My family is moving!
Our home for the past 8 years has brought us so many “firsts”. It was our “first” time to flip a home (we remodeled every inch of it). This home was where we had our “first” baby boy, followed by our “first” baby girl. This home is where our kids took their “first” steps, where my son lost his “first” tooth and rode his “first” bike without training wheels. So many wonderful memories to cherish and pack up.
Taping up boxes for the move.
It’s a bittersweet move for our family as we are choosing to build a home close to my husband’s office, and in a wonderful school system. Yet we are leaving behind our good friends and the comfort of our neighborhood. To make moving easier for my 6 year old and 4 year old we made a simple countdown to moving chart, read some books about moving and asked them to be part of the moving/packing process. We had the kids help pack and sort their toys (a wonderful donation time), and then decorate the boxes. My son was also very helpful in taking apart the beds and using Dad’s tools.
Coloring boxes kept my daughter very busy while we packed.
At first my son, the 6 year old, was sad we were moving as he would be leaving his friends, but he is coming around and getting excited about his new school and new bedroom. My daughter, the 4 year old, really hasn’t voiced any emotion either way – yet?
I know several of our readers have experienced a “family move” or are preparing to in the future. Are there any fun moving tips or stories you would like to share?
We had the house we live in now built literally from the ground up so we brought our then “only” son to the site every single day so he could watch the process. Then, when we were ready to move in we made up his room first – decorations and all – so that he’d feel like he was “home” right away. He was 2.5 years old at the time, but I would think the same thing would work for older kids. Make them feel welcome and “at home” first. Then focus on the family spaces like the kitchen and family or living room. Making sure their room is set up first will give them a sense of ownership and security. Good luck.
We just moved this past spring from Howell to Rockford/Belmont area with a 4 yr old, 2 yr old and a baby. We have had trouble with the 4 yr old adjusting. As excited as she is, she was very angry with us, and it took a month or so before she really “cracked” and sobbed letting us know how much she missed her babysitter (whom she only had babysit when we rarely went on a date) and she missed our elderly neighbor who wa like a grandma to her. Letting this out and calling to talk wit them occasionally has helped a lot but she still misses having “her things the way they were”. Some of their toys didn’t get unpacked right away and even though they didn’t ask for them, I think the girls thought we didn’t bring them. Just keep talking with them and try to help them understand if you are stressed. Try not to have other changes going on those first few weeks if you can help it. And be sure to visit any nearby parks, libraries and ice cream shops! Hopefully it goes smoothly but their feelings will be a roller coaster for a little while and sleep issues may resurface….oh joy! Good luck!
In an effort to not lose my kids’ (4, 2-1/2 and 1 year old at the time) favorite toys, I bought colored plastic totes for each of them. This was their responsibility to pack just the right truck, legos, baby doll, blanket, pacifier, etc. They loved taking an important role in the moving process. The last week at the old house, the contents of their tote was the only item in their bedrooms. It was the very last box packed on the ‘walk’ down the street to the new house, and it was the very first box unpacked- the kids’ rooms were our first priority on move-in day. Today, these totes are used for their keepsakes- my favorite outfit, baby book, doll, etc. Congratulations on your new home- blessings to you and your family!