Are you planning to relocate? If so, you are not alone.
In the US, every year, many families move to different cities and states for various reasons, including job opportunities, lower living expenses, a better environment, or a brighter future for themselves and their families.
If we look at Kansas alone, around 23.2% of individuals moved from Kansas to Missouri, 14.4% moved from Kansas to Texas, and 4.6% moved from Kansas to Nebraska in the past years, according to the data gathered.
Moving requires support and effort from the whole family. However, when it comes to the little members of your family, it can be an exciting yet challenging experience for them. Leaving behind familiar relationships and experiencing new routines can stir up various emotions. As parents, you can employ some strategies to ease the move and allow your children to adjust to the new surroundings more smoothly.
1- Get help from professionals
Although this tip is particularly crucial while planning a move to have a safer and smoother relocation, it will also help you after you reach your destination.
Finding movers that are trustworthy and provide quality service can be challenging. When deciding between moving companies, you could become confused. Regardless of the location you want to move to, once you have decided to get help from a moving company, start looking into local moving businesses. As mentioned earlier, people may move for several reasons.
One of the reasons they might move from Wichita, Kansas, might be due to a limited variety of jobs and extreme weather conditions. If you are moving from this city to one with greater employment diversity and better weather conditions, consider hiring the best Wichita movers to make your move smoother, so you have the time to tackle your kids before and after reaching your new home. Ensure you opt for a reputable company with top reviews that suit your needs.
Although price is an important consideration, it is essential to remember that cheap solutions are not always the best. If you wish to move, you have to prevent moving scams at all costs.
2- Involve your kids in the process
Involve your kids in your moving journey as much as possible. Allow the kids to help with packing, selecting the furnishings for their new rooms, and even learning about the new area. They may feel empowered and take ownership of the new environment due to this involvement.
3- Prioritize communication
Maintain open and honest communication with your kids before, during, and after the relocation. Explain the reasons for the relocation, address their queries, and motivate them to express their feelings. Anxiety can be alleviated, and a sense of security can be fostered when children know their thoughts are acknowledged and heard.
4- Acknowledge emotions
Relocating to a new home is an emotional time for the entire family. Indeed, according to psychologists, relocating is among the top five most emotionally taxing experiences a person may have in a lifetime. Moving may bring about certain aspects of delight for your little ones, but they are also likely to experience feelings of sadness or even rage. That is a typical stress reaction.
Provide your children with the flexibility and space to experience emotions. Invite them to express their ideas and assess the causes of those sentiments rather than giving them a constant pep talk.
5- Unpack Children’s’ Rooms First
Make the kids’ bedrooms a high priority when unpacking in your new house, aside from basic kitchen and bathroom setup.
When opting for bunk beds for kids, consider designs that align with their preferences and offer practical storage solutions. Involving your children in the decision-making process not only empowers them but also ensures that the chosen bunk beds become a cherished part of their imaginative space. Even if you have a few kids, you can always get a quadruple bunk bed that will fit them all and almost create a jungle gym of sorts!
Kids will feel more at ease and secure once they have settled in their new home. Allow them to assist with unpacking so they can familiarise themselves with the contents of their bedroom.
6- Arrange a variety of activities and playdates
Plan playdates or other activities with kids in the new neighborhood. Social interactions can help your children make new friends. If you’ve got a spare room in the new home, use it as a playroom where kids can have friends over and stay engaged.
7- Capture memories
Reliving experiences with family members fosters deeper connections with our loved ones. Recalling memories together strengthens ties and increases a sense of belonging.
Make sure to document the happy moments in your new house. Take photos of enjoyable activities, family outings, whether that’s for Christmas in New Mexico, Halloween, or memorable outings that weren’t linked to a specific event, and even everyday household activities. Make a wall display or a memory book to serve as a visual reminder for your kids of the fun they are having in their new home.
8- Maintain Routine
Consistency can give a sense of stability in times of transition. Maintain familiar patterns as much as possible, particularly the bedtime customs, mealtimes, and other activities. A consistent schedule may help kids adapt faster.
9- Maintain Old Connections
Research suggests that strong social connections are associated with a higher likelihood of longevity, faster recoveries from different conditions, better sleep, and less stress. When people feel connected to their loved ones, they are less vulnerable to sadness after relocation.
Ask your kids to maintain connections with their old friends and fellows through video chats and phone calls. Having these ties during a transition can be soothing and give a sense of continuity.
10- Make the Home more familiar
Although your new home can not be a mirror image of the old one, you can try to bring back the homely feeling with little things such as dedicating a wall to old family photos. You could even paint the kids’ room the same color as in your previous home and maintain the old color scheme through rugs and cushions.
Arrange their stuff in a similar way to their old bedroom, and consider bringing along some cherished belongings from your previous house. Let them hang their favorite soccer player’s poster or that of a cartoon character they love – all these things matter to kids, and they’ll start adjusting to everything new with some old touches.
Ultimately, having a space that feels comfortable and special can help them feel more at home.
Conclusion
Relocation can be a transformative experience for everyone in the house, and it takes more than just completing some paperwork to help your children adjust to a new residence. However, with some strategies, such as fostering communication, getting professional help, involving your kids in the moving process, creating a comfortable and familiar atmosphere, and acknowledging your kid’s emotions, you can assist them in adapting to a new environment. Remember that patience, love, and time are essential to making your children feel relaxed and comfortable in their new space.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.