How to Reduce Stress When Moving With Children

When you are moving with children, it can be even more stressful than a move on our own. For example, there are potential organizational issues like the children’s supervision on moving day. In addition, moving to a new home can be an emotional/psychological challenge for a child. To help you to reduce stress for your children, as well as for yourself, we have compiled a lists of useful tips:

Organizational tips for moving with children

• Sometimes small things can help a lot! For example, in a Washington Post article, writer Lindsey M. Roberts recommends color-coding your moving boxes with differently colored duct tape – a different color for every family member.
• Start your preparations early: When children are involved, it can considerably add to the time involved. Therefore, make sure to schedule in some extra time.
• Depending on your children’s age, it might be best if they are not present on moving day. Consider letting them stay with their grandparents, a reliable babysitter or trusted friends.
• On moving day, make sure to keep the First-Aid kit handy for minor scrapes and injuries.

Reduce Stress for your children

• Discuss the move with your children in advance, and allow them some time to adjust to the idea. Give them the opportunity to ask questions about the move, how it might affect them and their daily routine etc.
• Try to convey a positive attitude about the move. Moving can be a stressful situation, but make every attempt to keep that out of your conversations with your kids.
• If possible, take your child/children to the new home prior to the move, so they can get acquainted with the new surroundings. You can show them pictures and even help them to explore their neighborhood online by using Apps like Google Street View.
• Involve your children in the planning and preparing for the move – in a way that is age appropriate. This will help them feel as if they are part of the decision process, rather than dealing with a move that their parents are forcing on them and that is out of their control.
• Depending on the age of your child/children, they might have different concerns or even fears about leaving their previous home, social circle, or even their bedroom with their toys. Try to address their concerns in a way that fits their age.
• Moving with children can be a particular challenge for military families that might need to move more frequently due to changing deployments. The Child Mind Institute has a blog post that lists several resources that might be helpful in such situations.
• Lindsay M. Roberts (see above) also recommends allowing the child the opportunity to say good-bye to their old home, if that is what they want.

Do you have special tips for moving with your children? Let us know in the comments!

Sources and further reading:

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/move.html
https://childmind.org/article/advice-for-moving-with-children/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2016/02/01/11-tips-for-moving-with-kids/?utm_term=.871911a1590c
https://www.parents.com/parenting/money/buy-a-house/make-moving-easier-on-you-and-your-kids/
https://www.thespruce.com/stay-safe-during-move-2436417