With Memorial Day past and the kids off from school, many families have been planning to make their move into their new home. Moving means big-time change, which often means stress for the family. And kids are certainly not immune to that stress. But despite everything from financial concerns to kids making new friends, your family move can be made much more stress-free if you follow my 8 steps.
1. Plan your move when school’s out. If you can’t, perhaps you can let your eldest live with a relative short-term to finish up the school year. If possible, plan ahead when a child is going to be making a transition from elementary to middle school (a change of schools anyway).
2. Communicate with your kids. Ask them what they’re excited about and what they’re going to miss. Then address their concerns.
3. Have the kids plan their own rooms. Draw out a floor plan of the rooms in your new home and let your children make paper doll furniture and arrange it. For older kids, try some handy mobile apps, such as:
- Home Design 3D iOS – Free & $6.99
- Floor Plan Creator — Android (free)
- Magic Plan — iOS (free)
- Inard Floor Plan — Android (free)
- Room Planner by Chief Architect — iOS (free)
- Master-Design Furnish — Android (free)
- HomeStyler — Free for iOS & Android
- ROOM+ for Tablet — Android ($6.99)
- FloorPlans Pro — iPad ($15.99)
4. Map your move. Before your move, sit down with the kids and show them the trip online with Google Maps or Bing Maps. Have them follow the trip as you travel to your new home.
5. Stay connected before you move. Set up webcam time with your kids’ friends on Google Hangouts, Skype, etc., before you move. This will help assure them they’ll stay in touch.
6. Encourage kids to pack themselves. Give them color-coded stickers for boxes or suitcases that belong in their rooms. Be sure to include an overnight bag with their nighttime clothing, personal care items, and bedtime stuffies.
7. Allow your kids to participate in their new home. Walk through your new home with them so they feel part of it. Ask your kids for input on their bedrooms – paint colors, layout of furniture, etc. Use the kids’ floor plan from step 3 for reference.
8. Encourage social involvement. Host a new neighborhood party shortly after move-in. Drive your kids by their new school. Try setting up a meeting with their new teacher before school starts. Show them where their new hobby locations are. If time permits before school, sign your children up for camp or other local activities. They’ll make new friends and you’ll keep unpacking!
So, with some good planning and handy moving checklists, you can keep your kids actively involved and be well on your way to a smooth move!
If you have some helpful child moving advice to add, please leave it in the comments below. And if you’re thinking about selling or buying a home in metro Albuquerque, be sure to contact me today!
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