With all the workload of moving home, from dealing with solicitors and estate agents to finding and booking a removals company, it is easy to overlook the impact it has on the children. For some, the prospect of a new school, new friends and a new environment is exciting. For others it can be a little scary. Each child will have their own way of coping with the upheaval, but it can be made easier on them if they feel involved in the process.
Taking the time to talk to them about the move can help them to relax into the idea. Perhaps some research into the facilities available to their age group near their new home can spark some enthusiasm for the move. Information about their new school and local youth groups or clubs can also add to the sense of adventure.
Once the kids are comfortable about living in a new place, they may want to be involved in the process of moving.
As de-cluttering is always a good idea before a move, they could help to pack their own room and, in the process, decide which toys they no longer want so they can be given away to a charity or sold. They can also be involved in deciding the décor and layout of their new room.
On the day of the move, it is safer if small children are not present. If possible, have them stay with a friend or relative for the day. Older children may want to help with the move, but it is not advisable. Insurance companies are unlikely to pay for damage if it was caused by the customer’s teenage child and accidents do happen.
Each move is unique and there are a lot of factors to take into account when moving with children. It may be that both the old and new properties have gardens, in which case the children could be kept out of the way by sending them outside to play. Or you may have the opportunity to take them to one of the play groups, parks or activities near their new home while the move takes place.
In summary, it can help to get the kids involved with the planning and it’s good to discuss the new home with them, but it is safer if they are not in the properties while the heavy labour is going on.
