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

Moving is hard, but relocating with families is very tough. When you are moving kids to a new neighborhood, it doesn’t matter if it is a local move or an interstate move. But there are definitely ways to make it easier on the kids. You know what they say – if the kids are happy, Mom’s happy and if Mom’s happy then Dad’s happy. And we definitely want happy parents and kids.

Focusing on the kids’ needs is an important part of making this transition smooth. The relocation industry, says that six in ten transferees have dependent children. So here are some things to think about if you are relocating with children.

1. Kids should be involved - As soon as you know you are moving, you should tell your kids. They need as much time as possible. Make it a fun, exciting event, and focus on all the positives, like a new bedroom.
2. Let them know they can still be in touch with their friends - With today’s digital world, it is much easier to stay in touch than before. Help them get email addresses.
3. Let them house hunt with you – They can feel involved and you get to understand what their concerns are. If it is not possible, show them pictures of the new neighborhood and house.
4. Research the sporting and recreation –Let them know that they can continue in their same activities, but also, after they move, this will give them a direct route to friends.
5. Try and move during the school year or before the school year ends - So many families believe that the beginning of the summer is the best time to move, but this ends up being the worst time. They get to their new neighborhood and have no friends for 10 weeks. If they can move during a school year, they have no choice but to make friends fast, and they spend less time missing their old friends.
6. Take them round the schools too - Organize a tour of their new school so that the kids can get excited. They won’t have to imagine the unknown.
7. Stay positive - Because you are moving, you will have many stressful days, decisions, and more to do. But try and remember this as a positive move for your whole family.

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