise them with the new neighbourhood. This will help them feel more comfortable and excited about the upcoming move.
In need of some inspiration? Check out our local area guides for Trentham and Westbury Park to discover exciting places to explore!
Get Room Planning
When visiting your new home, get your children excited by letting them choose their new rooms. Give them drawing books to plan how they’d like their bedroom to look. Encourage them to think about where to place their toys and furniture, then get them to draw and colour in their plan.
Keep Talking and Stay Positive
Children often pick up on their parents’ moods and behaviour, so keeping a positive attitude and making the journey as fun as possible is key. Even when challenges arise, try to focus on the positive aspects of the move. By doing so, children are more likely to feel the same, making the transition smoother for everyone.
Regular conversations about the move will also allow your children to ask questions, share their thoughts and remove some of the fear they may be feeling.
Moving home can be an overwhelming experience for children, but with a bit of planning and thoughtful involvement of your children, it can be turned into an exciting family adventure.
