Moving with kids can be challenging physically, emotionally, and mentally. Sometimes the most challenging part of a move is the guilt we feel about taking our children away from their friends, community, and home. Hiring a moving company in Utah is one way to make the technical part easier. Letting someone else shoulder the stress of moving your things will take a load off you so you can concentrate on your kids.
Often the guilt we feel is more profound than the sadness our kids feel. Kids are resilient and adaptable. They’ll be OK if they have you to help them process the whole thing. You have the opportunity to help them through it. We know every situation and every child is different, but we’ve devised nine ways to make a move a little easier on your kiddos.
1. Honesty is the Best Policy
It’s essential to be transparent with your kids about when you’re moving and why it’s happening. They can handle the truth. These conversations will look differently depending on the age of your kids, of course.
Tell them about the move as soon as you know and discuss why it is happening. Is it for a new job? Is it to buy a bigger house? Is it to be closer to family? Keeping them in the loop with honesty and openness will make the transition easier. It will also help to earn your child’s trust, and they’ll respect you for it.
2. Let Them be Involved
It’s essential to help your kids feel valuable during this vulnerable time. Give them tasks, bring them along on moving errands, and tell them how much you appreciate their help.
Here are a few ways to help them feel important during the moving process:
- Ask for their opinion on new homes
- Let them pack their belongings
- Let them assist you in decorating decisions
- Have them help you tape boxes
3. Take Your Kids to Visit Their New Town
Help your child fall in love with their new town before the move to get them excited leading up to moving day. Explore the area together and make some fantastic memories from the get-go. Try to take them to places that will become staples for them, such as parks, playgrounds, ice cream shops, and libraries. Having this experience before you move will help them to feel more at home when you get there.
4. Reach out to Other Parents
In this day and age, it’s easy to connect with parents in your area. Most towns have a mommy Facebook page or a community page to join. Consider making connections through co-workers to find friends for you and your children. Introduce yourself to neighbors, volunteer at their new school, and put yourself out there as much as possible to become part of the community. The local YMCA or community center can be a great place to build friendships and join groups.
5. Make Plans for a Visit Back to Old Friends
Put a visit back on the calendar before you even leave, so instead of a sad “goodbye,” you’ll say, “See you later!” This will give your kids something to look forward to. It won’t feel as final to them. Set a countdown to the day and keep track with your children every day. This will help the whole thing to sting less.
6. Prepare Ahead of Time
Don’t procrastinate your moving tasks, so you have time to work through emotions with your kids without letting your stress take over. Preparation is key. Don’t wait till the last minute; you will thank yourself later. Factor in friends dropping by to say goodbye, children not being cooperative, and other unexpected events.
7. Preserve Special Memories
Pictures are worth a thousand words. Don’t forget to take many pictures of your kids with their friends and then make a memory box or frame pictures to keep forever. Save special moments from your previous home to bring comfort to your children when they’re missing their old life. Months or weeks leading up to the move you can add special items to the memory box.
8. Help Them Process Their Emotions
Let your children feel all their feelings. Don’t dismiss feelings of sadness, confusion, or anger. Empathize with them and let them know you are a safe place to cry or scream or talk. Tell them their feelings are valid and normal but that they won’t last forever. Help them through their emotions with favorite toys or moving objects and reassure them that all of their particular belongings will be coming to their new home with them.
9. Follow Your Instincts
The way you approach a move with your children is ultimately up to you. You know what’s best for your kids better than anyone else. Check-in on your children often and use your judgment to assess what they need. Your child might need multiple wellness checks throughout the moving process. Perhaps offering more hugs than usual will help your child feel more secure throughout the move. Trust yourself and follow your gut.
Moving to a new place is challenging physically, emotionally, and mentally. Remember to be patient with yourself and your children. They’ll be OK, we promise! If you need a set of extra hands, hire a residential moving company to make things easier for everyone.