You did it. You decided to move. Now comes the hardest part - planning it, telling the kids, and preparing them for the move. It doesn't matter if you're moving out of state, 20 minutes away, or across the street - kids and adolescents aren't typically thrilled by the event, and they'll act accordingly. Fortunately, we have some steps that you can take, to ease up the process: Call a family meeting. It's important to keep your children up to date with the reasons for the move. Tell them how you feel about the move and bring up any plausible reason for excitement. Order some comfort food, and gather around the dining room table for a casual dinner and conversation. Encourage them to express how they're feeling and what some of their concerns may be. Let them know that you'll be relying on them for help; from packing, to settling in to the new place. If possible, involve your children. Especially if they're older. Involve them in the selection process of the new home, and if it's appropriate, let them pick their room. To get the kids excited about the new house, plan the space. See if they're interested in helping you arrange and decorate not only their rooms, but other rooms in the house too. Take them to the store with you to look at paint swatches. If you're purchasing new furniture, ask if they want to go with you. In the case of teens, set a budget and let them take on their own rooms - picking out the colors they like, any linens, rugs, furniture and wall art. Make sure to encourage them to shop at consignment and thrift stores. For smaller kids, pack a kid's-sized suitcase and let each child pick out a special toy to keep with them and a special outfit to wear on the first day in the new home. If your child has a special dish or cup, include it in the kitchen "Open First" box. It will be a pleasant surprise if familiar items await them at the new place. Click here for more on "Open First" boxes. Get a children's book on moving for smaller kids. “The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day.” is a good one, and very appropriate for the event. If you're moving relatively far away, or moving to a different state, mark some interesting places to visit and sights to see along the way. This will make the trip seem to go by faster, and it will be more engaging for you and the kids. Get the kids to help you choose which places to see. Consider unpacking the kids' rooms first, or at least their "Open First" boxes, to help them get settled in as quickly as possible. As you're unpacking the new house and boxes are almost entirely unpacked, it's time to settle in to the new community. Check out a guidebook for your new city if one's available. Sit down with the kids and plan some fun outings around the area. Whether it's visiting a museum, hiking or kayaking at the nearby state park, it's important to engage the kids as soon as possible, and show them all the exciting things your new area has to offer. If the kids met or made some new friends, encourage them to bring a friend along on the outings. Let us know if you have any questions. 'Like' us on Facebook for more, and let's stay connected. US Storage Centers
