How To Reduce Stress When Moving With Kids

Although the kids won’t likely get too involved in the decision-making process when you’re moving home, this doesn’t mean that the process won’t be stressful for them.

Whether you’re opting for a DIY move or you’re hiring Professional Removalists, additional effort is often needed so the children won’t be too stressed as you go through the moving process. For parents with kids on the spectrum or with special needs, this can be particularly challenging.

Moving interstate is challenging, but even moving locally will present special difficulties. There are several steps you can take to make the move less stressful for you and your children.

Keep them in the loop and discuss the plans as early as possible

As you start sorting and preparing items for your scheduled move, the kids will also start noticing some of the changes that are happening around them. Although some children don’t show signs of anxiety, they can be greatly affected by the changes in the routine and the behaviour of others in the home.

Once you’re done planning most parts of the move or before you start making the obvious preparations such as packing items and dismantling furniture, find some time to have a proper conversation with the children to discuss the details of the move.

You may start by telling them what will change and what will stay the same when you finish moving into your new home. This will keep them from being spooked when things start changing around the house.

Encourage the young ones to express their thoughts about the move

Overwhelmed by what is happening around them, the young ones may have trouble processing their thoughts and emotions about the move. In situations like this, it would be helpful if the kids have someone they can express their thoughts to.

Instead of leaving them in a room to play while you pack and prepare, use a few breaks or find time to talk about how they feel about the events around them, and encourage them to be part of the packing process. This will help you understand what they need from you or what they need to feel better.

Sort your belongings and declutter as early as you can

When you’re moving with younger kids, it’s best to sort your belongings and declutter as early as you can. When you try to reduce the number of items you will be taking with you, children may associate decluttering with some negative emotions, especially when they are asked to leave some of their favourite items.

Starting with the room or area where you keep unused or rarely used items, sort your things as soon as you have a date for the move. You might want to donate or dispose of things that you won’t need or can’t take to your new residence. Get the young ones involved by letting them choose which items to keep and give away/dispose of.

Keep them involved

Although the majority of the tasks involved in the moving process are meant for adults, this does not mean that the ankle biters can’t lend a hand. Allowing them to help in packing their belongings in boxes or containers not only relieves some of the stress, it also keeps them busy whilst you pack other items around the house.
To make it more enjoyable for the kids, let them decorate their boxes or containers. This way, they can look forward to opening their boxes/containers once your belongings arrive in your new residence.

Whilst it is a simple activity, it can be an exciting experience that will give them a sense of familiarity, especially if you’re moving to New Zealand or other international locations and vice versa.

Help them keep in touch with old friends from your previous home

Moving to a new home is not only about changing houses or relocating your belongings from one location to another.

Moving to a new city or state is even more challenging when you have school-age children, as they may have to change schools, meet new teachers, make new friends, look for a new favourite park/shop, etc. It may be more difficult for children to adjust to their new life/environment, so you need to be mindful of any changes in their behaviour and constantly ask what they need to feel better.

Keeping in touch with old friends or teachers from your previous home can help them adjust and find some comfort as they adjust to your new home. As the moving day approaches, start collecting their contact details or addresses so the kids will always have a way to connect with their friends.

Visit your new home

Whenever possible, visit your new home with the kids and discuss the new arrangements for the place.

Seeing the house itself will help them visualise where things will go when you move.

If you are moving to a different city or state, use the visit as an opportunity to do a little tour and locate nearby parks, shops, or restaurants that you can visit once you’ve settled in.

As you walk or drive around, engage the kids and try to picture how life will be in your new home. It may not instantly eliminate their worries about moving, but it will set their expectations about the new place, and help them adjust to the move.

Create good memories

As you prepare to leave your old residence, create good memories that the children can look back to as you settle into your new home.

Consider inviting some friends to your home or the kid’s favourite place to share a meal or for the kids to just play and hang out with their friends.

Take some photos or videos to preserve these precious moments. You might also want to use this as an opportunity to make a mini album or journal of the kid’s favourite places, food, or activities that are unique to your old home.

These good memories will provide them additional comfort and assurance that things will be okay as they try to get used to your new home.

We hope you found these tips helpful!