Moving House With Children

Moving home when you have children can be stressful and complex – for you and for your children. What can you do to prepare better? At House Removals Leicester, we understand these challenges and have compiled 18 essential tips to help make moving with children a smooth and enjoyable experience.

1. Tell your children you are moving home early

Talking to your children about the upcoming move early on is crucial to reducing their anxiety. Involving them in the conversation well in advance gives them more time to process the change. Explain why you’re moving, whether for work, a better home, or to be closer to family.

2. Create a Moving Adventure Game

Transforming moving tasks into a game can make the process more fun for your children. Have them create a “moving adventure” by turning the packing of boxes into a scavenger hunt. Reward them for completing tasks like labelling boxes with stickers. Engaging them with a sense of adventure keeps them positive about the move.

3. Keep Routines Consistent

Children thrive on routine, and a big change like moving can easily disrupt that. To provide stability, try to keep daily schedules as consistent as possible. This means maintaining the same bedtime, mealtime, and weekend activities. Leicester’s vibrant community and events can help maintain routines; for example, attending local family activities or visiting the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery on weekends.

4. Keep Communication Open

Moving can be emotionally overwhelming for children, and it’s important to keep communication open. Let them know they can talk to you anytime about their feelings, and encourage them to share their concerns. Explain the moving process step-by-step so they’re not left wondering what’s happening next.

5. Say Goodbye Properly

Saying goodbye to a familiar home can be emotional for children. Allow them to say their farewells to friends, neighbours, and even the house itself. Taking photos of their favourite spots in the old home or creating a scrapbook can help them remember and cherish those memories as they move on to the next chapter.

6. Plan the Move During School Holidays

Whenever possible, plan the move during school holidays. This will allow your children ample time to settle in without the added stress of adjusting to a new school immediately. Moving to Leicester, which boasts some excellent schools, such as Leicester Grammar School, will be easier when your children have time to adjust to the new environment without rushing into academics.

7. Hire Professional Movers for a Smooth Experience

Hiring professional movers can help alleviate the stress of moving day so that you can focus on your children’s needs. At Dan Removals, we understand the importance of family-oriented services. We take care of the heavy lifting, so you can spend more time keeping your children entertained and comfortable during the move.

Friendly and experienced movers. Get help moving to avoid the stress.

8. Declutter Together Before Packing

Decluttering can be an overwhelming task, but involving your children can turn it into a fun and productive activity. Encourage them to go through their toys, books, and clothes to decide what they want to keep, donate, or throw away. This not only helps lighten the load but also makes them feel involved and prepared for the move. Explain how donating items can help others, which adds a positive note to the task.

9. Pack a Special Box for Each Child

Prepare a “first night” box for each child, filled with their favourite toys, books, snacks, and comfort items. Having their familiar things easily accessible can help them feel more secure during the first few nights in the new house. You could also add a special note or small surprise to make them feel extra loved during this transition.

10. Plan Meals Ahead of Time

Packing up your kitchen and managing meal times during a move can be stressful. Plan meals ahead of time by preparing easy-to-make or pre-cooked meals that can be reheated quickly. Alternatively, consider ordering takeaway from one of Leicester’s local family-friendly restaurants. Keeping mealtimes stress-free will help maintain a sense of routine and ensure everyone stays well-fed and happy.

11. Arrange Childcare for Moving Day

Moving day can be chaotic, and having young children underfoot can add to the stress. If possible, arrange for a trusted family member or friend to look after your children on moving day. Alternatively, hire a babysitter for the day. This way, you can focus on the logistics of the move, and your children can be entertained and cared for in a stable environment.

12. Make Moving Day Fun

Moving day doesn’t have to be purely work. Make it fun for the kids by playing games like “box decorating.” Let them draw or decorate the boxes with their belongings, and turn it into an exciting activity. Positive engagement makes the whole process a lot more enjoyable for them.

13. Prioritise Setting Up Their Room

When you arrive at your new home in Leicester, make your children’s bedrooms a priority. Setting up their familiar items, like bedding, posters, and toys, will help make the space their own. This familiarity provides comfort and allows them to feel at home more quickly.

14. Introduce New Routines Gradually

While maintaining old routines is important, introducing new routines should also be done gradually. Whether it’s exploring the local market or visiting the Curve Theatre, incorporating new family activities slowly will help children adapt without feeling overwhelmed.

15. Encourage Social Activities

Getting your children involved in community activities can help them adjust and make new friends. Leicester’s local community centres, clubs, and sports teams are great places to start. Encourage your children to try out a new activity, whether it’s joining a football club or attending an art class, to help them feel more connected.

16. Create a Familiar Bedtime Routine

After the move, it is important to establish a consistent bedtime routine to help your children adjust to their new surroundings. Use the same comforting items, such as favourite blankets, stuffed animals, or bedtime stories. This familiarity will provide a sense of security and help them feel more comfortable in their new bedroom.

17. Set Up a Family Activity Schedule

To help your children settle into the new environment, create a weekly family activity schedule. Include trips to local attractions like the Leicester Botanical Garden, family game nights, or cooking together. These activities will help create positive associations with the new home and reinforce family bonds during the transition.

18. Encourage Exploration of the New Neighbourhood

Encourage your children to explore the new neighbourhood by taking walks, visiting local playgrounds, or trying out nearby cafes. Getting to know the area can help reduce feelings of unfamiliarity and help them feel more connected to their new community. It’s also a great way to discover hidden gems in Leicester and make new memories as a family.

Conclusion

Moving house with children doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. With thoughtful planning, open communication, and the support of a professional moving company like House Removals Leicester, you can turn this significant life event into an adventure that the entire family enjoys. Remember, patience and positivity go a long way in helping children adjust to a new environment. By following these 18 practical tips, you can make the transition smoother, and perhaps even fun, for the whole family.