Published: August 01, 2023

Keeping Your Kids Relaxed During the Move: A Guide for Parents

Moving to a new home can be an exciting but stressful time for the entire family, especially for children. The disruption of routine, unfamiliar surroundings, and separation from friends can leave kids feeling anxious and overwhelmed. As a parent, creating an environment that promotes relaxation and helps your children adjust smoothly to the move is essential. Let’s explore some practical tips to keep your kids relaxed during the move, ensuring a smoother transition for the whole family.

Open Communication: Before and during the move, maintaining open communication with your kids is crucial. Take the time to sit down with them and discuss the upcoming changes. Explain the reasons behind the move and address any concerns they might have. Encourage them to express their emotions and reassure them that their feelings are valid. You can alleviate their anxieties and make them feel heard by providing a safe space for them to communicate.

Involve Them in the Process: Including your children in the moving process can give them a sense of control and involvement. Allow them to help with packing their belongings or deciding how their new room should be set up. By participating, they will feel more connected to the move and develop a sense of ownership over their new home. Additionally, involve them in researching the new neighborhood or school, which can foster excitement about the upcoming changes.

Maintain Routines: Moving disrupts daily routines, which can be unsettling for children. To create a sense of stability and comfort, try to maintain regular routines as much as possible. Stick to consistent mealtimes, bedtime rituals, and other familiar activities. Familiarity and predictability will help your kids feel grounded amidst the chaos of moving.

Pack an Essentials Box: Pack a special box for each child that contains their favorite toys, books, and comfort items. Label these boxes clearly, and keep them easily accessible during the move. Having their familiar belongings close at hand will provide a sense of security and help them feel more at ease during the transition.

Explore the New Surroundings: Once you’ve moved into your new home, make an effort to explore the neighborhood with your kids. Take walks, visit nearby parks or playgrounds, and introduce them to the local community. Familiarizing themselves with their new surroundings will help them feel more comfortable and excited about their new environment.

Encourage Social Connections: Moving to a new place often means leaving behind friends and classmates. Help your children maintain and develop social connections by encouraging them to stay in touch with old friends through phone calls, video chats, or even pen-pal letters. Additionally, support them in joining local clubs, sports teams, or community activities where they can meet new friends with similar interests.

Create a Cozy and Familiar Space: To ease the transition, focus on creating a cozy and familiar space for your children in their new room. Decorate it with their favorite colors, bedding, and familiar items. Unpacking their belongings early on and arranging them in a similar manner to their previous room can provide a sense of continuity and make them feel more at home.

Moving can be a challenging time for both children and parents, but by implementing these strategies, you can help your kids relax and adjust to the changes more smoothly. Open communication, involvement in the moving process, maintaining routines, exploring the new surroundings, and encouraging social connections are key to ensuring your children feel supported and comfortable during this transition. Remember, your presence and understanding are essential in helping them navigate this exciting new chapter in their lives.

Need help with a move? For more information, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Chicago or call (847) 262-3534.