How to Help Your Child Cope with Moving House

**Collaborative post**

Families often have to go through big life changes like moving house. If it’s been the only home they know, your child may not be so willing at first. The idea of the unknown is daunting for anyone, but especially for children. However, moving house doesn’t have to be a stressful or upsetting event, it can actually be really fun! The best way to encourage excitement is to treat it as an adventure rather than a stressor.

Life is never predictable. Moving house is one of those moments that invites growth and creates a new adventure for your family. If you keep this attitude in mind, your children will too. Due to the disruption in routine, there could be a few tantrums to get through. But if you follow these simple steps, you can help your child settle into the new home with ease and make the move a fun event for everyone involved.

Get Yourself Organised First

Children often feed off of the energy of those around them, if you’re stressed, they will pick up on it. Staying organised is key! A good start would be to compare removal quotes as hiring a removal company can help you get prepared much more quickly. The more help with packing and unloading the better! The earlier you book, the better chance you have of acquiring your chosen date.

By having your moving date officially set, you can plan accordingly and make a list of what needs to be completed and when. Decluttering and packing should be done first. Clean out every room and declutter your way to happiness by throwing out anything that isn’t used or wanted. The fewer items you have, the less time and money you spend on packing.

Be Open and Honest With Your Child

Communication is incredibly important, children usually want to be involved and understand what’s happening around them. Keep them updated. Let them know what your next action is, talk to them about the new house and what their new school will be like. Be patient with any questions they have as there’ll probably be quite a few.

Make sure they understand that they can talk to you about any worries or concerns they have. If they need advice, make it clear that they can go to you. This will also help you feel less stressed as you begin to understand their thoughts on the situation. Being their support can make a huge difference and allow both of you to feel at ease.

Turn Tedious Tasks into a Game

No matter your age, packing usually feels like the most mundane and boring tasks. Turning it into something fun can help make everyone feel less stressed and ensure the process finishes more quickly. There are a variety of ways to enjoy a tedious task like packing, you just have to be a little imaginative!

Use coloured stickers on boxes, doodle and draw some artwork with your little Picasso to help the movers know where everything goes. Ask them to draw pictures of their new bedroom, see what designs they’re planning. Jazz up some boxes to give your child’s toys temporary ‘homes’ so that they know they’re safe. Get them involved and reassure them that this is all temporary.

By allowing them to participate, they’ll feel like they have a little more control over the situation. Plus, this way, you’ll be getting a little helper and they’ll be having fun, it’s a win-win situation!

Explore the New House Before Moving Day

Familiarity is vital and so introducing your child to the new house and area is a great way to help them relax. Take them to viewings, show them their new school and the area you’re moving to. If there’s a quaint park nearby, take them there on days out so that they know it’ll be a fun place to live.

If you can’t physically go to the new home just yet, then let them look online, show them any photos you have or just simply discuss it. Let them find the positives in the new area and talk about the exciting things they’ll get to see. Make the unfamiliar, familiar to them.

Make Moving Day More Fun

Understandably, the moving day often brings anxiety as everything is loaded and relocated. It’s good to keep distracted and focus on the journey rather than lurking worries. If you went ahead with hiring a removal company, then rest assured that your belongings are in safe hands! Reassure your child of this and make it clear that everything will be waiting for them at the new house.

Create a soundtrack for packing and unpacking, wave goodbye to the old house and talk about the new one. Play exciting car games and let your child take their favourite toy as a buddy. Don’t forget to make a checklist and take an overnight survival kit. FIll a bag with important items like medication, toiletries, phone chargers, snacks and the pyjamas your child will inevitably pick out. The less you worry, the less they’ll worry.

Ensure that their Belongings are Unpacked First

You can bet that as soon as your child gets to the new house, they’ll be instantly rummaging through boxes and looking to show off their new bedroom to their favourite toys. Get them settled by finding their boxes and helping them unpack first. By having these familiar items present, you’ll be creating a calmer atmosphere and will immediately make the new house feel like a home.

Create and Establish a Routine

Now that you’re unpacked and a little more settled, it’s time to establish a new routine. Routine is a huge aspect that can help your family deal with big changes, it’s a way to regain control and encourage familiarity. It can take a while to settle into a new environment so patience is key. Stay with your child in their new room if they find it difficult to sleep, cook them their favourite food and set strict meal and bedtimes.

A clear routine will also help you settle in. The calmer and more comfortable you feel, the better an example you can set. Moving house doesn’t have to be hard work. Stay organised, remain patient and breathe. Find your adventurous side and let the whole family help you make it as exciting as possible.

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