Moving is a source of stress for the family, especially children, because they do not always understand the reasons for such a change. For adults, managing the details and decisions involved in the move can cause tension. So remember that communicating effectively is essential: family members need to help each other during this delicate time.

Before the move

Make decisions as a family! Do not shut yourself off: give everyone a say and listen to what your partner and children think about how you are organising things, and involve them in the decisions. Talking will clear up some doubts and help find new solutions.

It is normal for your children to be sad or anxious about saying goodbye to the places and people that were part of their lives. To help with this, talk to them a few weeks before the move, explain why you are moving, listen to what they think and share your own feelings with them. Highlight the positive aspects of the change.

• If possible, visit your future home, the school, the local park… with them.
• Encourage your children to help with the preparations by packing their toys and clothes (to be done last). Let them help choose the decorations for their future bedrooms…

They will feel more in control. Prepare a box of souvenirs of the old house, such as photos or objects they treasure.

• Despite the unexpected, try to keep your routines as far as possible. Include other family members, grandparents and close friends in some discussions about the move so that your children can talk about it with them too.
• Some people are more comfortable with overall organisation and others with getting things done. Do not try to manage everything yourself. Organise a family lunch with the children and grandparents a month before and share out the tasks among family members, ideally in pairs so that nobody feels overwhelmed: together you will be more efficient and everyone will feel they are actively taking part in the move.

Moving day

• If your children are young, consider arranging childcare to make the day easier. Bear in mind, however, that seeing the old home empty or the new one fill up will help your children understand what is really happening.
• Give each family member different tasks. This will be especially important when you show the movers where the furniture and boxes go.
• Set up your children’s bedroom first, so they can easily find their toys and cuddly toys. Let them choose where the beds and furniture go, and let them unpack the toys they will be happy to see again themselves.
• Once the furniture is in, take a short walk around your new neighbourhood and have lunch at a local restaurant so that everyone can relax.

After the move

• Be patient and listen to your family members even if you have a lot to do, and give them time to say goodbye to your old home.
• Once you are settled into your new home, invite your children’s group of friends to visit, to show them they can stay in touch with their old friends.
• Introduce yourselves to your new neighbours and encourage the whole family to take part in local activities (sport, clubs, music…)