Preparing Kids for Moving Day

Moving to a new home can be stressful, especially for kids. Fortunately, with a little bit of preparation, you can help your kids feel comfortable with the move, and turn it into something exciting, rather than scary.

Watch what you say about moving in front of children. Kids are very perceptive. If you sound stressed, they will pick up on it, and they will be stressed, too. Be honest about the fact that there will be a lot of work to do to prepare for the move, but present it in a positive light.

Let your child pick out a favorite outfit to wear on moving day. Picking out an outfit in advance will save you time on the day itself, and will also make moving day feel like a special event for your child.

Also have your child choose a favorite toy that will stay out during moving day, instead of getting packed away. Not only will having the familiar toy nearby be comforting during a potentially stressful day, but it will keep your child something to play with while the adults are busy.

Have your child pack a special box with all of his or her favorite clothes and toys, and let it be the first box to be unpacked in the new home.

If appropriate, let your child choose his or her bedroom in the new house. If this is not an option, let them choose some particular feature for the room, such as the wall color.

Spend the first night in the new house together as a family. Bring some sleeping bags into the living room, and pretend you are camping indoors!