How to Make Moving Easier on Your Kids
Here are nine expert tips to make moving a breeze for everyone in the family.
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Make Decluttering Fun for Everyone
“When it came time to move, I created a ‘toy store’ so my kids could be part of decluttering their toys and books,” says Ali Wenzke, author of The Art of Happy Moving: How to Declutter, Pack, and Start Over While Maintaining Your Sanity and Finding Happiness. “We bring every single toy into one space and we display it like a toy store. Then the kids can ‘buy’ all of the toys they want to keep, and we donate whatever remains.”
Hire a Sitter on Moving Day
“Kids can easily get freaked out by the frantic scene that occurs when the movers arrive,” says T.J. Peterson, digital media coordinator at Oz Moving & Storage. “When parents hire a sitter, the kids will stay calm during the chaotic moving day scene, and your movers will be able to handle tasks unfettered.”
Focus on a Cool, New Bedroom
“If your child is especially stressed about an upcoming move, recast it and focus on how cool his or her new room will be,” suggests Kristen Wilkenson, founder of Mom Managing Chaos, a site that focuses on helping families stay organized. The mom of three children has moved 11 times in the last 15 years to facilitate job changes. “Is there a paint color he or she has in mind for the room, and how does he or she want it to be decorated? Make it fun by looking through décor magazines and Pinterest to get ideas.”
Get the Kids Settled First and Foremost
“Set up the bedding and create a quiet spot where he or she can be alone, if needed,” Wenzke says. “This way, your child will have a private oasis to escape to during the moving chaos. Plus, you may even get a few minutes to unpack some of your own boxes.”
Scout the Neighborhood for Other Kids
“Having moved my own children several times, I found that it was very important for my kids to meet other kids their age,” Drennan says. “Ask friends of friends if they know of any families with kids the same age or check out local mom groups. I noticed that once my kids had a friend or two nearby, they were better able to settle in.”