Surviving a house move with children in tow

 

(Photo courtesy of: http://www.westlondonmum.co.uk)

 

They say that moving house is one of the most stressful life events most people will encounter at some point in their lives.  There is just so much to do, remember and action that you will, at times, feel like you are taking two steps forward and three steps back.  However, when you add children into the mix you enter a whole new level of craziness.

The good news is that millions of people all over the world move house every day with children, and live to tell the tale.  As one of those people I would like to impart my house moving wisdom with you now, and provide you with my top 5 house moving tips:

1. 1.     Involve your children

 

Discuss any potential move with children you feel are old enough to understand.  They wont appreciate being kept in the dark and if they do have to move schools it will give them a chance to mentally prepare for the adjustment as well as allow them to feel involved in the process.  They can help to review schools in the new area and accompany you to house viewings.  However, it’s probably a good idea to state at the outset that whilst you respect their opinion, the final say will be down to you.

For younger children it is probably best to wait until you have chosen the new house and school before discussing the move with them, only showing them the new house when it has been agreed.

 

There are several fun children’s books designed to help ease children through what can be a scary process that you could read to them at bedtime before moving day.

2. Get organised

Organisation is the key to keeping last minute stresses at bay.  Moving house is a bit like childbirth – you forget how painful it was until the next time you do it!  It always takes more time and effort than you remember.

Create yourself a moving plan and checklist that everyone involved in the move has access to.  Record important contact details and prioritise your task list so you know what should be done, and by when.

3. Get Packing

Start collecting newspaper and boxes from the moment you decide to move – supermarkets are usually more than happy to let you have their empty boxes if you ask, or they can be purchased from storage centres or online suppliers.  Your removal company may even have re-useable crates for you to use.  My advice here is to get more boxes than you think you’ll need – I bet you will use them all!

Try to pack when children are at school or in bed.  They will enjoy unpacking as quickly as you can pack, which isn’t very conducive to efficient packing.

4. Moving Day

 

If at all possible, move mid-week, during term time and send your children to school for the day and to a friend’s house afterwards.

If this isn’t practical, make sure you do the following:

• Pack an ‘essentials’ box filled with drinks, snacks, toilet roll, baby wipes, etc. etc.
• Carry a large handbag which should stay with you at all times, containing must-have items, such as keys, medication, phone and important contact numbers
• Give each of your children a bag filled with activities to keep them occupied during the day.  This could include colouring books, game consoles and travel games.
• Set behaviour ground rules for the day and get everyone to agree to them beforehand.
• Find a naughty spot in the new house quickly, for the very likely event the previous tip doesn’t work
• Put the kids beds up first, before unpacking anything else. By six o’clock you will be desperate for them to go to bed and they will be excited to go.  It won’t happen again, so make the most of it.

5. After the move

Whilst you will be eager to start sorting out the kitchen cabinets, and organising the garage, your children will be desperate to explore the new area.  Take some time out to go for a walk or bike-ride with your children.  Show them their new school (if applicable) and where their friends live.  This will help them to feel at home and ease any initial worries about settling in.

This article was written by Kathryn Thompson on behalf of uship – the house removal specialists.  Kathryn is a freelance writer and self titled house removal specialist, having moved a total of eight times in six years, with three children in tow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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