Research suggests that about 11% of American families move on a year-to-year basis. That’s a whole lot of moving happening over such a short period of time. The thing is, relocations take a toll on our lives, no matter our age. But somehow, they happen to be harder on the little ones. Perhaps it’s because they aren’t entirely aware of why they are required to uproot their entire lives and switch the familiar with the completely unknown. For this reason, moving with kids might seem like an impossible task. Luckily, in most situations, that isn’t actually the case. It is within reason to think you can have a smooth relocation with kids. The only question is – how?

How to Have a Smooth Relocation with Kids Regardless of Where You Are Moving To

Planning to move to one of the family-friendly cities in Colorado? Good for you! However, before you’ve settled down and started enjoying yourselves, you are in for a bit of a tough time. Exactly how tough will depend on how well you prepare yourself and your youngsters for the move. However, the tips we are about to share with you might just help ease the transition.

Bring In the Excitement

Your kids might feel better about the change of scenery if you get them feeling excited about it. First of all, it’s important that you talk to them. Contrary to what you might think, children tend to be good listeners. They also understand more than you give them credit for. However, instead of the focus of your talk being on what they will lose, try to make it more about the things they will gain.

For instance, if your little ones are outgoing, they may be excited that they will start attending a new school where they will meet new friends. Explain the things they will see in the new environment, as well, the new places they will visit, what exactly they’ll be able to do there. By doing this, you are sure to make them feel at least a tiny bit better about the move. On the bright side, talking about its positive aspects might even help calm you down a little, which, in turn, will have a beneficial effect on the youngsters. Because, believe it or not, they are capable of sensing your fears.

Be a Good Listener

Allow your kids to express their opinions, however silly they may sound to you. Have them explain why they aren’t happy about buying the new house and the upcoming relocation. Be understanding, calm, and offer them a shoulder to cry on, if needed. Once they’ve finished talking, reassure them everything will be ok by focusing on the positives.

Involve the Youngsters in the Process

When moving long-distance, you must get the best help you can find, as far as the most challenging parts of the move – lifting, loading, transporting, and unloading – are concerned. That help can be provided by professional moving companies. However, that doesn’t mean there’s absolutely nothing for you and your family to do. The packing process, for instance, you may be capable of successfully handling by yourself. And you better include the children!

For example, you can task them with packing up their own rooms if they happen to be old enough to do that. This might be the perfect time for them to develop some decision-making skills, too, as obviously, they will have to decide which items to keep and which to leave behind. Another thing you can ask them to help you with is labeling boxes. To further spruce up the process, you can get sharpies of various colors.

Have the Pros Handle Most of Your Relocation

It’s already been established that relocations aren’t meant to be dealt with on your own. Sure, you can have your friends and family help out, but that isn’t particularly recommended when moving long-distance. Instead, you are better off hiring the pros to handle the majority of your move, if not all of it. That way, it will be easier to have a smooth relocation with kids, as you’ll have more time to dedicate to them. More time to dedicate to them during these challenging times when they might need you more than ever before.

A good place to start looking for professional assistance would be online. There are several websites out there, Verified Movers being one of them, where you can look up information regarding the moving companies, the services they provide, and their rates.

Don’t Disrupt Your Kids’ Schedules

Moving with kids doesn’t differ much from moving with pets if we are being honest. This has a lot to do with both parties being dependent on routine. Even the slightest shift in their schedules can make them feel anxious. That’s why it’s of the highest significance that, even while in the midst of your move, you try to honor their routine. For example, if you have your meals planned to the hour, take a break on your way to the new home to eat during the same time you usually would. If you are staying at a hotel, try to have your kids tucked down close to their typical bedtime. This will provide the youngsters with a sense of familiarity and reassure them that, although so many things have already changed, some will remain the same despite all.

Have Them Stay in Contact with Friends and Family

Yes, you are moving. And yes, your kids will make new friends in a new place. However, that doesn’t mean they will lose contact with their old ones. Nor should they! Encourage them to nurture old friendships by having them reach out to their friends from time to time. For the ultimate peace of mind, explain it’s ok for them to visit, too.

We hope this article has managed to convince you that it’s entirely possible to have a smooth relocation with kids. Of course, this doesn’t guarantee there will be absolutely no bumps in the road. However, we do hope that armed with the tips presented here, should problems occur, you will be able to handle them efficiently.

Photos used:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-and-girl-talking-while-lying-on-bed-4473774/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/family-unpacking-after-moving-4569340/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-a-kid-inside-the-box-7414950/
https://unsplash.com/photos/VsB_Q52O3Jk