Moving with Children

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Moving with Children
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Moving with Children Can Be Stressful
Moving can be stressful. It takes weeks, if not
months, of planning, packing up all your
belonging, moving and unpacking. At best, it is a
daunting feat.
Moving with children makes the processes even
more challenging. The packing of their belongings
and familiar household items can be confusing and
uncomfortable. Although never easy, the best way
to move with children is to prepare them with
open, honest and frequent communication to
develop a level of familiarity and comfort.
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Planning Your Move
Using a moving company can take a lot of the
stress out of moving, but pre-move planning and
preparation is your responsibility. To help
your children prepare, its essential that you
speak with them early. Sit down with them over
pizza or ice cream and explain to them (1) that
the family needs to move (2) why the family needs
to move and (3) where their new home will be.
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Preparing for your New Home
Stress The Positive Before you even contact a
moving company, tell your children that moving is
a big change, but emphasize how excited you are
and how great it will be.
Build Familiarity Make a day out of touring your
new neighborhood, town or city. Visit local
attractions, check out the new school (if theyre
switching), and do a walkthrough of your new home
and property. The key is, make it positive and
fun! Your children will take cues from you.
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Let Your Kids Pick
Make then feel Empowered Let your children pick
their own rooms during your pre-move walkthrough.
It will help them settle into your new home.
Minimize Discomfort Unpack your children first.
It will help them adjust more quickly.
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Car Rides
If youre moving to another state, the long drive
can be especially taxing on children. Even if
youve prepared them for the move, a long day (or
several) in the car can be stressful.
To make your children comfortable, pack them a
special backpack of their favorite things. It can
be their favorite pillow and pajamas, CD, DVD,
videogame or book. Also pack some of their
favorite snacks.
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The First Night
Make sure they have their favorite things with
them. A blanket or a stuffed animal. If they
dont feel like sleeping in their beds, lay out a
sleeping bag in the living room or let them sleep
on the couch.
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Settling into the Neighborhood
When you move to a new place, make an effort to
get to know your neighbors and neighborhood. It
will encourage your children to do the same.
However, dont forget to help your children keep
in touch with the friends they may have left
behind.
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Enjoy Your New Home!
Moving can be stressful, but with preparation and
the right moving company it is a manageable
stepping stone to the next chapter of your
familys journey.
Lifes a Journey Move Well