Moving, for a child, can feel really stressful! As adults, we see the next chapter, the bigger house, the new job, the fresh start. But through a child’s eyes, a move means leaving their best friends, their favorite park, and the only bedroom they’ve ever known.
At Southeast Moving & Storage, we’ve spent more than 20 years helping families through this change. We’ve learned that moving more than just boxes means handling the emotions and memories attached to them. This information is designed to help you prepare your children for an easy, stress-free move, from the first conversation to the first night in your new home.
Before You Start Packing: Preparing Their Hearts and Minds
The best way to ease your child’s anxiety is to include them in the process early and often.
- Be a Great Communicator: Use simple, honest language to explain what’s happening. Instead of talking about property values or commute times, focus on the fun parts. Show them pictures of the new house and neighborhood. Point out where their new room will be or how close you’ll be to a cool playground. Answering their questions openly and acknowledging their feelings, even if they’re negative, will build a sense of trust.
- Give Them a Mission: Kids love to feel important and in control. Give them a special job to do. Let them decorate their moving boxes with their favorite colors or stickers. Assign them the task of labeling their own toys or books. When they feel like an active participant, the move becomes an adventure you’re on together, not something that’s just happening to them.
Packing Up: A Time for Memories, Not Stress
This stage can be tough as familiar rooms start to look empty. A couple of simple approaches can make a huge difference.
- Create a “Memories Box”: This is a simple but powerful idea. Give each child a special box to fill with their most treasured items—a favorite stuffed animal, a collection of rocks, or a drawing from a friend. This allows them to see that their most important things are safe and will be with them from day one.
- Pack a “First-Night Survival Kit”: This is the magic box you’ll keep with you, so you don’t have to hunt for essentials on day one. Pack a bag for each child with their pajamas, a change of clothes, their favorite blanket, a toothbrush, and a special snack. This familiar comfort can turn a chaotic first night into a calm one.
Moving Day: Keeping It Smooth and Fun
Moving day can be hectic. The best thing you can do for your kids is to keep them on a consistent routine and away from the chaos.
- Designate a “Kids-Only Zone”: Set up a safe space in your home (or even at a friend or relative’s house) where your children can be a little removed from the hustle. Stock it with toys, games, and snacks. This keeps them safe and gives them a sense of peace amidst the organized chaos.
- Maintain Your Normal Routine: Try to stick to your usual nap times and meal schedules as much as possible. A sense of normalcy can be incredibly comforting on a day full of change.
After the Move: Making the New House a Home
The goal is to make the new house feel like a home as quickly as possible.
- Unpack Their Rooms First: Focus on getting your children’s bedrooms set up immediately. Seeing their bed, dresser, and toys in their new room helps the space feel familiar and safe.
- Explore Your New Neighborhood: As soon as you can, take a walk around your new neighborhood. Find the closest park, a new library, or a local ice cream shop. Creating new memories right away is the fastest way to build a connection to your new home.
How Southeast Moving & Storage Eases the Burden for You
A great deal of stress comes from the logistics of the move itself. When you choose Southeast Moving & Storage, you’re not just hiring movers, you’re getting a team that handles the heavy lifting so you can focus on what really matters: your family.
- Peace of Mind with Our Binding Quotes: The fear of surprise charges is a major source of moving anxiety. We provide a binding quote after a personal, in-home walkthrough. This ensures the price we quote is the price you pay, with no hidden fees or unexpected costs.
- Full-Service Packing for Your Family: Our team can handle all the packing and unpacking using archival-quality materials. This frees up your valuable time, allowing you to focus on your family’s emotional well-being and prepare them for this exciting new chapter.
- Specialty Moves for What Matters Most: Some items are irreplaceable. Our crews are skilled in “museum-quality” handling for fragile, valuable, or sentimental items like pianos, antiques, and art. We handle your family heirlooms with the same care you would.
More Than Just Boxes, It’s About People
Moving with children can be a challenging but rewarding event. By communicating, giving your kids a sense of control, and partnering with a team that knows your needs, you can make a stressful day into an exciting new adventure. At Southeast Moving & Storage, we’re dedicated to helping you make the change as easy and worry-free as possible.
Ready for a stress-free move? Talk to a Moving Concierge today to get a personal estimate and see how we can help your family transition without stress.
