Across Canada Movers Share 5 Expert Tips to Make Moving Easier for Kid

Home shifting can be tough for every family member, but it is even tougher on kids. Near or far, children have to deal with a whole lot of changes: new friends, a new school, and a new neighborhood, all of which could create added stress and anxiety. Seasoned experts at Across Canada Movers say that with some preparations and proper communication, everything becomes easy.

1. Start the Conversation Early

Firstly, children require time to understand the entire move. As soon as firm plans are in place, sit with your children, relaxed over a meal, and discuss those plans candidly. Be honest about the reason for the move and what they can expect. Draw out the positive things about the move: maybe they will have a bigger backyard, a park around the corner, or a school with superb extracurricular activities.

Expert Tip: Refer to a map or pictures depicting the area where you are going. For smaller children, a book about moving furniture across Canada would help them relate. 

2. Help Kids Get Involved in Planning

Kids feel much more confident and less anxious when they feel some control. Get kids involved with age-appropriate jobs in the moving process. For example, there might be opportunities for children to help pack their toys, select paint colors for their new rooms, or even research interesting sites in the area of the new home. 

Expert advice: Go ahead and prepare a “Moving Day Kit” including a backpack stocked with their favorite snacks, toys, games, and comfort items- things for soothing and distracting the children on moving day.

3. Go Visit the New Neighborhood When You Can

When logistics permit, let the child go and view the new house and the neighborhood before the move. Visit local spots such as parks, libraries, and schools, so they can begin getting amped up for their new surroundings.

Expert Tip: If an in-person visit is not practical, consider a virtual tour via Google Maps or community websites. YouTube videos on attractions will help your child imagine their new home.

4. Stick with the Routine

Amidst a chaotic moving schedule, sticking to the routine will help provide some stability for the kids. Keep mealtimes at the same time, maintain bedtime routines and family activity blocks, and keep familiar interactions to ease their anxiety and help with the transition. 

Pro Tip: While adhering to old traditions is essential after a move, allow for a gradual introduction of newer habits that are part of integrating both worlds. 

5. Validate Their Emotions

Relocation runs the whole gambit of emotions: happy, sad, scared, and mad. Encourage your kids to communicate their emotions. Tell them it is okay to miss their old friends or feel scared about the unknown. 

Expert Tip: Get busy organizing a farewell party for your child to say goodbye to friends and neighbors! 

Bonus Tip: Give It Time

It takes time to settle into a new place, true for children and adults. So, be supportive and promote talking about feelings. With a sunny disposition and supportive parent(s), most kids will adapt way quicker than we think! 

FAQs: Moving with Kids

Q1: How can I help my child get used to a new school?

When school is not yet in session, go together and meet the teachers; introduce your child to other children through extracurricular activities and community events. 

Q2: How long does it take after moving for a child to settle in?

Each child does it differently—for some, the adjustment will occur in weeks, others will take up to months. Watch for warning signs indicating that something is still distressing, and support them with love, routine, and encouragement during this time.

Q3: Should one relocate during school time or in the summer?

For the most part, summer would be better because it provides children time to acclimate before beginning a new school year, but relocating mid-school year might provide instant access for establishing new relationships with classmates via an instantaneous social environment within the classroom.