Moving to another house especially if it’s in another state can be stressful on the kids. Typically, it’d be something that they’d rather not look forward to. After all, they’d be leaving a place that they’ve learn to think of as their home. They’d also be leaving behind their friends, their school, their old familiar neighborhood. So long before the actual moving day, help them emotionally accept the inevitable event.
Hold a family meeting and carefully explain to the kids why at that particular point you must relocate. Perhaps it may be because you’ve accepted a better job. Perhaps it may be because of better business opportunities. Whatever the reason, tell the kids why moving would be good for them too. Give them the space to air their side but do your best to convince them that there are more pros than cons as far as they are concerned. Make the family meeting a fun affair with pizzas and ice cream for everyone. On the following day and thereafter, keep on following through until you’re sure there are no more objections, no more hard feelings about the relocation.
If it will be a long drive to your new home, make sure that you come prepared for the journey. Buy a cooler where you can store the kid’s favorite snacks and refreshments. Pack up some travelling essentials like paper plates and cups and disposable sppons and forks for mealtime. Don’t forget to bring along some toilet paper, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste for those periodic bathroom road stops. Be ready with some change of clothes, and diapers if you have a toddler with you. Have a a couple of plastic bags ready for the laundry as well as in case someone gets sick during the ride.
When choosing a vehicle to rent for the move at say Budget, U-Haul or Penske, ask for one which has enough room for the kids to stretch their legs from time to time. If your old home is a 3- or4-bedroom house, you may for instance want to select a 24-foot long truck for your relocation. You may also additionally want to rent a cargo trailer for your other car.
On the eve of the big day, throw a goodbye party for family and friends in your old neighborhood. Invite your children’s teachers and classmates over. Take souvenir pictures of them get-together. Let the kids stay up late one last time at the place that they’ll soon be leaving behind.
