When it comes to relocating your family, you have your work cut out for you. This is a huge transition that affects all the members of your household, especially the youngest ones. Not only that you have to think about all the pesky moving tasks, but you will also have to consider the emotions of everyone involved in relocation. No matter if you are moving locally or somewhere further. It can be like walking on eggshells, but with a few tips, you can make this process a bit easier.
Get everyone on board
When you have a family, you can’t just move to another city out of whim. It is a huge life-changing decision that you can’t make on your own. First of all, you need to discuss this possibility with your significant others. After that, you have to get your kids on board. That is easier said than done since the children are very sensitive. They will have a hard time accepting the fact that they will have to leave everything they know behind and start their lives in the new place.
You will have to have a lot of patience and a delicate touch when handling their concerns. Try to be honest and to explain why the relocation will benefit your family. You may have to invest a lot of energy to get your family on board, but that’s the most important thing when relocating with family.
Relocating your family is a challenge, but there are a few tips that can make it easier:
- Inform your kids about the move in advance – Since moving will be hard on your children, don’t ambush them with it. Especially if you are about to move long distance. They will need time to process this inevitable change. So don’t hesitate and tell your kids the decision about relocating your family as soon as you made it. The more time they have to adjust to the idea of relocation, the sooner they will accept it.
- Take your kids on a tour – Visiting a new school and neighboorhood prior to the move will get your kids some idea of what to expect. When they have a sneak peek into their future home, they will be more prepared for the relocation.
- Be positive – Try not to let the moving stress to get the better of you. If you’re nervous and overwhelmed, your children will be too. Both you and your spouse need to be positive and reassure your children every step of the way.
- Include them in the moving process – Assigning some moving chores will make your children feel involved in the whole process. Packing up their rooms or by doing simple cleaning, will make your kids feel important and useful.
- Don’t dismiss their concerns – Adress all of the kids’ concerns patiently and truthfully. It’s your job as a parent to make your kids feel safe, secure and to help them ease the fears that they may have.
A family that declutter together, stay together
While your kids will gladly bring every one of their toys, it surely isn’t a possibility. Of course, it can be, if you’re willing to pay a lot off money. The more items that you are transporting to your new home, the bigger moving costs will be.
So take this opportunity, go throw your household and mark the items that have no use to you anymore. Advise your kids to do the same. And do that long before packing services come to your home. Children are little hoarders, but they certainly have some items in their rooms that they can get rid of.
Try to explain why is so important to declutter your home before relocating with family. If they are persistent in keeping all of their stuff, use some tricks on them. Tell them that you will buy them a new toy if they leave the old one behind. Or that the money that you will save by relocating fewer things you will spend on the family outing or visit to the amusement park.
Whatever strategy that you use, you should never declutter the children’s things without them present. To them, it will be the ultimate betrayal by your part. It will take a lot of time to gain their trust once again and they will never forget it. It’s one of the things that ruin the kid’s trust in their parent. That can really make a stain to the relationship that you have with your kids, so let them declutter their rooms on their own. Of course, you’ll be there to help and guide them, but don’t get rid of their things without their knowledge.
Getting ready for relocating your family
Good planning and organization is the backbone of every successful move. Still, when you’re relocating your family, there will be much more things to consider than moving on your own. You need to start with preparation as soon as you can, and to hover over every detail.
Along with the many moving tasks that await you, you’ll have to focus on the emotional needs of your family also. It can get very overwhelming, so the best thing that you can do is to hire a reliable moving company. When you delegate the hardest part of the move, you will have time and energy to help your kids adjust to the relocation. You will have more time to take your family out to their favorite restaurant or do some activities that everyone enjoys.
Don’t leave without the proper farewell
Leaving their friends can seem devastating to your children. Especially if you have to move in a hurry and they don’t have time for the last playdate with their palls. Even if that’s the case, you should make time and organize a fun time for your kids and their friends.
Kill several flies with one punch and organize a large multi-generational party. Invite all your friends, relatives, your kid’s friends, and their parents. Say your goodbyes to all of them at the same time on the ultimate farewell party.
If your children don’t have that many friends make sure to arrange separate get-togethers for them. Explain to your kids that the move isn’t the end of their friendship. Especially in this day and age when so many communication options are available.