Moving, Packing, Storage Information

Moving The Family - Before The Move

Moving can be extra challenging when children are involved. Though it is impossible to make the experience completely problem-free for them, the following are some suggestions on how to make the transition easier for the whole family.

Break the news to them as early as possible so they can get used to the idea of moving. A family meeting or a special family meal might be a good time. Your explanation for the move should be tailored to the age of the children. Not everyone will be happy about it. Young children will merely need reassurance that they will still be together as a family. Older children and teens will be the most upset because of their concerns about a new school and leaving their friends.

Keep everybody involved:

include them in progress reports, plans, decision making and activities related to the move
get their input on what they would like in their new home
take them on house hunting trips or take photos to show them
share information from the Internet, the library, or the travel bureau about their new city
have them sell outgrown toys and books at the garage sale to earn some money

Take a family trip to the new town to see the new house and allow them to pick out their new bedroom. Also, check out the neighborhood. Visiting your new work place, local parks, recreation facilities, museums, local attractions, the church, the school and the mall will help reduce the anxiety they are feeling.

Keep a cool, positive attitude about the whole adventure and point out the advantages of moving, even when the reactions or comments are very negative. Answer their questions reassuringly.

Allow them to help with packing and labelling their belongings and suggest they design a floor plan and pick colors for their new room.

Have them practice their new address by writing it clearly in marker on all the packed boxes.

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