Growing Family? 4 Tips for Busy Parents Upgrading to a Larger Home

Moving can be incredibly stressful whether you are moving down the street or across the country. When you have young children, that stress can take on a whole new meaning. Kids can surprise you by being very helpful one moment, and stubbornly impossible the next. This makes moving with children exponentially more difficult, but not impossible. While they may drive you just a little crazy, with a little preparation you can help them adjust to the move while upgrading to a larger home.

Be Honest

The best way to prepare your kids for moving to a new home is to be honest with them. Involve your children in the move to avoid them feeling left out. If you're moving nearby, remind them they can still see their friends. If moving far away, help them get excited about making new friends and seeing new things.

Make sure they know exactly what to expect from the days leading up to the move, as well as moving day itself. It's also important to teach them how they will be expected to behave. If you want their help, make it clear what their responsibilities will be early on. It's alright to instruct them to simply stay out of the way of the movers as well. If your children understand the process and know what to expect, they will probably jump on board without too much trouble.

Make It an Adventure

Moving can be scary for kids, and if you're stressed out, they may feel even more on edge. Children often struggle to express complex emotions, resorting to acting out instead. Help them cope with moving by turning the process into an adventure.

Play “packing games” to help them have fun while you prepare for the move. Let your older children stay up late to watch a movie or play a game while you pack. This will keep them happy and less anxious, and reduce your stress.

Give Yourself Time

Doing anything with kids takes at least twice as long as doing it by yourself. Moving is no exception, and unsurprisingly can be even worse. Before the day of your move, make sure you allow plenty of time for the kids to help you pack. Letting others help eases the moving process for them and prepares them for the transition to a new place. Unfortunately, many children experience the desire to take everything out of the box for inspection after you’ve already packed it. Pack early to avoid stress and enjoy time with your kids.

Pack a Bag of Toys

Label and pack boxes with their contents to avoid last-minute searches for your child's important toys. You can avoid this by packing a bag of their favorite toys and leaving it accessible. They can take the bag along with them on the road trip and plane ride, keeping them entertained.

Upgrading and moving to a larger home can be very stressful, especially with young children. Being upfront and honest about the process will help your kids know what to expect. Plan ahead, pack a kid-friendly bag, and make moving an adventure for a smoother experience. It can also help to hire professional movers. Just remember that it will all be worth it once you’re happily moved into your new home.