Moving to a new home is one of the most stressful and challenging events that you can go through. Not only will this event be difficult for you, but it is also going to be a challenge for other members of your family, especially the children.
When you are buying or selling a home, your children need to move too! That means they have to leave the home they’re comfortable in and readjust. This makes the process of moving especially difficult for kids because they will be saying goodbye to friends, starting at a new school, and trying to fit into a new environment.
To ease the transition and make it simpler, there are tricks and tips you can follow to provide your kids with much-needed stress relief. In fact, we are happy to give you access to a new report that offers you 10 tips to prepare your child for the move.
For a start, let us look at 3 of the top tips,
1. Have Kids Come to the Showings with You
It may seem counterintuitive, but you should consider bringing your children with you to house showings. Of course, it will depend on your kids’ ages and personalities, and this option can certainly go in a good direction or a bad direction.
For kids who are under the age of 3, you will probably need to carry them and give them constant attention and supervision. These distractions may limit your ability to fully enjoy viewing the house, and this is especially true if they have a meltdown. Remember, they will not know what exactly is going on at this age.
Bring older children along to look at potential homes because they will enjoy being a part of the home buying process. It could help in eliminating some of their fear, worry, and confusion. Be sure to ask them what their favorite rooms are, encourage them to explore outside, and always reward them for good behavior!
Pro tip: Make the home buying process a game for kids! Bring some coloring books and paper, develop a scavenger hunt, and help them feel more comfortable in the house.
2. Don’t Throw Out Old Toys
When you make the decision to move, one of the first things you will consider doing as you begin to box up your belongings is to downsize. This includes your children’s things.
Before you start chucking the items that have been cluttering your home which belong to your kids, don’t. It can be devastating for the kids, especially when they realize they no longer have items that may have brought them joy.
When you begin to pack up your children’s belongings, be sure that they are a part of the process. Have them separate their toys into three piles:
- Pile 1: Items which are kept and brought to the new house
- Pile 2: Items which will be donated to a local shelter or community center
- Pile 3: Items which are beyond repair and need to be thrown away due to safety reasons. Children need to understand this is the reason they are being tossed.
Pro tip: It is important for children to have control in situations like these, and being a part of the pile making process can provide that control to them.
3. Allow Kids to Decide How to Decorate Their New Rooms
A great way for kids to get excited about their new homes is to allow them to have input when it comes to decorating their rooms. They will be living in those rooms, so it should reflect their personalities.
Go shopping for items online or in stores that are a reflection of their interests and personalities. Have them find things that will provide them comfort during times of stress.
Here are several things to look for with your kids:
- New bedding or a new bed
- Paint color
- Pictures and decor to hang on the wall
- New toys
- New games
If the kids are excited about moving to their new homes because of their new rooms, it will ease the anxiety they may be feeling.
Pro tip: Things that comfort your child are essential for the move, and you could even consider throwing a goodbye party to offer your kids closure.
Our Realtors Will Help You When Moving with Kids in Ocala
The top tip that we can recommend when moving with kids in Ocala or anywhere in northern Florida is to maintain open and honest communication with your children at all times. This includes before, during, and after the move. Kids take time to process their feelings and adjust, so be sure your children feel comfortable talking with you whenever they are ready.
At Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty - Coldwell Real Estate Services, our team of experienced realtors is here to ensure that you and your family are 100% satisfied with your new homes and to help you all adjust to the new environment. We will guide you through the entire process so that you have the best experience possible.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to give us a call at 352-290-3512 or fill out the form below with the requested information to get contact from our team. We are happy to send you access to a complete list of helpful hints to assist you when moving with kids in Ocala.
Starting with our free no-obligation consultation, you will be packing before you know it!
