The death of a loved one, going through a divorce and moving home are three of the most stressful life events to experience at the best of times. But if you have to do the latter with young children in tow, then it can be even more challenging.
How, then, can you make the process a little bit easier?
Here are 6 simple but very effective strategies you might want to adopt.
1. Call in the professionals
Probably the least stressful way of moving home with a young family is to enlist the help of professionals.
There are several companies out there that can do everything for you, from packing up your goods and ethically disposing of old items you no longer need to transport your possessions to your new home and unpacking them for you.
So, if you are in Western Australia, for example, it is worth checking out Muval to compare local Perth removalists. Likewise for Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales.
It might cost you a bit to fund their work, but the amount of time and hassle you will save is definitely worth it in the long run.
2. Prepare them for the change
Children often don’t like the thought of change. But at the same time, they are very adaptable and capable of flexible thinking. So, if you want them to embrace moving to a new home, it is worth taking the time to prepare them for doing so.
Before telling them about the relocation, try to find some things they enjoy about the suburb you will be living in. This could be a playground, a swimming pool or the beach. It could even be a favoured cafe or ice cream spot, an entertainment venue such as mini-golf or the fact a good friend of their lives in the area.
Take them there a few times to create happy memories and a positive association with them. If they develop that, they will be more likely to be open to moving into the new home.
3. Involve the children
If you are not calling in the professionals to do the packing for you then you will need to do it yourself. This is when it will be a good idea to involve the children.
Making them feel a part of the process will increase the likelihood of their buy-in to it. Start by asking them to help you choose which boxes to use for packing. This could involve a trip to the shop with a little treat for their input.
Once you have procured them, to minimise disruption, try and get the children to help you pack one room at a time. Make sure you give them plenty of praise when they do so.
4. Send the kids away on moving day
When it is time to move, there will be plenty to do. So, you should consider asking your parents, siblings or close friends to look after them for a day or two.
Without the children there as a distraction, the move will likely go much smoother. Therefore, you will be able to focus 100% on loading and unloading your possessions onto your car or truck and unpacking them in your new home.
Just remember to call them a couple of times in the day to keep them up to date with your progress.
5. Prioritise your children’s possessions
During the moving process you should prioritise your children’s possessions. Make sure you pack them last in your old home and unpack them first in your new place.
If you make their room the first room you organise on moving day, they can happily play, relax or sleep in it while you continue the process of unpacking.
Should you not be willing or able to get someone to look after them on moving day, encouraging your kids to help you set up their room should make them very excited about setting it up.
6. Take your time
It is understandable that you will want to unpack your boxes and fully move in as quickly as possible. However, it is important to remember your kids will want to spend time with you.
Therefore, you should take your time and do it in between quality interactions with your little ones. After all, there are plenty of things you could be doing with your kids in Perth.
