Step-by-Step Guide to Moving with Kids Instantly

Before boxes begin to pile high and the house starts to get empty, the toughest part about shifting is telling your kids about the move. You have passed all the logistical challenges with the help of professional Packers and Movers, made all the necessary formalities about the relocation but you seem to worry about how they will react to this life changing decision of relocation. Rarely do they find joy in such significant changes and nor do they seem to understand your valid reasons. Your attitude and perspective about this big move influences them immensely. Utilize these tips about moving with kids to make it easy for them to realize how important this move is for the whole family.

Be well prepared-Prioritize being mentally and physically well prepared and then only expect your younger ones to understand the situation. This has a simple logic to it; kids follow the footsteps of their elderly. Later on inculcate steps to prepare them for the relocation.

Learn to do so in the next step:

Practice self-care for overall well-being-Parents usually bear the brunt of stress which leads to burn out in their daily lives. Here are ways to overcome burnout:

Basic self-care practices -This involves 8-9 hours of sleep, well balanced diet, and proper hydration, exercise daily, mediate.

This inculcates healthy habits in kids, making them physically strong. For executing tasks related to relocating this is the most initial step that make moving a cake walk.

Other important practices to inculcate- Time management, family time, stress management, establish boundaries between work and personal life.

This allows a smooth transition of moving as you can prioritize completing tasks like updating addresses, getting free quotes from moving companies and shortlisting schools for your kids.

Drop in hints between conversations- Relocation involves a lot of planning and preparation. The last thing you would want is all the hard work in vain, if your kids are adamant of not wanting to leave. Dropping in hints to your kids helps to see how they react to the news at a very initial level. Accordingly, you can decide how to break the news to them.

The two ways they will react to it:

Resistance, confusion and sadness- Kids who come in this category are against the idea of moving because this is a time when they enjoy their time with friends more than with family. They will throw tantrums about leaving their best friends, favourite teachers or familiar surroundings.

 Inquisitiveness, open minded and excited- Kids who usually come in this category, are the ones who will easily adapt to the new place. They are not too attached to people, things or places. Rather they are open to new experiences/opportunities, thrill, meeting new people, etc.

Here are questions you can use to drop hints regarding relocation:

1."What if our family moves to a place you always wanted to go to? What hobby would you want to inculcate first?"

2."If we had to move somewhere else, what would you miss the most about our current home?"

3."How do you feel about meeting new peers and exploring a new school with them?"

4."Imagine we move in that case, which school would you like to join?

Remember every child is different and needs care and reassurance accordingly. 

After asking such questions, kids will not get completely shocked or surprised and be prepared for an official announcement about relocation.

Give details in family meeting-When your family is seated for dinner it will be the best time to break the news to the kids. Answer all their questions, for example:

What is the reason? Job promotion, job transfer, better quality of life and safety could be a few reasons. And express your happiness and excitement for the same.

Where are we shifting? You can give them a comforting feeling by saying things like, the same place where grandma stays or where you can explore new activities. Try to talk about things that could attract them and change their mind.

By when are we shifting? Give them the accurate date and time of the moving day. Make sure you also give them enough time for closure with friends and family, preferably a month or two is idle. They will feel really excited about throwing a party for their friends before moving.

How will we make this big move? Make them understand that they will have to engage in daily activities to pack their belongings. Furthermore, inform them that you have chosen the most suitable Packers and Movers who will assist you with their best services. 

Get them engaged in packing their belongings- When you allow your kids to be a part of the moving process this will encourage them to be independent and also feel an integral part of this team work.

Tasks they can accomplish are:

• Securing the boxes with tapes.

• Dispose all the unwanted items. 

• Organising all the items before packing.

• Wash and clean their cycles before packing. 

• Pack their belongings like toiletries, stationary and sports equipment’s.

Establish a packing routine- For a month or two inculcate a routine of packing activities for kids till the moving day. This will allow timely packing on daily basis and not disturb their routine. Allowing them to play outside, for times you don’t require them at all. This allows you to pack valuable items that are fragile in nature safely.

If you have an infant, consider hiring a nanny to support you during this hectic time of relocation.

Get them engaged in important decisions- Rather than finalising the school you want them to go to. Consider shortlisting top 5 schools and make them a part of the discussion as they are the ones who will go there daily.

• To make them feel included you can also allow them to choose interiors for their rooms.

• This involves asking them the schools they have chosen to join at the new place.

• Coaching and training-The activities they want to learn or continue pursuing after school hours like cricket or dancing. 

Conclusion

Relocating to a new place can be absolutely chaotic with kids. It’s important to strike a balance between taking care of yourself and the kids. Give extra care and love to them as they are at a very tender age to understand the moving decision easily. Spend quality time with them, engage in meaningful conversations, and share your first time moving experience you had as a child. After using these expert tips to move with kids you will be amazed to see how everything is falling in place.