Tips can make moving the family a little easier
Deciding if buying a new home and moving is the right thing for you and your family can be difficult. Sometimes such decisions are borne out of necessity when a parent is relocated by his or her company. Other times, it’s a personal choice to try out a new neighborhood or upgrade to a larger home.
Whatever the reason behind a move, it can take some time to adjust to both the idea of moving and the new living space — especially for children, who may seem disconnected from the decision.
The following tips can make the transition to a new home — and possibly a new neighborhood or town — a little easier for families.
• Talk about it.
Don’t blindside children with a move at the last minute. Begin having conversations as a family as soon as the possibility of moving arises.
Involve the children in some of the decisions, and ask about the features they want to see in their new home.
Explain to younger children that people such as prospective buyers, real estate agents or movers will be visiting your current home, and that this may be a little disruptive.
Talk about the reasons for the move, such as a new job or that the family has outgrown its current space. Youngsters can process much more than many adults give them credit for.
• Discuss any concerns.
Children may have concerns about the move that differ from those of adults. Many of these concerns may pertain to fears about making new friends or the coursework at a new school.
It’s important to let the kids voice their opinions — both positive and negative — about the upcoming move.
Removing some of the mysteries by visiting schools or local hangouts before the move is made can assuage some fears.
• Create some familiarity.
Set aside boxes or bins that will house the children’s toys, or other things that the family recognizes. These may include photographs, games, blankets or the creature comforts of home. Make these the first items that are unpacked upon moving into the new house.
• Use your agent as a resource.
Many real estate agents live in the towns where they make their living.
Find out if your agent can set up a meet-and-greet, or if he or she knows of any clubs or leagues that suit your family’s interests. Making a few introductions ahead of time will give children and adults some familiar faces on their first days in their new home.
Families shouldn’t shy away from making their own introductions as well. Knocking on a few neighbors’ doors and letting them know a new family is coming to the street can pave the way for familiarity and friendships.
• Stay in touch.
Encourage children to stay in touch with their current friends. Video chat enables kids to see and speak with peers. When things settle after the move, arrange for a surprise play date where children can introduce their old friends to newer ones.
• Stick to a routine.
One of the best ways to breed familiarity is to stick to the same routines. If a big Sunday family dinner was the norm at your old house, continue the tradition in your new home. Continue to wake up in the morning and go to bed at the times to which the children are accustomed.
Vanessa Lapointe, a registered psychologist in Surrey, British Columbia, said structure and routine are key for children. Try to focus on one new thing at a time to minimize stress.
Moving can be exciting and scary at the same time. Children may be anxious about the process, but families can work together to iron out the kinks and settle into their news homes successfully.