Are you thinking about moving your family but worried about navigating the transition from one home to the next with your children? We get it! From finding time to pack in the midst of busy schedules to saying goodbye to friends, moves can be difficult. However, with summer quicking approaching and the housing market booming, now is the time to start house hunting. With any luck, you’ll be settled by the time school starts up again in the fall!
This week, we want to share some tips to help make moving with kids (and pets!) as seamless as possible. Check out our ideas below, organized by age.
Moving with babies and toddlers
The best course of action when moving with babies and toddlers is to set up their bedroom and/or playroom first. This approach allows for a smooth transition from one house to the other. It gives them something to be excited about and also helps them stick with their routine. This tip is helpful when moving with pets too! Organize your animal’s bed, toys, and food and water bowls to allow them to easily adjust to their new space.
Another idea for young children is to gift them with a “moving toy” to keep them busy as you unpack. Some new art supplies, a stuffed animal, or Legos will help to both distract and comfort them. One more thing to keep in mind: If you plan to move to a new school zone eventually, it’s easier to do so before your kids begin school.
Moving with preschool-aged kids
Kids in this age range are old enough to understand a move, so it’s important to have an open conversation about the upcoming change. A great way to include your preschool-aged child is to focus on the fun! Ask them how they want to decorate their new bedroom or what sort of playground they hope to find in their new city. "I shared with my kids a list of three reasons to be excited," Ali Wenzke, author of The Art of Happy Moving, says. “Dad is going to build a treehouse in the backyard; you can walk to school; and we can ride our bikes to the ice cream shop."
Showing them the new house (especially their new room!) can also help your young child grasp the concept and get excited about the move. Similarly, walk your dog around their new neighborhood to help ease any potential anxiety they may feel.
Moving with school-aged kids
This age can be tricky, as your child may be happy with their house, school, and neighborhood friends. Be honest with your kids and talk to them as early as possible to give them time to adjust. Validate their feelings if they express sadness or anger.
Give them a sense of ownership when it comes to packing up their own belongings. Encourage them to go through their closet and toys and sell or donate what they no longer want. They can use their profits to buy something special for their new bedroom!
Finally, create a transition plan to ease them into the move. You can continue to plan playdates with their neighborhood friends or schedule times for phone or video calls if you’re moving further away. Remind them that they can stay connected to their old friends as they make new friends!
Focus on the positive
Regardless of your kids’ ages, it’s important to focus on the positives of your move and new neighborhood or city. After all, they’re more likely to be excited if you’re excited! If you’re headed to Central Florida, remind them that it’s a fantastic spot for families and young kids. With nearby amusement parks, kid-friendly attractions, and beaches, what’s not to love?
Let The Urban Dog Group help you with your real estate needs. Contact Christine Elias at caerealestate@gmail.com.
Join us on Saturday, March 26th for the 10th Annual Pints N’ Paws Craft Brew Festival from 1 to 6 p.m. at Sanford Avenue and 2nd Street in Downtown Historic Sanford. Bring your furry friend along too!
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