How To Get Children Settled Into Your New Home

Moving can be fun where the whole family is excited for life in a new house. However, if your kids are of a certain age and perhaps the move involves some less desirable things like a new school district, having to make new friends or the like, you may need to ease the situation. Here are some helpful strategies on how to make the transition easier for them.

Acknowledge their feelings

Even if your move is something that the whole family is excited about, it can still be stressful. Especially for children, they are the ones who are not in control so it will be normal for them to experience some anxiety. The best thing you can do is acknowledge their emotions and keep them involved in the plans so they know what is happening.

Favorites bag

All kids have their favorite belongings like blankets, stuffed animals, clothes or toys. Keep their favorite items in a bag so that they can have them with them for comfort as opposed to packed away in a moving truck.

Closure

During the last week before you depart, make a list of places to go and visit with them. This can be a list of the “lasts” as in last time visiting the local playground, park or even a favorite nearby restaurant.

Fun moving day

While you want the kids to have seen the new home, on your actual moving day you might want them to stay with friends or relatives. If not, try getting their help with some easy or fun tasks like labeling boxes with markers or giving them some simple cleaning tasks.

Unpack kid’s rooms first

Setting up their rooms first will have them quickly comforted. Also, get them involved in the unpacking process so they know where everything is within their own space.

Encourage their help

When you are picking paint colors, window treatments or new furniture involve your kids in that process. Make it fun for them and give them a sense of ownership with their new room.

Resume your routine

Once you are fairly settled then get back into your usual routine as soon as you can. This includes doing regular nap times, dinner times or even resuming your regular bedtime stories. The familiarity of these activities will make the new house quickly feel like home.

Explore the neighborhood

Make a list of things to see or do in the new neighborhood. It could include visiting a nearby park, library or ice cream shop. Taking a walk in your new neighborhood will get your kids familiar with what is near by and can give you an opportunity to meet neighbors who may also have children.

Set the tone

In the end your kids will pick up on the vibe that you have. The more you remain positive, relaxed and happy during the moving process, the more they will be too.