Moving House with a Young Family

Having experienced moving house with a young family I can confirm that it is a challenge. Given the fact that many of you are planning a move with children, now or in the near future, I thought that sharing some tips with you would be helpful, so here goes...

Be organised

With children, the key to any big change is being organised. Estate agents in York, and everywhere else work hard to make the moving process as smooth as possible for their clients.

If this is the first time you have moved, they will explain the entire process to you, so that you know well in advance when you need someone to look after the kids. For example, when you have to attend appointments to sort out the legal side and set up your mortgage.

They will also direct you to resources like this, so that you have a moving checklist that you can follow. Tips like having an open first kid’s box that means you can quickly get your hands on the children’s bedding, pyjamas, food prep items, and toys will save you a lot of stress.

Prepare your children for the idea of moving

Moving is a big upheaval, so tell your children that the family in advance. Show them the house you are moving to, and take the time to point out the positives of the move. You want them to have a positive view of their new home from the start. When they ask about seeing family, friends and pets respond positively, and reassure them that they will not lose contact with these people.

Get them involved 

Letting the kids help with the packing sounds counter intuitive, but is often a good idea. Simple things like getting them to load a box with some books or scrunching up newspaper to protect delicate items gets them involved. It is also a great way to keep an eye on them too while you are busy filling boxes.

Rope in family and friends

Moving is stressful, so the more help you get the better. If friends and family offer assistance, take them up on the offer.

Do moving day without the kids

It is especially helpful if someone will look after the children on moving day. If you can let your children stay with family that they know well. Ideally, for two nights, the night before you are due to move, and the actual moving day.

Bear in mind that the kids could be feeling anxious on moving day, so try to spend a little time with them on that day. You will be crazy busy, but stopping to have a picnic lunch with the kids on your new living room floor is a fun way to take a break. Even better, if someone brings you lunch. That way you do not have to worry about preparing food yourself.

Tailor your approach to how your kids respond to change. If they have never, or rarely, stayed away from home before you may want to keep them with you, but have a friend keep them entertained on the day of your move. Every family is different, so there is no one size fits all approach that will work for everyone. These are just some suggestions to get you thinking. 

And if you're still waiting for that buyer? Well why not take a look here to sell your property quickly. Good luck with move readers!