MOVING WITH CHILDREN

Looking forward to your new home

• It's always a good idea to talk about the neighborhood, the house, the schools, local areas of interest and the benefits with your children. Change is hard on everyone and preparing for change eliminates a lot of stress for all concerned - especially kids. 
• Make moving fun. It can be if you involve your children in plans to decorate their new bedrooms or play areas, including color choices, decoration and arrangement of furniture.
• Help kids make new friends and become involved and active in your new community immediately. Your children will follow your example during this transition period.
• Encourage your children to keep in touch with old friends while making new friends. This eases the transition all around. 
• Let kids help plan for the care of plants and/or pets during the move.
• Help kids collect addresses of their friends and neighbors.
• Involve them with a charity donation of toys, clothing, books etc.
• Consider having a good-bye party.

Coping With Moving Day

• While packing and unpacking is in progress, consider having a sitter or a friend watch your younger children.
• Don't let children distract the moving crew from their work and services.
• Prepare a "ready box" that can be first off the truck; stock it with things you will need immediately, such as snacks, kitchen items, bathroom toiletries, hand tools, etc.