When your family is growing, it’s often time to stretch your wings and move to a bigger home. Upsizing is fun, but can also be quite daunting when you factor in how to get everything done while looking after your little ones. From cleaning and packing to utilities and removals, there’s a lot to organize in the hours between breakfast and bath time. Here are some tips for a smooth transition to your new home.
The financial side of moving
According to data, an average local move can cost up to $400, while a long-distance move is around $2,000. Needless to say, this is something families will need to factor in and plan ahead for. The same goes for house or mortgage payments on the new property, but the good news is that with a home loan calculator, families can calculate their home loan EMI (equivalent monthly installments) and know exactly how much to set aside per month.
Involving Your Kids
Some children may be reluctant to leave their first home, even with the promise of a bigger and better place. If the decision to move home hasn’t been theirs, it’s important to give your children some control over the process. Perhaps you might let them choose a new bed or the color of wallpaper for their rooms. You could also involve them in any large purchases for the family, such as a new sofa or TV. Offer your children choices and let them know that they have a voice, which is an important part of them feeling settled.
Saying Goodbye
Leaving a familiar environment can be hard for children, and it’s important to respect their emotions. To help preserve special memories, spend time putting together a scrapbook of photos – it’ll be a lovely keepsake to look back on and remember the time you had together there. You can also throw a leaving party, inviting friends and neighbors over to say farewell.
The Day Of The Move
Moving day is always a chaotic experience, so it’s best to keep your kids away from the hustle and bustle. They may feel sad and unsettled to see their old home looking empty, so if possible enlist the help of family or neighbors to look after your little ones for the day. This will give you a chance to carry out some essential prep work to your new house before the kiddies are returned back to you.
Prepping Your New Home
Safety comes first, particularly if you have a baby or toddler on the loose. So start by installing cupboard locks in the kitchen and bathrooms to keep cleaning products and medication out of reach. Any sharp objects such as knives should be placed high up on the countertops, and you may want to change the window blinds immediately if they use dangerous cords.
Once you’re satisfied that your new home has been childproofed, it’s time to set up your children’s bedrooms. Making their bed and displaying their favorite toys and teddies will be a great comfort for your children, so make this a priority over other rooms in the house.
The key to moving house with children is to involve them as much as possible while acknowledging that parts of the process will be much smoother if they’re being occupied elsewhere. Make sure that your little ones know that it’s ok to feel a bit sad or anxious, but spend a lot of time stressing the positives of the move. It won’t be long before the new house feels just like home!
