8 Ideas to Help Kids Adjust to Moving to a New House

Moving is stressful for the entire family. While mom and dad are researching and comparing moving companies and supplies, the kids will face their own worries and concerns, especially if the move involves leaving behind friends, their schools, or their favorite extracurricular activities. Changing homes means leaving behind a familiar place where they feel safe and everything is familiar, which causes stress. Here are some ways that you can help your kids prepare for the move to a new house.

1. Go Through the Grieving Process

Even with the excitement of going to a new home, leaving the old one is a loss, and everyone must be allowed to go through the grieving process. Children might experience anger, denial, or any stage of grief. Talk to them about it and validate their feelings. 

2. Start Preparing Early

The earlier you start the process of moving, the more time children will have to get used to the idea. Suddenly breaking the news to the kids just before moving is extremely stressful for children. Start by talking with them as soon as you know you will have to move and begin the packing process two months in advance. 

3. Give Them Choices

It’s common for kids to feel powerless or that their voices do not count in these situations. Give them as many choices as possible, such as what color to paint their new bedrooms, or have them contribute to a list of features they’d like the new house to have. Bring them along on house tours. 

4. Lead by Example

Kids will follow their parents’ lead, and if you’re upbeat about the move, they will be too. Share your feelings with them about the situation, but don’t burden them with your worries. Tell them what you are looking forward to in the new home. Stay positive!

5. Preserve Memories and Say Goodbye

If your child has a growth chart scribbled on the door frame, transfer it to a strip of cloth to be placed in a new home. Make a photo album of your favorite places, bring a cutting from a favorite tree to plant, and take videos of the last walk-through of the old home and school. 

6. Maintain Connections

If they are no longer accessible, set up playdates and online chats with friends. Schedule a weekly online gaming session and connect on social media. 

7. Scope Out the New Place

Go for a drive around your new community, and have the kids pick out restaurants they’d like to try or parks and museums to visit. Learn where all the fun places are in the new location, and consider joining some new clubs and activities. 

8. Plan and Be Involved in Moving Day

With safety in mind, let children be part of the process of moving. Sometimes it is helpful for kids to see the empty house and know that it is merely a shell, and home is where the family is. By having your kids participate in moving day, they will be able to tangibly see the old house empty and the new house full.