How To Tell A Child “We’re Moving”

children moving while wearing Fresh Start Movers t-shirt in Santa Rosa, CA

Sooner or later families face the prospect of relocating. Moving is stressful. Moving with children can even be more stressful. But you can make it easier on your family by learning what to say and do before the move. That way, you and your children will be a bit more at ease when your Santa Rosa movers arrive. Here’s how to navigate the issues that can come from moving with children. 

DISCUSSING THE MOVE WITH KIDS

No matter what the circumstances, the most important way to prepare kids to move is to talk about it. Try to give them as much information about the move as possible. Answer questions completely and truthfully, and be receptive to both positive and negative reactions. Your approach for telling the kids about the move should depend on how you think they’ll take the news. Consider their personality before telling them. As a parent, you know their personality best, as well as their typical reaction to change. Some kids thrive on new experiences, so the news of a move would be exciting and welcoming. With other kids, change is hard. They need time to process it. If your child doesn’t like change, don’t spring it on them a week before the move. They will need time to adjust. At the same time, don’t let your child know about the move until it’s a done deal and you have chosen a Santa Rosa moving company to book your move! You don’t want to worry your child for no reason if you end up not moving.

ALLOW YOUR KIDS TO BE INVOLVED IN THE MOVE

Children don’t like to be left out. This is why you should tell them about the move as soon as possible. Involving kids in the planning makes them feel like participants in the house-hunting process or the search for a new school. This can make the change feel less like it’s being forced on them. Letting them accidentally overhear your plans can take them by surprise and create trust issues. Instead of being sneaky, get them on board right away. Encouraging them to be involved can make moving with children easier. 

Start by recommending they go through their toys and decide what to keep, what to throw away and what to donate to less fortunate children. You can also let them decide what items should go into storage before your Santa Rosa movers arrive. 

If your kids have some nice toys they no longer play with, have them help you with a garage sale. Tell them they can keep the proceeds from selling their toys. That should give them some extra incentive to help (that and the fun process of putting price stickers on their new toys before the garage sale!). 

GET YOUR KIDS EXCITED ABOUT THE NEW HOME

If you’ve already decided on a new home, take the kids to check it out. Help them choose their new room, and start thinking about how to arrange their furniture in it. Moving with children is easier when they’re all in on the move, and the promise of a neat new space to make their own can help! 

If you haven’t chosen a house yet, show them pictures of some homes, and take their opinions into account. They might point out details you haven’t thought of, like a lawn that’s to small for their swing set, or a front door that’s a uniquely beautiful color. Sometimes it’s the little things that make or break a house! 

If you know which area you’re moving to, take the kids there to explore. Find out where the closest library is and what days it has story time. Get to know the local parks, and learn about the school your children will be attending. If your kids are nervous about switching schools, find out some fun facts about the school and let me know. 

At the end of the day, your children want to know you’re OK. So don’t be afraid to talk about the details of the move with them. Answer their questions, validate their feelings and work together to figure out how to resolve their concerns. And you can make moving with children easier by letting a Santa Rosa  moving company take care of the physical part of the process! Contact Fresh Start Movers today to schedule your move.

Happy Moving! Â