How To Move House With Children

Moving house is both a challenging and exciting process for any family, but when children are involved, the stress, excitement and other emotions can multiply. However, with the right strategies and the help of your Sudbury Removal Company, you can ensure that your move is a positive experience for everyone.

At Omni Removals, we research trusted property and finance experts to provide valuable guides and articles that support you throughout every stage of the moving process. Moving to a new home can be stressful, and when you're moving with kids, it becomes even more crucial to maintain a positive attitude. That’s why our dedicated team has put together this article, offering essential tips for moving house with children.

How Do You Move House With Children?

How your children respond to the move largely depends on their age. According to the IOE, 2 in 5 children in the UK will experience moving house at least once between the ages of 9 months and 5 years.

Young children are often more sensitive to change, and a significant shift in their social environment can make them feel nervous and uncertain. To ease this, maintain clear communication and reassure them throughout the moving process. It's important to ensure your children feel comfortable and engaged during the move, helping them stay entertained and less stressed when moving house.

When loading your children’s belongings onto the removal van, let them know that everything is going directly to the new house. Reassure them that their favorite toys and personal items will be waiting for them at the new home. Watching their belongings leave can sometimes trigger anxiety, so it's important to provide comfort during this part of the moving process.

Parents often request that movers load the boxes from the children’s bedrooms last, ensuring they come off the van first. This is a helpful tip to keep your children’s toys readily available, allowing them to stay occupied while you unpack and settle into your new home.

Prepare Your Children for the Move

Children often find moving difficult because it disrupts their routine and sense of security. Preparing them in advance can help ease the transition.

Open a Dialogue Early:

As soon as your move is confirmed, start talking to your children about what to expect. Explain why the move is happening and what changes they can anticipate, like attending a new school or living in a new neighbourhood.

Answer Their Questions:

Children will likely have lots of questions and concerns. Be patient and provide them with honest answers to help them process the upcoming changes.

Involve Your Children in the Moving Process

One of the challenges of moving house for children is the feeling of being out of control. To help ease this, it’s crucial to keep them involved in every step of the moving process, making them feel included and empowered.

Giving your children responsibilities during the move can help them feel involved and reduce their anxiety.

Assign Age-Appropriate Tasks

Younger children can help by sorting through toys or packing their own belongings, while older kids can assist with labelling boxes or even helping to pack non-fragile items.

Make It Fun:

Turn packing into a game by challenging your children to see who can pack their box the fastest or who can create the most organised box. This makes the process more enjoyable and less stressful for them.

Investing in high-quality packing supplies will ensure your belongings are protected during the move.

Tips For Moving House With Kids

View The Property Before Moving Day

A great way to get children excited about moving house is to take them to the new property before the moving date. If possible, try to go inside and explore together, as this can help them feel more comfortable with the new environment.

If you can’t go inside, simply driving past the property can still make it feel like an exciting adventure. Children are creatures of habit, so the unknown can make them anxious. Giving them a clear picture of what to expect can help ease their nerves.

For families with older children, consider visiting nearby parks or trails to show them the activities available in the area. This can help them feel more familiar with their new surroundings and even meet some local children.

Pack In Advance:

You can make the packing process more enjoyable for your children by turning it into a fun game. Use coloured stickers to organize and pack items, allowing them to personalize their own boxes. Let your children know that they can help pack up their room, making them feel more involved in the move.

Starting the moving process early gives your children more time to adjust to the idea of their new home. There are many moving house apps available that can help you plan your packing, and some even allow children to contribute to packing lists. This is a fun way to keep them engaged and part of the entire moving experience.

Pack A Moving Bag For Them

When moving house with kids, it’s highly recommended to pack a special bag or box just for them. This should include their favorite items and anything they want to have with them during the move to the new home. These items should not be packed or loaded onto the van.

The bag or box should contain their favorite toys, games, and activities to keep them entertained during the move. It may also include essentials like pyjamas, a blanket or pillow, and even a keepsake from the old home. For older children and teenagers, this bag might also include a change of clothes, a phone or tablet, and a charger to help them feel more comfortable during the transition.

Moving day can be long, so pack a variety of snacks and drinks to keep your children’s energy levels up.

Set Up Their Rooms First:

Make your children’s bedrooms a priority when unpacking. Having their personal space set up with familiar items will help them feel more comfortable in the new home.

Say Goodbye Together

Children often form strong attachments to their surroundings, and the idea of leaving their home behind can be upsetting. Familiarity provides comfort, so it's important to acknowledge their feelings. Depending on your children's age, it may be helpful to let them say goodbye to the old home, marking the end of this chapter in their lives.

Encourage your children to write a letter to the new occupants of your home. They can share fun memories as a way to reflect and say goodbye. This not only helps with the emotional transition but also provides a meaningful keepsake.

In the days leading up to the move, consider helping your children create a video diary of the old home. Walk through the house, recording memories and sharing fond moments. Not only will this help them say goodbye, but it will also create a lasting memory to look back on.

Get Creative With Moving Boxes

The last few days before or even after your move can be a disruptive time for children, which can be unsettling. It’s important to maintain positivity and fun to make the experience exciting for them. For example, if you're still unpacking their bedroom, you can pretend that you're camping in their new room.

As we've seen time and time again, boxes are often viewed as fun new toys by young children. You can build forts, create a spaceship, or let your imagination run wild—whatever you and your children can think of! The possibilities are endless when it comes to getting creative during the move.

For more helpful tips, check out our moving into a new home checklist.

For If Your Children Are Not Involved In The Moving Process

Moving day itself can be chaotic, so consider arranging childcare to keep your children safe and entertained.

Consider Relatives or Friends:

If possible, ask a relative or trusted friend to look after your children on moving day. This will allow you to focus on the move without worrying about their safety.

Hire a Babysitter:

If friends or family aren’t available, hiring a professional babysitter for the day can be a worthwhile investment. Many removal companies in Sudbury also offer advice on local childcare services

Help Your Children Settle Into Their New Home

After the move, helping your children adjust to their new environment is crucial for their well-being.

Explore the Neighbourhood Together:

Take time to explore the new neighbourhood with your children. Visit local parks, shops, and attractions to help them become familiar with their new surroundings.

Maintain Routines:

Keeping bedtime, mealtime, and other routines consistent will help your children feel more secure in the new environment.

With the right preparation and support from experienced removal companies in Sudbury, moving with children can be a smooth and even enjoyable experience for your entire family.

Making sure that your adored pets are okay during the move is something of essential importance. Go here for our best practices!

Feel free to check out our blog post on advice when moving during the school year!

How Long Does a Child Take to Adjust to a New Home?

On average, it can take a child about 3 to 6 months to fully adjust to a new home. This time frame can vary depending on their age, personality, and how far you’re moving.

Adjusting to a new home isn’t an exact science, and each child will handle the move differently. However, the more prepared and involved your child feels, the faster they’ll be able to adapt to their new environment.

Hiring a Reliable Removals Company

We hope this article has provided useful tips to help you navigate moving with children. As part of the moving process, it’s crucial to hire an experienced removals team to assist with the workload.

To save both time and money, be sure to get in touch with Omni Removals.