How to Help Kids Adjust to Moving House

Kids will find moving equally as stressful as adults, especially because they might not understand what is happening and have little control over it. But whether your kid is a baby, toddler or teen there are a few things that will help them, and you, adjust to the new situation.

Before the move

The decision to move house will inevitably throw up a range of emotions and questions, so it’s a good idea to only tell your kids if the move is certain. But whatever the reasons for up- rooting, whether by choice or not, it’s important to remain positive. Kids are intuitive and will pick up on any anxiety or hostility, remaining upbeat will reassure your kids and make adjusting to a new environment as painless as possible!

Timing is one of the most critical factors to consider. To limit the amount of disruption most people chose to move during the summer holidays so the kid/s can join a school at the beginning of a year, when it will be easier to make friends.

Whilst it’s equally as vital to visit an area before you buy a house there it’s also a good idea to arrange to visit the new house, area and school with your child before you move. Let them meet the neighbours, see the local facilities, explore the school so they know where everything is and maybe even arrange a visit to the local youth club.

If your child is having a hard time accepting the situation a goodbye party will help them understand that the move is permanent and unavoidable.

Just like adults kids cherish their possessions and may not understand why they are being taken away so expect a few tears! Explain to them that they are not gone forever and although it might seem a good time to de-clutter leave sorting out your kid’s possessions until you have moved in when the situation is less overwhelming for them.

During the move

The day of the move is likely to be stressful, but it’s important to remember that it is equally as traumatic for a child, especially if they are very young as they will not understand the upheaval. If possible leave the kids with friends or family during the move, reassure them that you will be back for them though! Maybe leave something precious, like a pet or piece of jewellery with them, as a guarantee of your return.

If not ,make sure you don’t neglect them during the move, you may be busy but losing your temper with or ignoring your child will only make them more anxious! Keep their routine as normal as possible, try and schedule naps and meals for times they are used to. Make sure they also have something familiar, like a favourite soft toy or blanket, with them at all times for comfort.

Chose a removal company that also offer an unpacking service, for what could take you weeks, even months, to unpack with the help of professional it could be sorted in a matter of days. If money constraints mean you can’t afford professionals to unpack your belongings get the kid/s room/s in order first to help them adapt to their new surroundings quicker.

After the move

On the first night you may all be exhausted but it’s a good idea to take a look around the area, and do something special as a family, go for a pizza or a walk along the beach. This will create happy memories of the move and a positive outlook for your new future.

Re-establish a normal routine early on as this will help everyone settle quicker, especially if the kids are very young. It is likely they may play up more in the first few weeks, be tolerant but do not pander to every whim. Make an effort to spend time doing what you used to do together and try not to make too many other changes, like potty training or moving them from a cot to a bed.

It can take as long as 16 months to adjust to a move, everyone, including you, will miss old friends and favourite places. It’s perfectly natural for your kids to look forward to starting a new life only to become resentful months after moving in, this is especially true if the ‘new life’ has not lived up to expectations or they have failed to make friends at their new school. If the kids are older encourage them to join a youth group or sports class and try and limit the amount of contact they have with their ‘old’ life as it will only make it more difficult to except the new situation.