Seven Ways to Help Your Kids Transition Into a New Home

Let’s face it, moving is hard for everyone and big moves bring up all sorts of feelings from stress to uncertainty and excitement.

Luckily, there are a few actions you can take before the big day to help mitigate the negative reactions from the youngest members of your family.

Whether you are hoping to stay in the same neighborhood or move right across the country, inviting your kids into the house selection process from the get go can help. Ask them what they’d like in a new home and see if you can reach a consensus…like a bigger back yard would be a win for everyone.

If your kids are old enough to look at prospective homes with you, why not bring them along? Hearing their opinion on a property makes them feel involved and listened to. They may even  think of something that you didn’t, like how the proximity to the baseball field is a major selling point for your little Major League hopeful.

Making a memory book filled with photos and doodads of the good times shared in your old home can help your kids find closure while still having something of the house to literally hold onto. Get friends and neighbors to sign the book along with their email addresses so everyone can keep in touch.

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Before moving day arrives on the calendar, pencil in a farewell tour of all their favorite neighborhood spots. Be warned: seeing and saying goodbye to landmarks on your street may bring up all the feeling; not just theirs. Leaving a beloved home is hard but remind them that those precious memeories go with them no matter where they are.

Having a chance to say a proper goodbye to the people that have been a big part of their lives: neighbors,babysitters and coaches, is an important part of the emotional proceess of moving. Throw a casual potluck and share some stories over a plate of samosas, and when you get into your new digs, get out there and introduce yourself to new neighbors toute suite.

Packing up the kid’s rooms has the potential to be a less than peaceful process. Inject some fun into the functionality by getting them to create their own “treasure chest”. Pull out a packing box they can fill with their favorite objects to keep them close to them on the journey.

Sometimes it may feel like the adults are making all the decisions and things are out of control. Getting the kids involved in picking out new furnishings and bedding for their room allows them to feel a sense of ownership of the new space.

Plus, that Star Wars duvet is super cool no matter how old you are.