This is a collaborative post
If you are moving house and unsure how your children will cope with the change of home, school etc then these tips should help you to ensure that your house move is as stress-free as possible for your children. I am a mum to a child with autism who has struggled significantly with change so if these tips have helped him I hope they will help you.
Get them involved in choosing the house
When you have found the house you will move to, take them to see it and then ask them if they would like to choose that house or a house you know they will dislike. For example, if they will have their own room and you know they don’t want to share with a sibling then ask them if you should arrange to move to this house or one with a shared bedroom. Make sure they think the house is their idea!
Make the day of the move fun
Get the children excited about the house move. Tell them about the big lorry coming to put all their things in and if you have a good full removal service you may be able to arrange with the company to see the lorry beforehand if it would help them to visualise it. If they love their teddies maybe get them to explain to them about the move and ask them to watch their toys on the lorry!
Visit the area and make plans
Visiting the new area and making plans such as “this is the park we will be able to go to at the weekend” and “here is a shop we can go to spend your pocket money” etc. Simple things like this can help them imagine how lovely it would be to live there. If there are any local landmarks they will live near then why not take them to see those too? When I was young and I moved to Hull I told my teacher I was moving to the Humber Bridge!
Help them design their new bedroom
Depending on your budget this could be as simple as choosing a picture for the wall or new bedding or perhaps choosing wallpaper that will make the room somewhere they love. My son always found it helpful to have familiar things as well as new things so he knew as soon as we arrived where his favourite toys were and could show them his new pictures!
