News

Moving Home Smoothly with Children

Moving can be a stressful experience at the best of times, add children into the mix and moving home becomes even more challenging. Yet there are ways of minimising the challenges and making sure the process runs smoothly. The children may even start to see it as fun.

One important factor is to keep children involved. How this is achieved will vary depending on the age of the child.

Toddlers and younger children

For younger children, the change in routine can be distressing. Talking to them is very important. Using stories or toys to explain the move, or even act it out, can help them understand. Depending on the age of the child, they can be involved in packing some of their belongs. For example, before the big day get the children to pack toys and belongings into ‘special boxes’, allowing them to unpack those boxes at the new home.

This not only keeps them involved but will keep them busy. On moving day, creating an activity bag can keep them busy and make it more exciting. Allow young children to keep some favourite toys with them during the move, to give them some security and familiarity.

Older children and teenagers

Moving with older children and teenagers has its own challenges. Changing schools. Making new friends. Leaving the family home. These are all significant stressors. Allow them to make choices where possible – for example choosing their bedroom or how furniture will be placed in their new room. They may be concerned about their belongings arriving safely. Let them organise packing and unpacking their belongings. Allow them to pack some entertainment for moving day.

The key to moving with children, in fact, with any move is organisation and planning. This is where using a professional moving company such as Coast Removals can make the process much less stressful for you and your children.