How to Move to a New City with Kids (According to Age Groups!)
There’s a lot to do before moving to a new city, like selling your home quickly and getting a job. But preparing kids for a big move is probably one of the hardest, most gut-wrenching things to accomplish. Your child’s age group can make all the difference in whether they adjust or not.
5 Tips for Preparing Kids for a Big Move Based on Age Groups
If you can make recycling fun for kids, then you can surely inject some great feelings into your next move.
Here are 5 tips for preparing kids for a big move based on their age groups.
1. For All Ages: Book a Long-Distance Moving Company
While most families can pack their whole home in a week, it’s definitely not easy, especially when you have young children. But even when you have older kids or teens, creating a packing and moving schedule is tough. Everyone has something going on that takes up their time.
Instead of doing everything yourself, use a comparison site, like 9kilo.com, to find long-distance moving companies in your state. Not only will you save a lot of time, but you’ll also save money if you choose the right movers. Consider buying movers insurance to further protect your items.
2. For Babies and Toddlers: Focus on Routine and Predictability
A child this age is pretty portable and less likely to be affected by a sudden move. However, they won’t know what’s going on, which can complicate infant care. Keep attending to your baby’s needs, even when things get busy. Other than that, just keep doing what you’re doing.
Toddlers can understand simple explanations, like “Your stuffed animals will have a new home, but they still get to stay in (child’s name) room.” Be sure to pack their bedroom last and unpack it first. Finally, stick to regular routines. The predictability will help young children adjust quickly.
3. For Preschoolers: Be a Friend, Coach, and Helper
Preschoolers (3-5) know something is happening but may not be able to grasp what moving may mean. Don’t hide the fact you’re moving from your kids. Speak to them as soon as things get serious (i.e., showing the home), then tell them to focus on the exciting parts of the move.
You should also take your child to their new home and let them see their room, if possible. If you can’t, ask the realtor or landlord to send pictures. Be sure to let your child help, but above all, be your child’s friendship coach. Give them the confidence to meet new children their age.
4. For School-Aged Kids: Don’t Take Anything Personally
For school-aged children, a move can be a disastrous and life-altering event. They’re leaving their school, friends, and teams behind. It’s important not to take anything personally or feel slighted by their comments. Look at it from their eyes: they have no control over the situation.
Feeling that powerless is going to drum up negative feelings, and you should absolutely take them seriously. Your response can change their relationship with you and the move. Therefore, give them the space to say goodbye and show them ways to keep in contact with friends.
5. For Making Multiple Moves: Give Them Space to Ground
Preparing kids for a big move once is easy, but moving multiple times is incredibly hard on all children. It can make them question if it’s a good idea to make new friends, join sports teams, or connect with teachers. To ease your child’s fears, give them space to ground and connect.
At this point, moving isn’t a great unknown, so you can focus on remaining in the present. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Instead, find stability in other ways. For example, say they can still go to summer camp or see grandma once a year. All that’s left is to give them time.