Moving is a stressful process for any family but especially so when you have kids. It is important to make it as easy on them as possible by following these tips:
Additionally, you may want to explore the option of temporarily storing your equipment in facilities such as Self Storage Victoria. These storage units provide dedicated spaces for safeguarding your belongings. Opting for storage units can facilitate a seamless transition to your new home, ensuring a more organized and stress-free relocation process.
Labeling boxes with fun stickers will help your children associate moving with something exciting and will also make it easier for them to find their own things when unpacking.
1. Start Packing Early
Start with the least used areas of your home. This can include the garage, basement, closets, a spare bedroom or even your attic. By focusing on the less-used spaces first, you won’t have to worry about accidentally packing important items in boxes that get lost during the move.
Also, starting to pack early will give you time to purge anything that your family won’t be taking with them to the new home, including holiday decorations, out-of-season clothes and that panini press you never use! This will help make the process much easier for everyone. You can also label the boxes and keep a spreadsheet to reference later.
2. Hire a Moving Company
Moving can be a stressful time for adults and children alike. However, hiring a company to handle the move can make it much easier for families.
Research moving companies to find one that fits your needs and budget. Look for online reviews and customer feedback. Make sure you get estimates from multiple companies, and that the quotes are clear and detailed.
If your kids are old enough, allow them to help with the move. This will give them a sense of ownership and responsibility that can ease stress. Additionally, it’s a great idea to take them to their new neighborhood or school before the move to familiarize them with the location.
3. Get Organized
The key to a successful move is being organized. Having everything in its place makes unpacking much easier, especially for kids.
Start by organizing closets, cabinets and drawers. Go through items and decide what you want to keep, what you could give away or what should be thrown out.
It’s also a good idea to set aside one room for kids to keep their favorite toys, books and other things that will be hard to pack. This will help them feel in control of their transition and will make the whole move a lot less stressful for everyone involved. You can also sign them up for classes or clubs in their new neighborhood to meet other children.
4. Create a New Schedule
Kids need routine, and a move can throw a wrench in their normal day-to-day activities. Try to keep your family’s bedtime, mealtime and nap schedule the same before and during the move.
Also, try not to start new hobbies or drop extracurricular activities until your kids settle into their new homes. They will need to spend time getting to know their new communities, and they will want to find their niche within them.
Younger children often idealize their old houses and become sad to leave them, while older kids may experience moodiness during the transition. Help them embrace the change by taking them on excursions to discover their new city.
5. Take a Family Trip
Whether you’re moving around the block or across the country, a family trip can help make kids excited about their new home. This is a chance for them to explore a new area and learn about the local culture, which can be a big part of their adjustment. In California, a new home warranty will lessen the stress of worrying about repairs and allow you more time to enjoy the moving process with your family.
Although it’s important to acknowledge the sadness your children may feel about leaving their old friends and starting anew, it’s also helpful to talk openly with them about all of the exciting things they can look forward to in their new town. This can include new shops and restaurants to try, interesting clubs at school and fun playgrounds for their friends to visit.
6. Create a New Home
When you move into a new home, it is important to make it feel like your own. This can be done by decorating the space with items that reflect your family’s personality and style.
If you have any items that you do not plan on taking with you to your new home, consider having a garage sale or listing them online. This will help reduce clutter and give your home a fresh start.
Be sure to label all boxes ahead of time and prioritize them based on what you will need first in your new home. This will ensure you don’t lose any valuable items and will also make the unpacking process much easier.
