Moving and Children
Parents should spend time after the move listening to each child about new schools and new friends.Make sure to let new schools know when you are arriving so your children can start attending as soon as you get settled.If your move involves suburban to rural, or vice versa, caution children about new situations they will face.Follow progress in new schools.Accompanying your children to school the first few days may ease tension.Don’t try to do everything when you arrive, take everything slowly and let things get on track.Let the children help decide how their new rooms are to be arranged and decorated.You also have to let utilities, internet, and telephone companies, your bank, credit card companies, the electoral board, and other important agencies know that you will be moving and provide them with your forwarding address.The following tips often help children get used to the move before, during and after a family relocates.Help your children learn about the new area.Take a “family break” as soon as the major unpacking is done.For example, take them house-hunting with you.If you have any magazine or other subscriptions, let them know well ahead of time that you are moving as well.Any lingering abnormalities (loss of appetite, insomnia, constipation, diarrhea, menstrual disorder) should be reported to a doctor.
Tips Include the children in making plans for the move.Give Early Notice When you are moving out of state, it is important to give early notice to your children’s schools that you are moving so they can prepare the necessary documents you will need to take to the new schools.If possible, try to get your new state driver’s license issued prior to your arrival.Prepare a package for each child containing snacks, some clothing, a few favorite toys and maybe a new toy,for the move.In addition to letting schools and agencies know that you are leaving, you should also let them know at your final destination that you are coming.Through play-acting with dolls, boxes and a wagon, children can get a feeling of “moving”.
Encourage children to exchange addresses and phone numbers with their friends.
Organize Yourself
Buy beer while you’re there.Keep a master checklist and write on each box what you’ve put inside (e.Wrap anything fragile in sheets or stuff it between pillows.Tip 5: Keep a “last-to-go” box.Use the move as an opportunity to throw away stuff that you never use.Tell them you’ll make it worthwhile by having a new-house-inaugural-party.Color-code your box labels by room — this will make things easier when its time to settle.You’ll need it for tip Tip 3: Bribe your friends into helping.Put everything you can into your suitcases and the plastic storage bins gathering dust under your bed.Tip 4: Buy markers and label and organize your boxes.If you still need boxes, ask for some at a liquor store; they’re sure to have them.
Make sure you keep a positive attitude.Throw some snacks, aspirin and water in there, too.Tip 2: Use packing materials that you own.The last thing you want to do when you have a headache is rummage through your suitcase.Sell, give or throw it away.
Moving is a step-by-step process, so get started now.Finally: Don’t procrastinate!This should include things that you use all the time, as well as important move-related documents.If you’re whiny, your friends aren’t going to want to help, and the only company you’ll have left will be heavy boxes.With the holiday season approaching we wanted to share with you some wise thoughts on getting yourself organized for new moves and fresh starts: Tip 1: Streamline — the trash can is your friend.
