Guide to moving house with children

Anyone with children will understand the upheaval moving house causes. Children can find it difficult to deal with change and moving house can be a huge step for them. But when you’ve outgrown your home and/or need to be within a school’s catchment, moving house is inevitable. The good news is, by taking the time to prepare your kids on what to expect, listening to their concerns, and treating the move as an adventure, moving home is much easier.

Guide to moving house with children

1. Give them an idea of what to expect

Young children may not fully understand of what “moving” really means. To give your kids a better understanding, visit the new house with them way before moving in. This is your opportunity to point out all the positives before moving day and to give the little ones an idea of what to expect. Have some fun by letting them pick out their bedrooms, this will be something for them to look forward to!

2. Involve children in the moving process

Get them involved in the packing process, let them help you pack some of their personal belongings. Even at a young age, children can sort their toys and help you wrap objects in tissue paper or bubble wrap. If you’re putting things into storage, ask the children what they would like to keep and what they don’t mind parting with for a while. Also, a little bit of bribery goes a long way, offer  a small bit of pocket money, to encourage them to get involved.

3. Stay forever friends…

Moving away from friends can be a major concern. Why not buy your child an address book and ask their friends to write in their names and addresses so they don’t lose touch?

4. Time your move

Sometimes, circumstances dictate when you have to move. But, if you have a choice, try to time your move so that it occurs at a relatively calm period in your child’s life. School holidays may seem the perfect time but, bear in mind, the school routine can support your child as at least one aspect remains familiar. It also provides valuable, uninterrupted packing and unpacking time for you.

5. Pack a special bag for favourite toys

Invest in a small backpack or overnight bag that will stay with your child through the entire move. Children can keep special items in this bag, in addition pack a few things that they can play with during the journey to their new home.

6. Label boxes of children’s things clearly

The day will come when you find yourself digging through boxes looking for the toy that they ‘absolutely have to play with right now’. Don’t just label boxes with the word ‘toys’. Include as much detail as possible about what is in the box and who it belongs to.

7. Make moving fun!

Let your children do things you normally wouldn’t on the special understanding it’s a ‘moving day’ treat. Why not provide a ‘treasure map’ for them to follow where ‘X‘ marks the spot? With Easter around the corner, try an Easter egg hunt in your new garden.

8. Make the new house feel like home

Try to maintain the aspects of your life that are most important to your children. Stick as closely as you can to familiar daytime and bedtime routines. Ensure you hang or display some of your cherished and familiar personal items as soon as possible – this will help to make a new house feel like home, for both you and your children.

9. Try not rush things

It’s hard to accomplish any task quickly with small children under foot. Give yourself lots of time to plan and execute your move and don’t be in a hurry to unpack. If you immediately start pulling everything out of boxes, you’ll have piles of stuff everywhere and the clutter will create unnecessary stress for everyone in the house. Take your time and unpack what you need slowly and gradually.

10. Who needs toys, when you have hundreds of boxes?

Once you’ve unpacked, if you can, keep the moving boxes for your children. They make wonderful tunnels and space rockets and will keep them entertained for hours!

We have some wonderful family homes located across the Midlands – take a look, see what schools are in the area (including OFSTED ratings) and book viewings online, simply search HOUSES FOR SALE.

We would love to help you with your move – sign up for JG Property Alerts or free independent mortgage advice and lots more –  FIND OUT HOW!