Tips to make moving house with kids less stressful
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Ask a parent one thing they dread, and I’m sure most will tell you the same thing: moving house! Moving house can be stressful enough if it is just you and a partner, but once you add kids to the mix, the stress levels will be through the roof! But don’t worry; there is plenty that can be done to make it easier for everyone involved to cope. Here are some very effective tips for making the whole process as stress-free as possible.
Let The Kids Know What To Expect
One of the worst things you could do is surprise the kids with the move, especially if they are still only very young. Once you decide that you are going to sell your current house, you should sit down with your children and explain to them the changes that will occur in the coming months. This way, they can start to get used to the idea slowly. Once you have bought a house, it is also a good idea to take them to see it before they move in. This will then reduce any big shocks on moving day, which can greatly reduce the risks of tantrums!
Pack A Special Toy Bag For The Kids
When you are packing up your belongings, you should make sure you pack a bag with some of your children's toys and games. It doesn’t have to be huge; just a small backpack with a few select toys should do. They can then keep this with them at all times on moving day. The kids can then play with their favourite toys in the car as you drive to your new home. This will keep them occupied, and can distract them from the big change that is happening.
Don’t Let Yourself In For Any Surprises
There is one nightmare scenario that sees new homeowners move into a house that is riddled with problems. Lots of people fear this whenever they do move, and often this fear doesn’t subside for a few weeks until they are sure that there are no underlying problems with the property. But you don’t have to live with this stress - which can easily be heightened by having to deal with kids - once you move in. If you get some building survey quotes, you should see that you can comfortably afford a survey on your new home, which can give you peace of mind about the quality of the building work and property.
Don’t Rush To Unpack
Once you are in your new home, you will no doubt want to turn it from a house into a family home as soon as possible. But that doesn’t mean you should be in a hurry to unpack. If you have had a long journey, you and your kids will be very tired, so it makes sense to prioritise sleep. You can always start unpacking the next day once you are all completely refreshed. Once you do start, take things slowly so you can watch the kids as you work on getting your new home in order.