Moving House with Children

When moving house don't forget to take the children's needs into account.

Its very easy to not think of the children as you'll be so wrapped up in the practicalities of moving house yourself, but moving house is as hard for kids as it is for adults. They, too, are leaving behind familiar places and important friends. They, too, are starting over: seeking new friends and adjusting to a new home, neighborhood, and school. But because they're still learning how to socialize and how to effectively get their needs met, children need caring adults to listen and help them adjust to their new home, now more than ever.

Preparing for Moving House

Tell your children about  moving house as soon as possible. The more time the children have to think about and prepare for the move, the easier it will be for them.

Give your children a chance to express their feelings, and try to be honest about your own feelings. Most children will feel some anger, sadness, or worry about the move. These responses are natural, and kids who have a chance to express them will work through their doubts more easily.

Gently tell your children about any sadness you may feel about leaving or uncertainty about a new home, job, or city. This will reassure them that they aren't alone in having worries or concerns.

Help older children make an address book. Knowing they can stay in touch with these people is an important part of a successful move.

In this day and age - perhaps you could help them set up their own email address or blog or profile on a social networking site - then they can keep in touch with their friends over the internet.

During Moving House

Throughout the house move, try to stay as positive and calm as you can. Not always easy at such a stressful time. 

Babies especially pick up on their mother's mood and are very sensitive to stress, leading to a very unsettled baby.

With older children, it's important to be honest about some of the uncertainties you have, but also to be generally optimistic about the move and the positive ways it will affect the family.

Involve your children in the packing. Older children can put their own belongings in boxes, and kids of all ages will enjoy decorating the boxes containing their things. Doing so will also make finding your children's things easier once you're at the new house!

Try to stick to their normal routines. Have meals at the same times as usual. If your children have naps, try to get them to sleep at the usual time.

Stay with the usual bedtime routine. Remember not to pack their favourite blanket, teddy bear or book.

Help your children say goodbye to the important people in their lives.

Perhaps have a little 'going away party'.

Help the children make a scrapbook by taking their own photos of the house, their friends, a piece of the wallpaper! 

Getting Settled after Moving House

To start with just unpack the essentials around the house. It really doesn't matter if all your books are on the bookshelves for the first few days, even weeks!

Try to make the children's bedrooms safe and comfortable. Make sure they've got their familiar things around them. And try to re-establish their normal bedtime routine as quickly as possible.

Let the children have a say in how they want to decorate their new bedroom. This will help them feel in control of their environment again.

Spend time exploring your new neighbourhood. Especially the things the children loved best about their old house. Knowing they can still go for a pizza or to the park etc will help in this transition.

Try to make time to listen to their problems. Remember to ask them how things are going.

Encourage them to make new friends by letting them know its ok to invite friends round or call them on the phone.

Moving house is a big time of change for children and adults alike. So don't expect them to sail though it.

But with time, patience and love your children will get through moving house.

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