Moving on your own is one thing, but moving with a family will be even more complicated. Children require special consideration and attention during a move and one must prepare in order to save stress for the whole family.

Experts on the subject of moving recommend that children be kept actively involved in the move. Help your children organize their belongings for the move. Think about organizing a yard sale to get rid of old toys. Let the children pack their toys and label the boxes so they feel like they are participating in an important part of the move. Research fun activities in the new neighborhood and town you’ll be moving to, and give the children something to look forward to.

Prior to the move, research schools in the area of your new home. Decide whether your children will go to a private or public school, and make a trip to schools with the children. Do research on the internet and ask for suggestions and references from other parents in your new neighborhood. Keeping the children involved with the choice of school will help them feel excited rather than intimidated about all the changes going on in their lives.

The move will be traumatic for the children so be prepared for tears as your children face the stress of the move. They will go through a period of adjustment before they eventually accept and enjoy their new surroundings and make new friends. As soon as they do make friends and start to engage in the activities they enjoyed at home, your children will quickly return to their normal selves.

Some Reminders for Making Family Moves
o Plan a moving away party to increase the children’s excitement about the adventure of moving
o Be sure to have school records, immunization certificates, and other important documentation ready to give to your children’s new school
o Keep lines of communication open with children, reassure them about the move and explain why the move is necessary
o Encourage children to collect contact information of friends and neighbors so they can keep in touch
o Upon arrival at your new home, get involved immediately with activities that the children can participate in such as YMCA, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, etc.
o Be patient with the emotional reactions of children during the move. This is a difficult time for them but children adjust quickly

Moving your Pets

Don’t forget about your pets in your move! In the midst of all the move planning this could easily happen. Make sure your pets enjoy a stress-free move by learning about ways you can keep them safe and happy throughout the moving process, and you'll both arrive at your new home happy and healthy.