For many families, relocation is a part of life, but it can be hard for kids to understand that part of Mom or Dad’s job. Children love routine and familiarity, but because staying put may not be an option for every family, there are definitely some simple things you can do to make the move easier on your kids. Here are just a few brought to you by Storage Junction City.
Let each kid pick a “last”
When getting ready for the next big move, let each kid pick one or two “last” things they want to do, and try to document it with photos–whether it’s eating at a favorite restaurant, walking to the library, or visiting a certain playground. This can be a fun way to relive all the great memories your kids have made there, but also add something to look forward to about those weeks leading up to moving.
Bury a time capsule
If your kids are old enough, spend an afternoon writing notes and assembling goodies for a time capsule to bury in the backyard. The items can include a few of their favorite trinkets that they associate with this location, and a note explaining what the date, what’s going on in the world, and who they are. Help them bury it deeply into the ground, and let them talk about who may find it and how fun it will be for them to discover it.
Pack a first night box of toys
If you’re driving, have a box or bin that is easily accessible and can be taken out first thing upon arrival at your new home. If you’re flying, try leaving a bag empty to be filled with these items and check it along with your luggage. Let the kids open it up and enjoy the familiarity that the contents will bring in the new surroundings. Even better, let it be a box that you packed up early on in the packing process, so the toys will seem “new”!
Help them find what’s the same
Many kids may be overwhelmed by the changes in their surroundings, so try finding what’s the same instead of focusing on what’s different. Maybe both houses have the same amount of bedrooms or stairs, or the counters are the same color. If nothing else, you can point out to your child the things that will be present in the community that were present in their old town–the library, the parks, and the stores.
Join local Facebook groups to find new friends
Neighborhood, church, and school Facebook groups are great places to help your kids find new friends. Depending on your child’s personality, it may be easier to make new friends or it may be a source of anxiety. Be proactive about giving your kids casual opportunities to meet new children and get to know them while playing together.
Whether your kids are pros at moving or anxious about their first move, these tips from Self Assured Storage can help any family improve the moving process without a lot of trouble or extra spending. Some kids may not verbalize their worries or fears, so the most important aspect of the moving process is communicating with your child and providing as much familiarity as possible in your new place. Many kids grow up loving the excitement and change that a new home brings, and learn very early on that home is not a building–it’s your family.
