Moving house is always a difficult and stressful time but is even more demanding if you have children.
The key to moving successfully with children is to get them on board with the planning and preparation.
Here are our top tips
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- Talk to the children about the move and include them in discussions about moving day so they are prepared for the event
- Visit the new house and in particular show them their bedroom and discuss how their things will be arranged in the room
- Visit the local area to make everywhere more familiar
- Go through their current bedroom with them and get rid of toys, books and games they no longer use and give to a charity shop.
- Encourage the children, with your help, to pack up their own things, selecting just a few items to go in a special essentials box that can be kept handy to give them on removal day when you arrive at the new house.
- Pack up an essentials kit for all the family to have easy access to on moving day. The essentials box should contain- snacks, drinks, spare clothes and toiletries.
- On the day, arrange for the children to be looked after for at least part of the day so you can get on with the move more swiftly and efficiently.
- To encourage the children to settle in their new home let them arrange and unpack their things in their bedroom. It maybe things are moved round at a later stage but it is important that the children feel safe and are surrounded by the things they treasure that first night.
- When you introduce yourselves to the neighbours, take the children with you so they can meet other children.
- Once you are settled, invite a few of the neighbour’s children round to play.
Of course, if you have the time and somewhere to stay temporarily, you could consider putting your belongings into storage for a few days following completion: this would give you time to clean, child-proof and even decorate your new home before moving in properly.
If you require storage during a move, get in touch with you nearest Spaces and Places today