Guest post provided by: Leslie Campos
For many people, moving is a stressful life event. The process is even more challenging if you have children. Here are five tips from the Madriella Doula Network you can use to make moving easier for everyone in the family.
1. Research School Districts
Your kids’ education is one of your top priorities, so if you plan on moving, spend some time researching the local school districts to make sure they are a good fit for your children. You can look on GreatSchools to get ratings on the schools in your district. You may also find it helpful to ask other local parents about the quality of schools before you decide to move and enroll your kids in a certain district.
2. Find a Kid-Friendly Home
Look for a new home that meets your children’s needs. For example, if you plan to buy a house, look for one with a large fenced-in backyard, so your kids have plenty of room to burn off extra energy. If you are moving to a condo or apartment, look for one near a park, so your kids have a place to play nearby. Look for a house with plenty of room to accommodate everyone in your family. You should also ensure that it is in an area with other kids so that your children can make friends quickly.
3. Prepare to Move Your Business
The key to a stress-free move is organization. This includes preparing to move your business to your new location. The less stressed you are, the easier the moving process will be for your kids. You should announce the move to your customers before you travel to your new location. You can do this by sending out a newsletter, posting on your website, or announcing the move on social media. Keep all of your business supplies together so you can start working quickly as you settle into your new home, and get new business cards that list your new address.
4. Develop a Packing System
Allowing your kids to pack up their belongings makes them feel as if they are part of the moving process. Develop a color-coded moving system so that you know where each box belongs when you arrive at your new house. Assign each child a different color so that they know which items belong to them. They can then grab their assigned color once they arrive at the new house and start setting up their bedrooms.
5. Help Your Kids Adjust
According to one study, 10% of children under the age of 14 move each year. Many of these kids make multiple moves by the time they are teenagers, which often has a detrimental effect on their mental health and social skills. It’s important to give your kids time to adjust to their new location after a move to minimize the impact on their mental health. Help your kids make friends by taking them to local playgrounds and signing them up for school events. Make yourself available to talk whenever your children need to express their feelings about the move and be honest about moving timelines and what to expect once you arrive at your new home.
Moving is often a stressful event for the whole family, but kids usually have the hardest time adjusting to a new home. Use these tips to make moving easier for your children.
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