![\"Kids](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/settling-kids-into-a-new-house-kid-666x381.png\")
<\/a>1. Acknowledge varied emotions<\/h2>\n
Moving to a new home is an emotional time for everyone involved. In fact, psychologists say that moving is one of the top five most emotionally stressful<\/a> situations that one might experience during their lifetime.<\/p>\n That means, even if your moving situation holds elements of happiness for the kids \u2014 moving closer to grandparents or buying a house near the beach \u2014 they\u2019re also bound to experience some sadness or even anger. That\u2019s a natural response to stress.<\/p>\n In light of this fact, it\u2019s best to allow kids the freedom and space to feel a variety of emotions. Instead of a continual pep talk, invite kids to express their feelings and examine the root of those feelings.<\/p>\n \u201cKids are resilient,\u201d Rourke says. \u201cMaybe more so than grown ups. Don\u2019t hide the idea of moving. Bring them into the conversation and allow them to be a part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Offer validity by verbally acknowledging your own reflective emotions, such as, \u201cI know how you feel. I\u2019m really going to miss having Mrs. Smith next door, and it makes me sad.\u201d These types of conversations can help kids know it\u2019s safe to process emotions rather than bury them.<\/p>\n As you\u2019re preparing to move, you might want to read some books about moving with your kids.<\/p>\n Hearing stories of other kids going through similar situations can help normalize emotions and ease any fears. Here are a few recommended books about moving.<\/p>\n Seeing their things get sorted and packed up might be stressful for some kids<\/a>, while other kids might find a sense of purpose in contributing to the work of moving.<\/p>\n Be aware of how the\u00a0 decluttering and packing process is affecting your child. If they seem rattled or anxious, you may want to consider packing while they are asleep. Also, you may want to dispose of items that cannot move with you \u2014 like that broken toy or the cracked sandbox in the backyard \u2014 while they\u2019re sleeping to minimize their stress.<\/p>\n When the time comes to pack up the final necessities, make sure all your child\u2019s favorite items are consolidated into one special bag or box.<\/p>\n Favorite toys, stuffed animals, blankets, books, clothes, or pajamas can all be packed together for safekeeping. In order to keep those items close, your child may want to hold onto that bag in the car rather than putting it in the moving truck.<\/p>\n In the final days before you move, be proactive and positive about the changes on the horizon.<\/p>\n Make a list of \u201clasts\u201d \u2014 last trip to the park, last visit to the ice cream shop, last time feeding the neighborhood ducks \u2014 and check them off systematically. Bid farewell to friendly neighbors. And take time to say goodbye<\/a> to your house, possibly room-by-room.<\/p>\n Moving day<\/a> is full of physical and emotional stress for everyone in the family.<\/p>\n If you can, send the kids to play with grandparents or friends for the day. Knowing they\u2019re safely out of the way while you\u2019re lifting heavy furniture \u2014 and not exploring spaces that have yet to be child-proofed \u2014 will give you<\/i> peace of mind on moving day.<\/p>\n Of course, getting someone to watch the kids is not always possible if you\u2019re moving to a place where you don’t know anyone. In that case, maybe consider enlisting some extra help with the move itself. Hire movers<\/a>, order a moving pod<\/a>, or rent your moving truck for an extra day so moving day is not so stressful<\/a>.<\/p>\n You could also plan some activities<\/a> to keep the kids occupied and out of harm\u2019s way. Have toddlers \u201clabel\u201d boxes with washable markers. Give young kids a spray bottle and cloth for \u201ccleaning duty.\u201d Or have school-aged kids build a fort out of empty boxes.<\/p>\n With the exception of setting up kitchen and bathroom basics, make kids\u2019 rooms a top priority when unpacking in your new home.<\/p>\n Getting things settled in<\/a> their new space will help kids feel more comfortable and stable. Also, let them help with the unpacking process so that they know where everything is located in their room.<\/p>\n If you plan to make updates<\/a> to your kids\u2019 rooms, give them the freedom to help with decisions.\u00a0 Picking out wall paint, purchasing window treatments, and even choosing furniture placement can give kids a sense of ownership over their new space.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve got a child who has difficulty with unlimited decisions, Rourke recommends narrowing down the choices to three nice options. It might help to pull up some inspiration photographs, or older kids may enjoy creating their own Pinterest boards filled with room decor ideas. Personalizing their bedroom<\/a> could make kids more excited about the move overall.<\/p>\n After you move, make every effort to get back on a normal schedule. Reestablishing a regular mealtime, snack time, naptime, and bedtime helps life feel more normal.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget little traditions that your kids love, like lullabies, book time, or nightly strolls. Those daily activities are what make a house feel like home.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t feel like you have to unpack the entire house in a day. After the kids\u2019 rooms are in order, the rest of the house can be unpacked slowly \u2014 perhaps once they get settled into their new school routine.<\/p>\n In the early days at your new home, focus on the kids and have some fun together in your new space. Memories need to be made. Boxes can wait!<\/p>\n If possible, make a list<\/a> of fun things to do in your new neighborhood before moving.<\/p>\n Where\u2019s the closest park, library, or sports field? Is there a fun cafe within walking distance? Can you bike to a nearby attraction?<\/p>\n You may also want to take a family walk or drive around your immediate neighborhood, especially during times when you see neighbors outside. Hanna says, \u201cTake some time to drive around the neighborhood in the middle of the day on a weekend, and also on a weekday.\u201d<\/p>\n Dog-walking, weed-pulling, or car-washing might present natural opportunities to introduce your family to neighbors<\/a>. Research<\/a> shows that knowing neighbors increases a sense of safety, which could be important for kids. (However, if there\u2019s a pandemic, please remember to keep an appropriate distance from neighbors for health and safety reasons.)<\/p>\n Rourke suggests:<\/p>\n \u201cMake brownies or bring flowers to your new neighbors to meet and see if other kids will be potential playmates.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Kids may feel better about their new living situation if they find new friends their own age. As you meet other parents in the neighborhood or at school, try to set up playdates either in-person or virtually. You might be surprised by how excited your kids are to show off their brand new house!<\/p>\n Settling in doesn\u2019t happen overnight. Your kids\u2019 possessions may be physically in their room, but that doesn\u2019t mean it truly feels like \u201ctheir\u201d room yet. Don\u2019t be surprised by exclamations of \u201cI just want to go home!\u201d as you\u2019re getting settled. Give kids time to continue to process complex emotions as they need to.<\/p>\n Above all, don\u2019t forget that your kids are watching you. Oftentimes you as the parent or guardian are able to set the emotional tone for any given situation.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re positive and relaxed throughout your move, kids are more likely to follow your cues and be positive and relaxed, too. And in a few years, you can all fondly reminisce about the time you moved into your new house.<\/p>\n Header Image Source: (Syda Productions \/ Shutterstock)<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Moving can be stressful for kids, but these tips may help ease the experience. Help your kids settle into a new home by being proactive as a parent.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":145,"featured_media":18466,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[192,654,706],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18458","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-for-buyers","category-homeownership","category-moving-tips"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n2. Read a book<\/h2>\n
\n
3. Work while they sleep<\/h2>\n
4. Pack a \u2018favorites\u2019 bag or box<\/h2>\n
![\"Popsicles](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/settling-kids-into-a-new-house-popsicle-666x381.png\")
<\/a>5. Help them find closure<\/h2>\n
6. Make moving day as peaceful as possible<\/h2>\n
7. Unpack kids\u2019 rooms first<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/settling-kids-into-a-new-house-popsicle-1-666x381.png\")
<\/a>8. Let them help with design choices<\/h2>\n
9. Get back into your routine<\/h2>\n
10. Unpack other rooms over time<\/h2>\n
11. Tour the neighborhood<\/h2>\n
![\"Two](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/settling-kids-into-a-new-house-play-666x381.png\")
<\/a>12. Schedule neighbor playdates<\/h2>\n
13. Give it some time<\/h2>\n
14. Set the tone<\/h2>\n