As if moving itself weren't a feat in itself, including kids to the job can make it appear impossible. Let me be frank, I have 6 kids, I have moved 8 times in the past 12 years encompassing the East Coast (along with a 3 year transfer to Hawaii) of the United States. I guess, I could be a specialist at moving with munchkins. I have actually moved with infants, young children, in addition to teenagers and tweens. I will detail a few things below however none nearly as important as the one significant piece of guidance I can give:
Keep Them Involved! If you can, take them house hunting, or have them "discover houses" on realty sites. Let them feel like they are a huge part of the move.
For the Littles-- I constantly check out the many ranges of" We are Moving" books offered along with coloring pages here's a printable moving coloring page:
Other methods to keep them involved:
A. When you discover your house you are going to purchase-- ask your property agent for the layout-- have the kids organize their room-- where will the bed go? the cabinet? rug? This is actually really enjoyable. You can include a measuring activity into it as well-- will certain furniture fit, etc
. B. Have them plan a disappearing party-- It will have them looking forward to something aside from the actual feeling of moving
C. Create a scrapbook-- take a photo of all the old spaces and write down your best memory that happened in every one.
D. Provide a truly special box to pack-- just for their essential items
Other Advice which is not almost as crucial:
1. Pack a see-through bin for the very first night at your new home that consists of anything you may need for that very first day at the new home. It's sort of like a camping bag-- it will consist of TP, towel, toothbrush, snacks, sheets/cover, a couple of dishes/cups, cash, iPad ...
2. Your kids may be overwhelmed, it's natural. And you most likely will be too. If you can get someone to enjoy them during the real move this might be a good concept. Older kids can assist unpack boxes-- simply make certain you label what boxes they must be opening beforehand. One time my kids started opening my boxes and they opened one that had their teeth from the "tooth fairy." Think of the surprise of my 8 years of Clicking Here age who discovered a box of teeth-- that needed lots of discussing!!
3. Whenever we moved someplace we always got a large map of the area and put locations that were close-by on it. For example when we relocated to Orlando-- we put Disney World, Sea World, Busch Gardens however likewise other places like "school." "bank," Whole Foods, etc.
4. Employ an excellent mover. Getting a good mover that comes on time and is organized with a professional team is essential. You do not wish to be worried out at this time!