The day eventually comes when your family outgrows its home or a new opportunity brings the need for relocation. Maybe you are in a line of work that requires you to move around for assignments and your family is used to moving around, or maybe you're just the kind of family that likes to try new things and live in different places. Whether you are moving for the first time or the hundredth time, moving is disruptive for both parents and kids. Sometimes kids need special attention to get through a traumatic experience that they don't quite understand.
Kids do well with routine, which you need to keep in mind while making preparations. Not only will your kids be in a new house, but they will also be in a new school and tasked with starting a new social life. Moving after a major life change such as death or divorce isn't ideal if your kids haven't had time to adjust to the new reality. Sometimes the decision to move is out of your hands if a job transfer or financial problems require it. The best way to get through any move is with a positive attitude that your kids can learn from. Your mood and behavior can have a big impact on kids who are unhappy, sad, or hesitant about moving.
Talk to your kids about the plan to move.
As soon as the decision has been made about moving, sit down with your kids and talk about it. Giving them enough time to process the upcoming transition is an important first step in preparing them. Tell them as much positive, exciting information as you can, and be ready to answer any questions honestly. Be prepared to receive mixed reactions and be patient when dealing with melt-downs. Kids don't always understand the benefits and focus more on how scary the concept of change is.
Make your kids feel like they are part of the process. Get them involved in the planning process so that they don't feel like moving is being forced on them. Bring them house-hunting, let them help search for a new school, or let them choose the colors for their new room. Explore the new neighborhood and show them all the new places they get to see and explore. When moving long-distance, teach your kids as much as you can about the new home, city, and state you'll be in. Look up local tourism and city guides and watch YouTube videos about your new city and state so that your kids can see what awaits them.
Stick to your normal schedule as much as possible.
You can ease the adjustment by maintaining your kids' schedules and routines as best you can. Kids need a sense of consistency to feel reassured, so that means keeping up with family dinners and activities. Bedtime and morning routines should stay the same, as well as school and homework habits.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put many kids in an online classroom environment. Moving when your kids are already accustomed to virtual learning will help them have an easier time adjusting. In case your kids' scholastic performance suffers during or after your move, get them an online tutor who offers both homework help and a personal connection.
HelloThinkster connects online math tutors who are trained math educators that practice Common Core with students in need of math help. Math tutors use students' strengths and weaknesses to deliver personalized math help. Whiteboard coaching helps students focus on difficult concepts and tutors can see students' work in real-time. Online math tutoring is available for all grade levels and tutors can work on various math concepts including algebra, calculus, and geometry. Your kids have enough going on with adjusting to new surroundings, don't let math problems get in the way.
Furnished homes take the stress out of moving.
A great way to take the stress out of moving is to opt for a furnished home. Move-in ready homes save you the hassle and expense of moving furniture and kitchen appliances. Furnished homes are ideal for families who relocate often and are used to adapting to new surroundings.
You can find hundreds of furnished apartments in cities across the U.S. with flexible leases, ready-stocked basics, and concierge services that fit your price range with HelloLanding. You can browse a web-property based on location, number of bedrooms, neighborhood, move-in, and move-out dates, and accommodations to find the perfect fit for your family's lifestyle.
Landing members can access Denver furnished apartments with no deposits or application fees, 24/7 concierge service, and the freedom to transfer to another home with 30 days' notice. HelloLanding gives you the flexibility to set your lease terms and with their convenient app, you can do everything from pay rent to schedule maintenance in the palm of your hand.
Reassure your kids that important things will stay the same.
Handling the lead time up to the move plays a major role in how well your kids adapt. It's a good idea to break the news at least a month in advance so that your kids have time to process what's going on. A month is enough time for kids to digest the news but not so long that they have time to dwell on the scariness or dislike of the coming changes.
Obviously, if you are selling your home before moving, your kids will have to get used to keeping the home clean and presentable for strangers coming to open houses. Make sure your kids understand that everything they have in their room will come to the new house. Kids need to understand that while the house itself may be changing, they aren't saying goodbye to everything that's inside of it.
Kids can have a tough time sleeping in a new room and a new bed at first. You might even find it a little different to adjust to your new room if you change the layout or if your windows face different directions. If you or your kids need new mattresses, it's a good idea to select them before moving.
Every Simmons Beautyrest mattress is designed with all sleepers in mind. All Simmons mattress models feature cooling technology that includes air feel foam and gel memory foam that regulate body temperature and promote airflow. The Beautyrest brand features supportive springs, coil technology, and foam to achieve the perfect comfort level. City Mattress is a Simmons mattress retailer who carries the brand's Beautyrest Black, Beautyrest Silver, and Beautyrest Platinum mattress line up to king sizes. All Beautyrest line mattresses incorporate latex foam that provides additional support for endless nights of peaceful Beautyrest.
Help your kids settle in once you have moved.
Help your kids find opportunities to meet new friends. Let them choose activities they are interested in signing up for, and encourage them to try new things in the spirit of being in a new place. You'll likely become friends with the parents of your kids' friends so make meeting new people a family affair. Not all kids easily make friends on their own, and sometimes they need some help learning how. Have some practice conversations with your kids about how to introduce themselves and strike up a conversation. No matter how confident your kids are, never underestimate the need to give them a little pep talk before they set out.
Moving your family is a big life step for everyone. The best thing you can do as a parent to openly and honestly talk to your kids about the reasons and need for moving with enough lead time for them to process. Maintain a sense of normalcy, get your kids involved in some of the decision-making processes, give them reassurance, and remember that you are all in it together.
