Moving house with children
How do you feel when you think about moving home? Do you need to take a deep breath and mentally prepare the checklist in your mind to make sure everything goes to plan and in the time frame you want it to happen? Now throw children into the mix - how do things change? Unpopular opinion incoming: we don’t believe there needs to be a monumental change here.
Switching up your family home is of course a life-changing event and impacts everyone, especially children. Any house move involves a lot of moving parts, and people. We understand that it’s notoriously a stressful process, without involving children and managing their emotions and needs throughout the whole experience.
The Cooper Adams team has helped families buy and sell homes across West Sussex for 20 years. We know what we are doing, and we do it well, so much so that we see the same faces return years later.
We are confident we know what we are doing and have noticed a handful of proven tips to use that help the task of moving home with children feel less like a nightmare and more like an exciting adventure. If you’re looking to move home with children, try the following 4 tips to help get you moving on to your next fun family adventure. For extra support, make sure you read our blog ‘the secret to moving home faster with more security and less stress’.
Location, location, location and research, research, research
Researching the right location before moving is crucial for any family. It helps parents ensure they've chosen a neighbourhood with all the necessary amenities and safety features, like good schools and parks, making life easier and more enjoyable for the whole family. Plus, when children are told about the move, parents can show them the exciting opportunities their new area offers and can alleviate their worries about leaving behind their old home. By knowing what to expect, both parents and children can feel more confident and optimistic about the move.
Some schools may offer taster days, open days which are a great idea to help children transition and get a feel for what will be their new ‘normal’. Another practical tip is for parents to leverage social media - find out about and even sign up to local networks, groups, communities and clubs that can be suitable for each family member to help integrate into a new area more quickly and seamlessly.
The right time, the right place
One of the most important pieces of advice we share with any parents looking to move home with children, especially younger children, is that you keep them out of the process until things are more stable. There’s a lot to be said for not showing property to children until after an exchange has happened but ultimately it’s your decision. It might sound harsh, but we have your best interests at heart and this advice comes from first-hand experience.
Ultimately, children can be a distraction and we want you to make the right choice for your family. Initial house viewings are a prime example of a time when we think you should be working through the process child-free. You have a lot of new information being given to you at the time and you need to be able to take in your surroundings, ask questions and really gain a sense of each property without worrying about what your children are doing and having to parent on a viewing. A number of the Cooper Adams team are parents, have moved home with children, and agree with this advice. Our house viewings don’t take too long so we highly recommend asking a family member or friend to look after your children in advance so you can attend viewings without them.
Communication is key
Talking openly and honestly with each other is incredibly important when it comes to moving house, especially because children and adults often have different perspectives. For children, the idea of moving can stir up a range of emotions, from excitement to anxiety, especially if they've only ever known one home. That's why it's crucial for parents to create a supportive environment where children feel comfortable expressing their concerns and asking questions, no matter how small. Even simple things like whether they can bring their favourite toys can make a big difference in helping children feel more secure during the transition.
By actively listening to children's feelings and reassuring them throughout the process, parents can turn what might initially seem like a daunting change into an exciting adventure for the whole family. Celebrating each step of the journey, from packing up boxes to exploring the new neighbourhood, can help children feel more positive about the move and create lasting memories that they'll cherish. Ultimately, by focusing on open communication and empathy, families can transform moving house into a special time of growth, discovery, and bonding.
Moving day
During the moving day, it's a good idea to plan something fun for the children, like a sleepover at a friend's or family member's house. This way, they can have a good time while the grown-ups take care of the moving stuff. When they come back to the new home, it's helpful to have their bedroom mostly set up, with their favourite things ready for them to see and use. This makes the new place feel more familiar and helps them settle in quicker. Having their toys and other familiar stuff around can make the new house feel more like home right from the start.
A popular way to help children engage and get excited about returning to a new home is buying them a special 'moving in' present. Just like we as adults treat ourselves to various things for the new home, it's only fair to do something special for the little ones too. We hear you already thinking ‘moving house is expensive enough already’ but this doesn’t have to be extravagant, and the impact can be worth it tenfold. Brilliant examples we’ve seen include a fun indoor play tent, a special night light for their bedroom, infant slide or a make your own bug hotel for the garden. It's all about making them feel really special in their new home and giving them something to look forward to. Trust me, it makes a big difference!
Moving home is a stressful time for adults regardless of whether there are children involved or not. Cooper Adams can guide you through every step of your journey, providing professional advice, support and guidance you can trust.
We deal with people first, property second. Moving from one chapter of your life to another needs a bespoke service made just for you. Hence why each property that we sell we have this handy section on the page dedicated to the property on our website:
Click on it to access a unique key facts portal specific to that property. Inside you will find information about house price statistics, planning history, local schools, transport links and so much more.