Four Tips to Make Moving Easier on Children

Moving can be difficult for children, especially those under six years old. They’re venturing out into something new and leaving behind the home they know, which can be uncomfortable or even scary for them. Fortunately, there are ways to make moving a little easier on your kids, even if you’re traveling quite a distance from your old house to your new one.  

Make the idea of moving to a new home a positive thing to think about by helping your child visualize what life is going to be like in their new bedroom. As soon as possible, take a photo of the child’s new bedroom and make it available to them. Give your child time to study the photo and allow him/her to imagine and mentally plan out where furniture is going to go in the new space.  

When you’re packing for the move, create a special “moving bag” for your child which contains his/her favorite things (toys, books, snacks, blankets, pillows) and tell your child this bag is going to store all of their most treasured items until the move is complete. Now, even when the rest of your child’s room has been packed and it’s time to go to the new house, they’ll carry a sense of something familiar and safe.  

Remember to take a break during the unpacking and spend time with your child in the new room. If time allows it, sit down on the floor and have lunch in the new bedroom. Your child will think of it as a picnic and this simple action will help develop positive memories to attach to the space before the bedroom has been set up.   

Try to set up your child’s bedroom first, if at all possible, so that he or she can see their familiar toys and furniture in the new space. Having an array of furniture and bedding which was used in the old house will help the transition move forward smoothly by showing your child that not everything has changed.  

Last but not least, make sure you celebrate the first night your child spends in his or her new bedroom by leaving a little surprise in the morning. Wrap a small present for your child and place it in the middle of the floor so that when he or she wakes up, there’s something special for them to open due to being so brave in getting to know their new home.  

Even though moving can be stressful for families, children are very resilient and with your support, they’ll get used to the move. For more ideas on child-friendly moving, check out this NAR article.   

When the time is right to buy or sell your home, we’re here to help you with all your real estate needs! Call me, Laura Austin, at (281) 789-2911, or (936) 321-2977 or email me at Laura@RealtyTx.net. You can also visit me at my website for available listings and additional information.