Boston Movers Blog

You are faced with the decision to move. Making the decision itself can be stressful, especially if you have children. Making the decision itself does not alleviate the stress, unfortunately. As disruptive and stressful as moving can be for parents, the experience can be even more difficult for kids. Kids do not usually take part in the decision to move and they may not understand it.

During the moving process, kids can need some time and special attention. Here are some tips to make the move less stressful for the kids.

Discussing the Move With Kids

No matter what the circumstances, the most important way to prepare kids to move is to talk about it.

Try to give them as much information about the move as soon as possible. Answer questions completely and truthfully, and be receptive to both positive and negative reactions. Even if the move means an improvement in family life, kids don't always understand that and may be focused on the frightening aspects of the change.

Involving kids in planning for the move as much as possible makes them feel like participants in the house-hunting process or the search for a new school. This can make the change feel less like it's being forced on them.

If you're moving locally, try to take your kids to visit the new house (or see it being built) if possible. Explore the new neighborhood.

For interstate moves or international moves, provide as much information as you can about the new home, the new city and state or country. Use the Internet to learn about the community. Learn where kids can participate in favorite activities. See if a relative, friend, or even a real estate agent can take pictures of the new house and new school for your child.

Kids Health

When choosing between moving companies, be selective. These are the people who will be packing, moving, shipping, transporting and possibly providing storage for all of your belongings.

Whether you are about to endeavor on a local move, interstate move or international move, you need to be very confident in who you hire.
 
Many moving companies rent trucks and do minimal interviewing when it comes to the actual movers and drivers.

There are many things you can do to be sure your mover is reliable and reputable. You should certainly talk to several moving companies, and  interview many of them.

Get recommendations – everyone knows someone who has moved.

Go online and do a reference and background check – there are review and referrals for almost anything online, it just takes a minute to look.

Better Business Bureau – The BBB ranks businesses, if the moving company is a member that is a good sign.

Call or e-mail the American Moving and Storage Association, moving.org.

Be sure to check the consumer-advocacy sites like movingscam.com.

You should end up with at least three or four movers to call for an in-home estimate. If it is an interstate move, ask if the moving company to give you a written binding estimate or a binding not-to-exceed estimate. Both types of estimates put a guaranteed cap on what you will pay for your move.

For information or estimate, contact Marathon Moving.