How to Move with Children

Moving with children poses an extreme challenge. While moving might be best for the family, children can often complicate the situation because of their attachment to their current life and routine. Below are some tips and tricks for moving with children.

Before the Move

• Allow your child to help find the new apartment or home that you will move into. This will engage your child and make them excited for the move as well as make them feel more comfortable on arrival having already seen pictures or visited the new home .

• While being understanding of your child’s sadness and fear, stay positive about the move. Children will often copy the attitude of their parents so try and stay calm and positive.

• Give your children one last good experience in your old town before the move. This can be done by having a party with your children’s friends, or simply visiting spots in town that hold good memories.

During the Move

• Allow your child to getting involved in the moving process.

• If your child is old enough, allow them to help plan the layout of their new room and unpack/organize it. Allowing your child to plan the new room will generate excitement about the move and help the moving process.

• Allowing your child to unpack and organize the room will make it feel more fun and comfortable. Remember that you can always reorganize afterwards in a practical way.

After the Move

• Help your child establish a new sense of community by joining rec teams or clubs. This will allow for your child to find new friends in addition to giving you the opportunity to meet other adults in your town.

• Explore the new community with your child in order to help them feel acclimated to the new environment.

• Arrange play dates for your children with the neighboring kids to help them gain friends and establish comfort within their new community.

• Encourage them to write, email, or call their old friends so that they can still be connected with them.