Moving with Kids – tips and hints for a successful move

The journey is as important as the destination

Packing up and moving to a new city, state or country is a decision that most people don’t take lightly. No matter how old you are, saying goodbye to your old house, friends and community is tough, and for children it can be a very traumatic experience. The key to making your move a successful one for all the family is involvement and communication.

Experts recommend the following steps for preparing your child for the move.

1. Talk about the move early and often. Children need time to get used to the idea of moving. Give them as much information as possible and get them involved in the decision making process.
2. Be positive. Your attitude to the move will influence your children’s. Make the experience fun and exciting and your kids will think of the move in the same way.
3. Be open. Talk to your children openly and welcome their questions. Their questions will often give you insight into how they are feeling. Be sympathetic to their concerns and encourage their interests.
4. Get the kids involved. Make your kids feel like participants in the move. Let them help with the planning, packing and researching. Make the move a family event and let the kids know their contributions are valued and appreciated.

Here are some handy tips to help you and your kids for each stage of the moving process:

Before the move

• Talk to your kids about their new home and community. Show them maps, pictures, ask them to do their own research at the library or online.
• Encourage your kids to keep in touch with old friends. Give them an address book to write phone numbers and email addresses.
• Organise a farewell party and involve them in the planning.
• Visit your kids’ favourite places in the weeks leading up to the move.
• Create a scrapbook with photos, drawings and writings about your old home and neighbourhood as a keepsake for the kids.

During the move

• Encourage the kids to help with packing.
• Ask the kids to draw plans for their new room.
• Pack a small box of favourite toys, books or items that the kids can take with them in the car or plane.
• Plan some time out. Moving is stressful, make sure you plan some time for relaxation with the kids.
• Don’t rush goodbyes. Allow time to walk through your old house and neighbourhood. Visit the park, cafe and your favourite restaurants one last time.

Settling in

• Re-establish family routines straight away. Moving can cause disruptions to routines like mealtimes, bedtimes and discipline. Getting back on track with family routines, rules and rituals gives kids consistency which makes settling in easier.
• Prioritise unpacking. Get the kids rooms set up first and take time setting up your new home.
• Get familiar with your neighbourhood. This is important for the comfort and safety of all family members.
• Make new friends, but keep the old. Help your kids by encouraging new friendships at school, sporting clubs, etc but also allow kids to call or email their old friends. Even plan for a visit to your old neighbourhood.
• Be upbeat about your new setting. Your kids will pick up on your mood. Try to avoid comparison between your old life and now. If you are upbeat about the new house and neighbourhood your kids will feel the same way.