Moving is still an underestimated life event, but one with considerable impact for many people. Did you know that moving gives us the most stressful times in our lives? A good preparation is therefore absolutely half the work. If you are alone or in pairs, it's all still pretty manageable. But if you have children, you must also prepare them, give them attention and keep an eye on them. What are the main points of attention when moving with children?
Explain
Always be honest with your children, also about the reason for moving, and certainly also if it is negative (such as a divorce or your financial situation). But always try to bring the news positively. A new room is a nice prospect for most children. But if you notice that your child is having a lot of trouble with it, give it plenty of attention. Emotions must certainly also be possible in children. So understand that.
Choose the right moment
Depending on his age, don't tell your child about the upcoming move too early. Young children have little sense of time. For example, if you say 'in the summer', your preschooler may think that the time has come on a sunny spring day. There is also no point in telling your child about your moving plans if they are not yet certain. Only choose a good time to say that you are moving when you have finally found your new home.
Preparing your child for the move
You will be very busy with your planned move, because there is a lot involved. Don't forget to get your kids involved. So don't be busy preparing for your move, and also pay attention to your children. No, involve them, again depending on their age of course. Also keep in mind that children sense more than you think. Tell what you're doing. Buy a booklet that will prepare them and help them understand what is about to happen. That reduces the chance of them getting upset. Be sure to take your children to your new home, well before you move. Explain what you will all be doing, and where their new room will be. Tell them that you are going to change that considerably, so that it becomes their room all the way. When they are old enough, let them decide for themselves about the colors or the wallpaper. To avoid excessively lavish curtains, you can already preselect a few. If they are still very small, keep the room in about the same style as their current bedroom. That ensures that they are used to it sooner. This is a great advantage, especially for children who do not always sleep well in a strange place.
Let your child help
If your child is old enough, let them help. Give it a small job, you can always redo that wall if necessary. If you are going to prepare for the move, give your child a box in which to pack his things. For example, write "hugs" on one box and let your child do it. It probably does that packing in a playful way and you can continue in the meantime. And of course nothing can go wrong with the packing of cuddly toys. If the nursery is ready, your child can already play there while you are doing odd jobs. Of course you always keep an eye on your offspring, with all kinds of tools at hand during that job period.
A new school
If you are moving, there is a good chance that your children will be going to a new school. Take the time to find a school where both you and your children feel comfortable. Of course you also look at the distance, but it is more important that your child quickly feels at ease again in his new environment. Request a meeting with the head of the school and with the future master or teacher of your offspring, if that is already known of course. Be sure to take a look with your child. Then it can take some getting used to, and it will probably be a lot less exciting when school starts. Be sure to ask about the methods used at this school. This can make the transition a lot easier for your child.
Don't make everything new
Depending on your child's sensitivity, it may also be wise not to renew everything in your child's new living environment. For example, do not immediately buy a new bed, but take the familiar bed with you to your new home. You can always buy a new bed. Did you have a swing, horizontal bar or other playground equipment in your garden? Also place something similar in your new garden. Then, in addition to his bed, your child also has familiar outdoor play areas where he can relax. Speaking of playing: a playground nearby is of course an absolute advantage for making contact with other children.
Celebrate the move and say goodbye
Make sure that the moving period does not become an unpleasant period for your child. Your child should not get the impression that you are not paying attention because you are so busy. Make it a fun time by doing fun things with them. Let your child say goodbye to his old environment. After all, the older your child, the more attached it is. Give it time and space, and ask who it still wants to visit. The word goodbye sounds very final, but your child might like to say goodbye and play with a friend again. You can also organize a party for your child. And maybe it's fun to drop off a drawing here and there. On moving day itself, it is often a good idea to place your children with someone they know well. You pick up the children later, or let that acquaintance take your children to their new home once you are all over and have a little more time for them.
In the new environment
Pay extra attention to your child, especially in the first few weeks. Keep a close eye on how it reacts to this new living situation. Always emphasize the positive sides of his new environment. Get out and do fun things. Check out what to do nearby. The sooner your child gets new boyfriends and girlfriends, the greater the chance that it will quickly feel at home. Perhaps it will say in a while that it even likes this new living environment more than the previous one. And you can certainly influence that by following our tips.
We wish you a pleasant and safe move!
