According to studies, moving home can be one of the most stressful times in life. It’s right up there with divorce and even the death of a loved one… Actually the stress of moving could quite possibly account for both of those things happening; nothing dampens romance quite like arguing over the best way to pack all the spoons.

Any parent will confirm that young children can also be periodically added to the list of life’s most stressful things. So factor them into the whole moving house scenario, and a certain amount of dread is understandable. Luckily, there are some things you can do to make the process a little easier on everyone.

Keep them in the loop…

It’s easy to leave children out of the discussion, particularly when there’s already so much to do. But unlike sneaking hidden vegetables into their dinner, it’s best not to sneak the kids into a new place and just hope they don’t notice. Change and upheaval can be pretty upsetting for a lot of children, but that can be helped by letting them know what’s happening from start to finish. Right from the first time you seriously consider looking at new homes, through to moving day. It might feel like you’re giving them hard answers, especially if the move will involve a new school and new friends, but honesty really is the best policy. Give them time to adjust before you’ve even started packing, and they will also know that they can trust you with any anxieties they feel.

Show them the sights…

If possible, take them to see their new neighbourhood before making the permanent move. Take them for a walk around, introduce them to their new school and sign them up to their usual activities or sports in the new place. A bit of familiarity can help children feel less apprehensive, and stop them from imagining the worst. It’s also important to remind them that they don’t have to cut ties with their old neighbourhood. Set up play dates with their current friends for after you’ve moved if that’s possible and keep their routines as similar to what it was originally as possible.

Make a plan…

Whether you’re moving around the corner, or to the other side of the country, you should definitely have a plan. Guaranteed there will be last minute changes and problems on top of all the things you already know you’ll have to deal with. Having a detailed plans means that you have at least  fighting chance of tackling any unexpected problems. Including children in that plan helps with our first tip of keeping them in the loop, and it can help them feel actively involved. Even small tasks make them feel valued and included in what’s happening, but it can also help you keep track of them when things are getting hectic!

Get some professional help…

Ok, so it’s stressful, but hopefully you won’t need to see a therapist by the time the boxes are packed. Rather get yourself some help from a professional removals company to ease the process. They say that a good rule for parenting is knowing when to ask for help, and the same goes for moving home. Companies like Hire A Mover have all the expertise to take away a lot of that stress, and all the right tools to move you and your family quickly and efficiently. Delegation is the first rule of good management, so why not delegate all that hard work so that you can concentrate on getting everyone else out the door in one piece? Don’t forget to consider professional cleaning services for greater piece of mind before moving home.

Go on an adventure…

It’s no secret that children look to their parents for guidance in how to behave or react to something. Usually by repeating that thing you wish you never said, in front of too many people, at about the worst possible time! But how you react to the move can really impact your child’s feelings about it. As hard as it is, if you can keep the stresses from them and treat the move like an adventure, they will catch on to the excitement. Every child loves an adventure, plus by focusing on all the positives you can help keep your own happy mind set. Just remember that the stresses of moving aren’t forever, and holding on to the good side will definitely help you get through any low points.