How to Acclimate Your Kids During a Summer Move
Summertime is a popular time for families to move, and it can be an extremely exciting new experience for kids. With classes out, children have more leisure time to discover and forge new friendships in their new neighborhood. However, the process of moving can make children feel anxious by the change. If you're planning a move with your family this season, it's crucial to take steps to adapt your kids and make the move as effortless as possible. Before you start contacting packing and moving companies, consider these methods to ensure your whole family will joyfully settle in after your forthcoming move.
Be Honest About the Move
Don't try to sugarcoat the move or make it seem like it's not a big deal. Kids are perceptive, and they'll know if you're not being honest with them. Take the time with them and explain why you're moving and answer any concerns they have. Be sure to have this talk before reaching out to packing and moving companies, in case you start receiving calls or advertisements from these packing and moving companies.
Maintain Some Normalcy
Even though you're moving, it's important to try to maintain some sense of normalcy for your kids. Keep up their regular routines as much as possible, such as their bedtime routine, homework, and family dinners. This will help them feel more grounded during this time of change.
Involve Your Kids in the Moving Process
One of the best ways to help your kids feel more settled with the move is to engage them in the process. Let them help you choose a new home, determine the layout of their new rooms, and choose new décor and furniture. When kids feel like they have a say-so in the move, they may feel enthusiastic about it.
You can also ask your kids to help you pack their playthings and garments, or give them the task of marking boxes with the room they belong in. For younger children, maybe even the task of coloring on the boxes, sketching pictures for the packing and moving companies' crew, or simply scribbling their initials on the box could be enough for them to feel part of the process. This will not only give them a sense of ownership over the move but also make them feel like they are making a valuable contribution to the family's effort.
Research the New Community Together
Before you move, invest some time learning about your new community together. Look for local events and attractions that might interest your kids, such as recreational areas, museums, and sports teams. You can also research the schools in the area and include your kids when making these decisions. Your kids will likely feel heightened eagerness about the move and give them something to be excited about.
Take Advantage of Summer Activities
Before you move, devote some time researching your new community together. Look for community events and local hotspots that your kids might find interesting, such as parks, museums, playgrounds, and local sports teams. You can also explore the schools in the area and involve your kids in the decision-making process. Your kids will likely feel more excited about the move and have something to be excited about.
Make New Friends
Moving to a new home means that your kids will need to find new friends. This can be challenging, especially if they are shy. Even more effort is necessary in the summer while school is out, since kids don’t be able to meet children their age as effortlessly during this time of the year.
One way to help your kids make new friends is to enroll them in summer programs or engaging activities in the new neighborhood. You can also encourage your kids to get involved in sports, art workshops, music lessons, or interest groups. This will not only help them make new friends but also give them a sense of belonging in the new community.
Keep a Positive Attitude
Moving can be a significant undertaking, but it's important to maintain a positive mindset and positive throughout the process. Kids often look to their parents for cues on how to feel about a situation, so it's important to model a positive attitude. Try to consider the benefits of the move, such as experiencing a new community and forming new friends. This will help your kids feel more excited and optimistic about the move. Working with a trustworthy and reputable packing and moving company can significantly contribute to ensuring a positive attitude!
Enjoy Long Weekends
Make the most of summer holidays and use the extra time to your advantage! Spend that time travelling around your new community, discovering new places, visiting museums, parks, beaches, or other short getaways. This can reduce stress levels and strengthen family bonds during this time of transition.
Stay Connected
Moving can be tough, especially if your kids are saying goodbye friends they have known for a considerable time. Encourage your kids to stay in touch with old friends through calls, video chats, and social media. This can help make the transition easier for your kids to settle in to their new community.
Partner with a Reliable Packing and Moving Company
Picking the right packing and moving company can help make the move smoother for the whole family. When the adults in the home can depend on a well-established packing and moving company, the whole home can have a sense of security. Not Sweating the small stuff and letting the experts take care of the major tasks will provide extra quality family time during the move.
At Corrigan Moving Systems, we appreciate the importance of family and making sure that every family member is happy throughout the transition. As a family owned and operated packing and moving company with 90+ years of experience, you can count on our guidance and expertise to navigate you seamlessly throughout the process. Get in touch with us today and see why families have put their trust in Corrigan Moving Systems over all other packing and moving companies for nearly a century!