Loading and unloading kids from your car on a typical run to the grocery store can sometimes be a struggle. But, imagine if you had to completely relocate your household. You have to move your children, pets, and move all of your furniture. Moving children in Michigan can be a struggle, but at Men on the Move, our jobs as professionals are to make sure we provide you with everything you need to have an easy, successful move without all of the stress. Here are some of our tips for moving kids in metro Detroit, Michigan.
It is tough enough as an adult to have to move. You may have to relocate your job, become familiar with a new area, and unpack all of your belongings, starting new. With children, a move can be a much more complicated situation. Many times children are too young to understand why their comfortable scenery is here one day and gone the next, for others the thought moving away from their friends or school is tragic, and some may just not care either way.
Until the decision to move comes, there is no way to determine what your child’s reaction will be, it is very important to talk with your child about the move. We look at this as a top priority as you want your child to understand what is going on. There are some important things to remember when talking with your child:
Not all children will react the same to moving. Your child’s age will play a large role in their understanding of the situation, but can often make it more difficult as older kids have developed stronger friendships throughout the school in Michigan.
School plays a large role in moving with your kids. Many say that you should move during the summer while kids are out of school, but we disagree. School is where most children in Michigan will meet friends and communicate with peers daily. Moving during the summer makes it difficult for a child to meet their peers until school begins. Moving in the winter in Michigan is very common for families moving with children.
Once you have talked about the move, you should involve your child in the moving process. One of the best ways to get them involved is to show them their new house and neighborhood. Take them to the new home and take a walk around the neighborhood. Visit their new school to feel secure about their new life. Also, you should visit the local hot spots to show your children all the things they can down in their new area.
You also should give your children a sense of control during the moving process. Depending on their age, you can do a variety of things such as:
Another way you can give. them some control is allowing them to plan their room. Ask where they want their bed or other items. This will let your children feel like their new room is their special place.
While you might not want your children moving heavy boxes or getting in the way on Moving Day, you should allow them to participate. Introduce your children to the movers so they feel comfortable with them being in their home. Give your children items that they can move on their own to help. If your children are too young, you should prepare childcare for them to avoid stress for yourself and others. Finally, if you have time, allow your kids to say goodbye to their home for a sense of closure.
For more tips on moving with children, print our free printable PDF on moving with children in Michigan.