Relocating is a stressful and emotional time for everyone. There can be many mixed emotions when having to leave the life that you created in your home behind for a new one no matter what age you are. Your North Life has organized some tips to help you break the news to your child and plan your relocation to help your relocation experience run smoothly.
Talk With Your Child About Relocating
It’s important to be transparent with your child about why and when you will be relocating. This will help prepare them and allow them time to process their emotions and that they will be leaving their current surroundings. Let them know that you will be taking all their things and what they can expect during the week of your move and on moving day. Providing them with this information can help the relocation be less overwhelming as they will know in advance what to expect.
See the Move from Your Child’s Perspective
Be patient with your child as they deal with their emotions. Every child will process things differently so it’s important to not become overwhelmed and stressed when they come across as frustrated or disoriented with all the change. Listen to their feelings and ensure they know that they’re being heard.
Stick To Your Routine
Try to keep your normal routine consistent during the relocation process. This will provide your child with the sense that some things will stay the same and keep them calm.
Create a to-do list
Create packing schedules by giving the kids cleaning duties and items that need to be packed will help avoid last-minute stress.
Start Packing Earlier
Getting a head start on packing can allow you the time to sift through yours and your kid’s junk to throw out anything that you don’t need to take with you. This cuts down on the number of boxes you need to bring and gives you the opportunity to do some deep cleaning early.
Be Strategic When Packing Your Child’s Things
Pack your child’s items last, especially their bedroom as that can be the one place, they retreat that’s familiar to them. Packing their stuff in the truck last is also helpful as their items will be the first to come off and you can start organizing their room.
Involve Your Kids
Involving your kids in the move can help create some positive associations and feelings toward this new adventure. Ask them how they would like to decorate their new room. You don’t need to break the bank with these changes, just a few simple touches can be enough to get them excited about helping and redecorating their room.
Have a Plan for Moving Day
If you have a small child arrange for them to go to daycare or a babysitter for that day. Things are busy so you may not be able to give them your undivided attention which can be overwhelming for them, and it alleviates stress from you that they are in a safe space. When you are in your new house allow your child to explore their new surroundings before going to bed. This will provide them the opportunity to become familiar with their new home and be more comfortable when going to sleep.
Take Your Child to Your New Community Before Moving
If you are moving a short distance, try to organize a day to take your child to visit their new community and see their new home. Visit the playground in your new neighbourhood so they can meet new friends and you can meet parents. Taking them to visit can create positive associations with relocating and get them excited about the new relationships they could make.
If you’re moving a long distance, try to talk to them about where you are moving and what you can do there. Show them pictures of their new home and community if possible so they can visualize what their new home will look like.
Pack An Overnight Bag
Packing an overnight bag with clothes and essentials can help make the relocation process easier as you have everything you need to get you through the night before and the day of the move.
Relocating is difficult but planning ahead can help alleviate last-minute stress and provide your child the time they need to process the relocation.
-The BDAR Team