You’ve found your dream home, and you’re taking the leap. Before you can settle into domestic bliss with the people you love, though, you’ve got to relocate. This is a big process, and it can be fraught with difficulty. When you move your family, you’re dealing with switching schools, uprooting everyone’s lives, making new friends, and learning a new community. It’s a lot to ask!
Fortunately, there are ways to streamline your move with your loved ones and get everyone settled as quickly as possible. Read on.
How Kids Adapt to Moving
During any move, kids are the most significant consideration. How will they handle the transition? What do they need to thrive throughout the process? The truth is, it varies from family to family.
The impact of moving on kids varies, depending on how you introduce and manage the shift. Because of this, professionals recommend accentuating the positive and finding creative, kid-friendly ways to navigate potentially tricky situations.
The Impact on Your Family
Moving is one of life’s most stressful experiences, and it can come with some serious health impacts. According to recent studies, “residential mobility,” or the experience of living in many different houses in a short time frame can have negative implications for physical and mental health. According to Antwan Jones at George Washington University:
A comprehensive review of scholarly studies of residential mobility and health reinforces the conclusion that when families move around a lot, the health of children and adolescents can suffer. Alcohol and drug use, behavioral problems, cognitive difficulties, juvenile delinquency, and teen pregnancies – all are associated with constant changes in family residences. Constantly moving families also report poorer health and get visited by emergency services more often.
While moving can have negative impacts on the family, it doesn’t have to. When you prepare for the transition, it will run much more smoothly for everyone involved.
4 Fast Tips to Prepare Your Family for the Move
Whether you’re moving across town or out of state, these four tips will help everyone prepare themselves for the transition:
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Communicate. This is especially important for kids. They need to understand where they’re going and what to expect. They also need plenty of time to voice their fears and concerns. When kids are part of the process, they handle uncertainty better.
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Create and maintain a schedule. Keep everyone sane during the move by sticking as close to your standard schedule as possible. Maintain bed and mealtimes and make sure to enjoy the experience as a family.
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Hire movers. Reduce your work burden by bringing in professional movers. Depending on what you want, the moving company can handle the packing and unpacking, as well as all your transport. Do your research and get a few estimates before you decide on a team.
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Pack suitcases. Keep life as normal as possible by packing suitcases like you’re heading out on vacation. Suitcases allow you to have easy access to all your favorite clothing, toiletries, and more, without having to dig through boxes for them.
Moving Your Way
Depending on how you handle it, moving can be a healthy metamorphosis or a stressful, chaotic experience. If you’d prefer the former, preparation is the key. From arranging movers to packing to involving family in the move, to the day itself, there are dozens of ways to ensure your move goes off without a hitch.
Does your family need professional assistance with your move? Don’t wait – contact Master Movers today! We’re here to make moving a simple, easy experience for you and your little ones!