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May 29, 2014 / Written by: John Rose
Moving is often a stressful experience because it requires both mental labor to plan the move and physical labor to see it through to completion. But if you’re planning on moving with kids or pets, the experience can be even more stressful. Thankfully, you don’t need to fear the moving process because of these extra challenges. The following tips will help create a successful move that everyone – parents, kids, and pets – will enjoy.
1) Provide Fair Warning. While you have already determined that moving is in the best interest of your family, your children may not be so easily convinced. You can make the situation easier for everyone by providing your children with advanced notice of the upcoming move. The length of the notice should depend on the age of the child. Young children require little more than a month’s notice while older children – those who are already involved in existing activities and commitments within their school and neighborhood – will require more time.
Older children will also have questions about the move, and informing them ahead of time allows for the proper opportunity to discuss their concerns. This will make them feel like they are part of the decision-making process, and the move will be easier on everyone as a result.
2) Scout the New Area Ahead of Time. If possible, pack up the entire family and visit the new destination before the move. You can also plan to point out the positive elements of the new city or area so your children will become more supportive of the move. Stepping inside the new house may not be possible, but you should at least drive by. Pointing out the exciting features of the new city and the new opportunities that await the family will make children more excited about the change and may even erase existing reservations.
image courtesy of Beverly & Park (https://www.flickr.com/photos/walkadog/)
It’s also a good idea to research dog parks or walking trails in the area to ensure your pet’s needs are met the moment he or she arrives at the new home.
3) Assign Children Tasks. You can make moving day go more smoothly by assigning children specific tasks during the day. These tasks may include carrying lighter boxes or looking after the family pet during the loading process, as doors are apt to be opened and closed frequently. Dividing up tasks ahead of time will make children feel as though they are part of the move and will help to make the entire moving experience more efficient and successful.
4) Make Sure Every One is Comfortable. Moving to a new destination may involve a long car ride, so ensure the comfort of every passenger to prevent anyone from arriving at the new home in misery. This is especially true for pets, which often don’t have designated seating areas in the vehicle. Before setting out on the road, review the spaces where everyone is to be seated and make sure the space is adequate for the size of the child or pet and for the length of the drive. Making alterations to the layout is easier before the road trip begins than while you’re on the road.
5) Plan a Fun Activity for the Arrival. Once the moving with kids is finally over and everyone has arrived at the new home, it’s time for a reward. Allow children and pets the chance to explore their new home, especially if this is their first visit. Afterwards, take your family out for a meal, to the dog park, or for another activity everyone will enjoy to ensure life in your new home gets off on the right foot.
If you’re concerned about moving with kids and pets, we hope that these 5 tips will ensure that you have a successful move into your new home.
