Moving can be difficult enough before adding children to the mix. Not only do you have the process itself, but then you have to uproot your family and help your little ones understand why they have to leave their school and friends. If you feel lost on how to start, here are some tips to make the transition easier.

Breaking the News

Moving is difficult for many children. Things will be new and scary, and they will be leaving behind many friends. Give them as much time as possible to adjust to the idea. If your children are very young, keep explanations simple, but make sure to explain each step of the move. When things are packed, make it clear they will be unpacked soon and that they are not losing their favorite toys. Your little ones may be afraid they won’t make new friends easily in their new location. Give them encouragement, and let them know that not only will they make new friends, but they can also continue their relationships via technology. Above all, stay positive in front of your children. This is scary enough without seeing their parents stressed about the move.

Finding a Home

Picking out the perfect home can seem like a nightmare. A house big enough for the whole family, in a good school district, and not too far from work, may be elusive. The internet is a great place to start, but it can be difficult to navigate and trust. If you have the time, sign up for Multiple Listing Service notifications, as they tend to have the most accurate and up-to-date information available.

Selling Your House

Putting your home on the market when you have children can add a few extra steps. You want to make sure they understand what is happening, and you don’t want them to feel down about people coming to see the family home. Depending on your children, they may or may not want to be involved in the process. If they do, you can have them help you clean and tidy before showings. If they don’t, that’s okay. Instead, set them up with their favorite movie or video game and a few snacks, and let them have a nice morning in while you touch up around the home. In the delicate balancing act of managing children and selling your home, don’t forget to stage it. A well-staged home is going to sell more quickly than one without staging.

Packing with Kids

Packing may take a bit longer with kids. If they are willing, get them to help with non-breakable goods. If your little one is quite young, pack up some of their less-used toys when they are asleep. Don’t pack your child’s goods until it’s necessary. This helps them keep some normalcy during this time. Keep some of their favorite items unpacked, and let them take them in their overnight bag. This may help them stay calm and happy, especially on moving day.

The Long Haul

If you have a long drive ahead of you, it may be a good idea to make it longer. In other words, make sure you take frequent breaks to keep your children from going stir-crazy. Plot your route ahead of time, and decide in advance where the best places to stop will be. Have plenty of things for your kids to do in the car to keep them sane. Time will seem longer to them, so give them options, such as coloring materials, books, a tablet with a few movies or shows downloaded to it, or whatever they enjoy. This will make your trip -- and theirs -- more fun.

Moving is difficult for children. There is no getting around that. However, with the right preparation, you can ease the transition for your little ones.

Image Courtesy of Pixabay.com