As if moving isn’t already hard enough, kids can present some extra things to consider. Kids are resilient, but major changes like big moves can be difficult to work through if children aren’t prepared. Depending on their age, your children may be leaving behind a school, friends and activities that they’ve grown to love. A month can go by FAST! Securing a loan, making an offer, navigating negotiations, getting the offer accepted and completing inspections and appraisals can all take approximately thirty days until closing. These are simple reminders, because in the midst of it all, it can be tricky to slow down enough and include kids in the process. So instead of throwing them in the deep end, you can easily help them get their moving feet wet with these steps!

LET’S GET MOVING!

1. Talk to your children about your move as soon as it becomes a possibility.

Once you’ve decided to move, the first thing you should do is have an open discussion with your children. If you wait until it is time to pack, they may feel like they’ve had a bombshell dropped on them. If you give them a chance to voice their feelings and work through them, you’ll deal with a little less chaos when it is time to move. Consider the best way to tell your children, taking into account how each child best receives information. Be open, honest and available to answer their questions. Be prepared for lots of “But, WHY?” and “When? Is it almost time? How about now?”

2. Find ways to involve your children in your new neighborhood.

Instead of leaving the kids at home while you are closing on a property or even just touring potential homes, bring them along. Some Realtors might deter this. We. Get. It. We understand bringing the kiddos along whether out of necessity or to have them involved. We want them to feel ‘at home’ as soon as possible! We try to help find activities in the area that your children will enjoy, whether it be a park nearby or local libraries, pools, or playgrounds. Helping your kids feel familiar with their new home will take a weight off of their shoulders and reduce the fear of being the ‘new kid’ when they move. Once you are moved in, consider hosting a game night or play date for your neighbors with children so that your kids have an opportunity to make friends quickly.

3. Reach out and get local recommendations ahead of time.

Whether you are new to the area or just moving around the corner, this will help both you and your children have a little more peace of mind when it comes to making a big move. Before the move, find local parent groups and neighborhood groups to seek out recommendations for daycares and schools that meet the criteria you are looking for. The first thing most people do when trying something new out is to check for reviews, and these groups will allow you to do just that. We pride ourselves on knowing the areas in which we serve, and we are here for you with resources, tools and connections to help you!

4. Let us help you!

Before, during and after your moving day, we are here for you! We can provide checklists, recommend movers, offer packing advice and help lead the charge when it comes to transferring services like utilities and mail. The Berenstein Bears Moving Day book is our gift to you and just one of the ways we like to include kids in the process and make them feel at home. Because home isn’t just a place: It’s where stories unfold, and we are thankful to be a part of your story!

Thinking of buying or selling a house? Contact us!