Moving can fall at a time when children are going back to school or when they are switching schools. In such a case, the moving process can be physically and emotionally draining. You have to deal with the emotional needs of your children, who definitely do not want to move and leave their friends behind. Moreover, you have to deal with the physical demands of the moving process. Transitioning to a new house and school takes time and patience. So how do you find a balance between the two and make sure that no one suffers?
Tips on Back to School Moving
These back to school moving tips are about the moving process as well as taking care of your children’s emotions as you move. Inevitably, a move would mean that your children cannot go back to school while others go back. Moving after the start of the school term is harder than moving at the beginning of the term. In the end, they will need to switch schools. So as a parent, you have to move and you have to look for a new school. This is why you need help from these tips for back to school moving.
Make a Plan
The busyness of going back to school and moving requires a rock solid plan. The plan should outline the moving day and the different responsibilities for every child. As you make your moving plan, keep in mind your children and let them in on the plan. They should not be blindsided by a sudden move.
Create a To-Do-List
To-do-lists are important because they show you exactly what needs to get done. A to-do-list will also keep you from forgetting the important things for a successful move. You can stick the to-do-list on the refrigerator or a visible area for your children to be engaged as well.
Create a Schedule
Another useful back to school moving tip is to create a schedule. Set aside a start and finish tip for the activities necessary for moving. Such a schedule will keep you and your children up to date on what needs to be done to make the moving process successful. Timelines help you to track your progress. Your children should also be made aware of the schedule so that they can do what is required of them.
Assign Duties
After you have created a plan, a to-do-list, and a schedule, assign tasks to your kids. The younger ones could collect things from the attic and basements. Your teens could pick up packing materials from the grocery store or using newspaper articles to wrap items that easily break such as glasses. The ultimate goal is to make sure that your kids have an input towards the moving process.
Involve Your Child in the Moving Process
As a parent, you are tempted by the idea to send your child off to a babysitter or friend as you go about the details of moving. You should reconsider this position because children gain control over their fears and anxiety through direct participation in the moving-related activities. With this understanding, take your child with you as you go looking for potential neighborhoods, houses or apartments, and schools. Get to hear their opinion about the places they liked and the schools they would love to attend.
Find Alternatives when Direct Involvement Does not Work
In the case where your child is unable to join you for one reason or another, carry along a video recorder or camera as you visit the potential neighborhoods. Take photos of the home, schools, the mall or parks and anything else that may prick your child’s interests.
Share Information
In the course of the moving process, you will receive information from real estate agents. Share the information with your children so that they feel included in the moving process.
Use a Map
It is important for the children to get to know where it is that they are moving to and how their usual transport system will have to change. Use a map to show where you are moving to and how they can get there through the different forms of transport.
Visit the New Home
You can visit the new home with your child so that they may get a feel for the new environment. Point out where they’ll sleep, eat and play. Let them see for themselves. Seeing is believing.
Let Your Children Draw Pictures
You can ask your children to draw pictures of how they will arrange their rooms and what they would like to do with their rooms. In any case, it is their room. Without realizing it, you will have created a floor plan for your house which makes your moving experience easier.
Pack Together
As you prepare to move, involve your child in the packing process. They can pack their own stuff in boxes and label them. This will greatly reduce your workload of packing their stuff as well. Furthermore, you can help them sort out what they need to carry and what they need to give away.
Pack Essentials for the Moving Day
Before you move, ensure that you pack your child’s essentials so that you will not have to look for them when you move into the new place. These essentials are such as sheets and changing clothes.
Host a Send-Off Party
Kids are easily attached to their friends and moving while leaving their friends affects them. Solve this problem by hosting a party and inviting all their friends and classmates. During the send-off party, you can give them address books so that they can collect personal contact information from their friends in order to keep touch even after you have moved.
Let Your Kids Do the Yard Sale
Moving comes along with giving away of items and selling other items which will not be required in the new home. Let your children (adolescents) organize the yard sale. In this way, they will also engage in the moving process. Moreover, they are more able to tell what they want to sell and what they want to keep.
Ask for Help
The transition is a process that needs to be correctly guided. Ask for help from your child’s teachers and coaches in the new school to help your child establish new friends and adjust to the new school environment.
Help is not just for your children but for you as well. The moving process can be overwhelming. Involve family, friends and a moving company to help you in some areas of packing and moving. There is no shame in asking for help.
You will find it easier to handle both the move and your children when you ask for help.
These tips are very useful for back to school moving when utilized. There is no need to be stressed out and overwhelmed when moving. Yes, back to school moving might be challenging but it is possible especially if that is the only time you have to move. Do not fret, the back to school moving tips are here to help you.
Need Assistance Moving During Back to School?
Alpha Moving and Storage is a company that seeks to make your back to school moving much easier and less stressful. Our services are tailored to meet your specific needs. Give us a call today!