Most adults consider moving a disruptive and stressful experience, and it's even more so when you are moving
\nwith kids. Nevertheless, modern families move more often than previous generations did, and moving to an
\napartment with kids is just part of life. But just because moving is a regular occurrence doesn't mean it needs to be
\nmade harder than necessary. Below we've gathered six ways to make moving to an apartment just a little bit
\neasier on kids, and by extension, adults.<\/p>\n
1. Give Your Kids Time<\/h3>\n
Tell your kids ahead of time about an upcoming move. Give them 2-3 months notice if at all possible. Sometimes,
\nmoving to an apartment happens on short notice, but always try to give your kids as much time as you can to
\nprepare for the move.<\/p>\n
2. Give Your Kids a Semblance of Control<\/h3>\n
One of the things that makes moving more difficult for kids that they usually have little say in where or when their
\nparents are moving to an apartment. Kids thrive on routine, and changes can be scary, especially when they affect
\ntheir surroundings and social circle in the way a move does. Giving back a little bit of control to the kids will go a
\nlong way in making the transition smoother for all parties involved. It doesn't take much: if the apartment is nearby,
\ndrive by and point it out to the kids, or if the move is long-distance show the child pictures of their new home. If
\npossible, let the kids pick out their rooms, or maybe even pick paint colors before moving. Talk about activities you
\ncan do together in the new place, and visit or look up nearby schools, stores, or playgrounds. All these little things
\nmake the new home real to the kids and will help them begin to prepare by imagining their new life after the move.<\/p>\n
3. Try to Schedule Your Move During The Summer<\/h3>\n
If at all possible, try to schedule your move during the summer months, after the school year has ended. Moving to
\nan apartment during the summer, lets kids start the new school at the same time as the other students. It's easier
\nto make friends at the beginning of the school year than it is later on when friendship groups form.<\/p>\n
4. Be Positive About the Move<\/h3>\n
Kids look to adults for clues on how to manage their feelings during changes like moving to an apartment. Moving
\nis stressful and challenging for most parents, but try to focus on the positive aspects of moving when your child is
\nin earshot. When children see that you are excited and positive about the prospect of moving, they will be excited
\nand positive too.<\/p>\n
5. Keep the Move Fun<\/h3>\n
There are lots of games you can play with your children to make the moving to an apartment more interesting for
\nthem. Older kids can help label or even decorate moving boxes. Younger children might have more fun if you
\nmake up a silly moving-song in a familiar tune, then you can sing it together as you pack and move. You can also
\nlet children help pack, and hide little surprises in between the things they are packing, like small toys, stickers, or
\neven candy. Making a moving day playlist that you can play in the car, or moving truck, as you drive to the new
\napartment is also a fun idea.<\/p>\n
6. After the Move<\/h3>\n
As soon as you are moved into the new apartment, make finishing your child's room a priority. It can be difficult for
\nchildren to feel at home if their room is full of packed boxes, even if their bed can be slept in. It is a good idea to
\nlimit other changes during the move. If your child is about to outgrow their bed, for example, consider letting them
\nkeep the old bed until they are settled in the new place, and then make the changes in furniture. If possible,
\ndecorate and arrange furniture in your child's room in the new apartment to look like their old room. Children often
\nfeel safer when they are around things that are familiar to them.<\/p>\n
Hopefully, these tips will make moving to an apartment just a little bit easier, if not downright fun, both for the kids,
\nand the adults involved.<\/p>\n
Happy moving!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Most adults consider moving a disruptive and stressful experience, and it's even more so when you are moving with kids. Nevertheless, modern families move more often than previous generations did, and moving to an apartment with kids is just part of life. But just because moving is a regular occurrence doesn't mean it needs to… <\/p>\n