There are many reasons for moving—a new job offer, a desire to be closer to family, or because you need a new house to suit your growing needs. While this change is undoubtedly exciting, it can also cause some anxiety in your young children, especially if they will be changing schools as well. To make the process easier for them, utilize the following advice.

How to Make Moving Better for Kids

1. Involve Them

A lot of anxiety comes from a fear of the unknown, so include your children in preparation for the move as much as possible. This could take the form of showing them their new neighborhood or school if it’s nearby or encouraging them to design the layout or color scheme of their new bedroom.

In addition to helping them look forward to the future, ensure they have a means of communicating with old friends.

2. Have a Day-Of Plan for Them

The day of the move will be chaotic. Make sure you have a plan to keep your children as involved or distracted as is best for your family.

If your kids want to assist, assign them a simple, safe task to focus on. For example, they can be responsible for providing the movers with water or watching the dog in the backyard.

If they need to be distracted, pack a “moving day” bag with their favorite toys and games. 

3. Normalize the New Home

After relocating, keep your kids’ routine as normal as possible. Do you always have pancakes for breakfast on Sundays? Do you watch movies as a family every Wednesday night? What is their bedtime routine? Start these habits back up as soon as possible in the new home.

Also, take the time to introduce your children to the neighborhood kids. Chances are you’ll be spending years there, so making friends early will help your children feel accepted by the neighborhood.

For help with your next move, contact the professional movers at Checkmate Moving and Storage in Highlands Ranch, CO. This team specializes in packing services, as well as short- and long-distance moves. They also offer storage solutions in case you need a place to keep your belongings in-between residences. Learn more about their services on their website. Call them at (303) 346-6683 with questions.