How Can You Help Kids Settle Into a New Home?

Moving house is rated as one of the most stressful life events a person can go through, even as adults it’s difficult and hard work. So for children it can be even more stressful, as they can feel like they’re losing the home they love (possibly the only one they’ve ever know) into a new and unknown property. It’s not just little kids you need to consider as well, even older children can struggle – here are some things you can do to make the process smoother. 

Talk to them beforehand

Once you know that you’re moving house, talk to your children. Let them know what will be happening and when, so they have plenty of time before the move to get used to the idea. Keep the topic lively and upbeat, answer their questions and chat if they express any concerns. Having this time to adjust before the move happens can help to get them in a good frame of mind, and hopefully they’ll be excited rather than nervous before it all rolls around. 

Keep moving day stress free

The biggest stress when it comes to moving is often moving day itself. Make the process as easy as you can, rope in friends to help or use a company like Bekins Moving Solution to take the pressure off. If you’re able to have a team on one end loading and then another at the other end unloading it will be much quicker and easier. Don’t forget to pack the kettle, tea, coffee and biscuits in a separate box that you can unpack right away, so you can keep everyone happy while they help you!

Get set up before bringing them in

If you can, have kids looked after on moving day so there’s away from the chaos. If they’re younger, have them looked after by a friend or family member (along with your pets too!) However, if they’re older you could give them some money to go to the cinema or out with their friends until later that day. Get their rooms set up first, making sure they have their bed all ready to go and their favourite personal possessions close by so they can make themselves at home right away. That way, when they come to the new place it already has a familiar feel to it. 

Show them around your new area

The day after you’ve moved and started to get yourselves settled in, make a point to explore your new area. Make it fun – visit the park or ice cream shop, arrange to do something exciting. Let them see that this is where they’ll be living and how good it is. Plus, walking around will help you to get your bearings and again, build up some familiarity. If they’re going to be moving schools, you could walk the route they’ll take together so when the time comes, it’s a little less scary.