How to Prepare Your Children for a Move

Published: June 01, 2024

Moving can be an exciting yet challenging time for families, especially when children are involved. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, helping your kids navigate the transition is crucial for their emotional well-being and adjustment to the new environment. Here are some tips on how to prepare your children for a move:

1. Start the Conversation Early

Communication is key when it comes to preparing children for a move. Start the conversation early to give them time to process the news and ask questions. Be honest and open about the reasons for the move, whether it’s for a job, a new home, or a change in lifestyle. Encourage them to express their feelings and concerns, and assure them that their emotions are valid.

2. Involve Your Children in the Process

Making children feel like active participants in the move can help alleviate anxiety and empower them during the transition. Allow them to be involved in decision-making where appropriate, such as choosing their new bedroom decor or researching fun activities in the new neighborhood. Letting them pack their belongings and say goodbye to their old home on their terms can also provide a sense of control in an otherwise overwhelming situation.

3. Maintain Routine and Stability

Moving can disrupt familiar routines and environments, which can be unsettling for children. Try to maintain as much consistency as possible during the transition by sticking to familiar routines, such as mealtimes and bedtime rituals. Keep their favorite belongings easily accessible throughout the move to provide a sense of familiarity and comfort.

4. Explore the New Neighborhood Together

Before the move, take the time to explore the new neighborhood with your children. Visit local parks, playgrounds, and attractions to help them familiarize themselves with their new surroundings. Point out nearby amenities such as schools, libraries, and community centers to help ease their transition and foster a sense of belonging.

5. Foster Connections

Encourage your children to stay in touch with old friends through phone calls, video chats, or written letters. Additionally, help them make new friends by arranging playdates with neighbors or enrolling them in extracurricular activities in the new area. Building a support network of friends and acquaintances can help children feel more connected and less isolated during the move.

6. Be Patient and Understanding

Moving is a major life change, and it’s normal for children to experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, or anxiety. Be patient and understanding with them as they navigate their feelings and adjust to their new environment. Validate their emotions and offer reassurance that it’s okay to feel unsettled during this time of transition.

7. Create a Sense of Home

Help your children feel at home in their new environment by creating familiar spaces and routines. Set up their bedroom with familiar bedding, toys, and decorations from their old home. Establishing familiar routines, such as family dinners or movie nights, can also help create a sense of stability and comfort in their new surroundings.

8. Seek Professional Support if Needed

If your child is struggling to cope with the move, don’t hesitate to seek professional support. A counselor or therapist can provide valuable guidance and support to help children process their emotions and adjust to their new circumstances. Additionally, support groups or online forums for families going through similar experiences can offer a sense of community and understanding.

Preparing children for a move requires patience, communication, and empathy. By involving them in the process, maintaining routines, and fostering connections, you can help ease the transition and support their emotional well-being. Remember to be patient and understanding as they navigate their feelings during this significant life change. With time and support, your children can thrive in their new environment and embrace the opportunities that come with it.

For help with the move, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Bucks & Mercer County or call (609) 245-6226.