There’s no point in beating around the bush; let’s just say it as it is – moving is hard on an individual. It can be even harder on a family; especially on a family with young children. Changing schools, packing up belongings, organizing new spaces, trying to navigate in a new town, meeting new people; it can all be very stressful for parents and children. But, moving does not have to be a traumatic family experience. In fact, you can use moving as an opportunity to create new family bonds and spend some time together. Here are a few tips to help you and your kids prepare for the big move:
Have a Family Discussion
Once the decision has been made to move, sit down with the entire family and have a discussion about it. This is much better than just springing it on the kids with a terse “we’re moving.” Talk to them and explain why you are moving. Don’t assume that they are “too young” or wouldn’t understand. Don’t just talk; listen. They may be upset about the move, especially if it is to another town. Let them say what they need to say and treat their concerns with dignity and respect. You may not be able to make them feel better right away, but listening to them is a good start. Remember- they will be upset. Be patient and understanding.
Visit The New Place
Bring them to the new home and let them see where they will be living. Go for a walk around the new area and get familiar with the neighbourhood. Discover the new place as a family. If they can imagine an actual place whenever they think of their new home, then they will feel less anxious and not so much in the dark. Moving too far to go for a casual visit? No problem. Take them on a virtual tour! Ask the realtor to send you pictures of the new home. Plus, Google Street View can offer an entire tour of the new neighbourhood without you having to leave the living room.
Involve Them
Try to involve your children in the entire moving process. Allow them to be in charge of packing up their own rooms and belongings. If they are younger, give them small and simple chores so they are still involved. Letting them participate will give them a sense of control over the move. They will feel less like something is happening to them and more like they are part of it.
Celebrate Moving Day
Be positive about it! Treat it more like a beginning than an end. On the final day of the move, have a small family party before you start to unpack. Get pizza, cake, and whatever your children like to make it feel like a celebration. Your children feed off of your emotions; if you are upbeat, they will sense it and imitate.
Hire Professional Movers
Moving everything yourself is stressful and will take up a lot of your time and attention. Professional movers will do all the heavy lifting and allow you to pay attention to the needs of your family during the move. It will be an emotional time; let someone else do the heavy work while you are there for the ones that you love.
If you are going to hire professionals, then you can’t get any better than Best Canadian Movers. Serving Toronto, Burlington, Richmond Hill, and the entire Greater Toronto Area, Best Canadian Movers offers fully licensed, bonded, and insured moving professionals. We are affordable, reliable, and efficient and are dedicated making this time as relaxing and stress-free as possible. Contact us today for a free quote!