Whether moving over a short distance or embarking on a long-distance moving journey, properly preparing yourself and all of the members of your household makes a huge difference in taking on your move with care and in getting adjusted properly to your new home.

When it comes to getting ready for a move with children, you need to go the extra mile to get everybody ready and as adjusted as possible to your move – while also trying to coordinate the move itself!

Moving can be a very complicated process and becomes even more so when you incorporate having to break the news to your kids and have them adjust to having to relocate away from their comfortable environment and home space. Getting your children, especially young ones, to see moving as a positive thing and having them process a big change like this healthily can be a challenge, especially if you don’t have the right strategy or knowledge on your side to prepare yourself.

So how do you prepare for a move with children? We’ve got the stress-free moving tips you need to know to make moving with kids much easier and to get them excited about their new home!

How to Move With Children?

Before beginning the moving process, you should always consider how your move will impact your child, and how best to break the news of your move to them. After all, moving with a child, whether locally or out of state, can be a huge change for them, especially if they’re already in school and have an established social routine. However, don’t get discouraged – your move will go smoothly!

Though we might not always want a move to happen, sometimes it’s very necessary to put you and your kids into a good spot. Telling your kids and having open communication is key to keeping them happy and to having them placed not only in a better home for them but in the right mindset going into the process.

As a parent, one of the biggest missteps you can make in the moving process is not having the right methods or strategy prepared when telling your kids about the news. This can not only make them upset but can throw a wrench in your entire packing and preparation process. When breaking the news, don’t forget to give your kids as much time and notice as possible, and always stay empathic – this is a big deal for them!

When breaking the news of a move to your children, consider the following tips:

• Tell them as soon as possible. As we mentioned, giving your kids as much time to process and prepare for your move is integral to your success and their happiness. This will also give them time to express themselves and their anxieties or excitement about the move.
• Establish open communication. Remember, telling a child about your move isn’t the same as breaking the news to an adult. It’s normal to be concerned about your child’s reaction to a big change like this, especially if you’re moving long-distance.

To break the news of a move to your child or children, you should always tell them as soon as possible so that they have plenty of time to adjust to the idea and process of moving, and have time to let out their emotions or worries surrounding the move.

Make sure you’ve created a safe, open, and honest space for them to talk about how they’re feeling about the move and how they’re processing it. Always give them room to speak, listen, and support them during this time.

• Include Them: Preparing your kids for a move can be infinitely easier if they’re excited or happy with their move. Give them plenty of details about your move, and fill them in on your future location, the date of your move, details about the packing and moving process, as well as info and facts about your new destination.

Try to remind them that their new neighborhood can bring the possibility of new adventures and new friends and that it could be a great time for them to make new connections and see new things.

• Help Them Process: On top of establishing open communication and trying to get your kids excited about your move, always make sure your kids are talking through their emotions with you, even if they seem fine. This is even more important for people with young children, as they may have trouble expressing themselves regarding events like this.If you’re moving with a newborn or moving with a baby (or just small children in general), try to use things like books, their favorite TV shows or movies, or music to help you communicate with them and to help them express themselves or talk to you. If you are moving with a baby, try to keep your environment as calm as possible and be as prepared as possible for your journey.

Now that you’ve gotten some good ideas to keep your kids safe, secure, and open during your move, it’s time to lock in the right professional movers for your relocation. Looking for the best local, long-distance, or international moving company for your relocation? See what Morse Moving & Storage can do for you and your family today.