Moving to a new city with your family can feel stressful and overwhelming sometimes. But that should not be a reason not to enjoy this new chapter of your life.
Families move for different reasons. Some people are either downsizing or wanting to have a bigger space for a growing family. Others want to have a better view around them or a nicer environment. Some may be relocating to get closer to work, be in a better school, or even to get closer to relatives. Whatever the reason you’re moving, your family will need some time to adjust and understand the sense of it.
The move can affect every family member differently. Some may feel excited, and some may even feel scared, especially the kids. They probably won’t agree to relocate as they will be leaving their friends behind. Basically, the things that gave them comfort will be taken away from them.
A study confirms that children whose families moved often are at risk for poorer mental health that can continue into their adult life. So when moving with kids, make sure to help them process what’s happening before and after the move.
Below are ways how you can help your family adjust when relocating to a new city:
As early as possible, let every member of your family know that you’re moving to a new place. If you want, you can also include them in the decision-making process before even finalizing it.
Some family members, especially kids, may find it difficult to comprehend the move. Take the time to have a conversation with them and explain your decision nicely. Another thing you can do is to help them focus more on the benefits of the move rather than what they’re leaving behind. This way, they may feel excited instead of feeling scared.
To add some excitement, it may help if you let them see the new house you’re moving into. You can show them a photo of the house or the neighborhood. You can also let them do a quick Google search to see what amenities and fun activities they can do in the area. If available, try looking at its street view in Google Maps so they could get a feel of what it’s like to be in the place.
If possible, let them visit the new house at least once before you move. When they see the actual place, they can set their expectations and be able to plan things ahead.
Let the children be involved in packing. You can make it fun by creating a checklist of the things they need to pack and organize. Try to categorize it based on how long they need to do it: a few months, a month, a week, and the day before the move.
If they’re included in the process, it will eventually sink into their minds, and be more accepting of it as time goes by.
Throwing out a farewell party can help each family member have closure with their friends before leaving. You can set up one party for the whole family or have different ones depending on age.
For example, if you have children, you can help them have their own farewell party with their friends and classmates. This can be themed according to their likes. The parents, on the other hand, can host a party with invited guests like neighbors, co-workers, and friends. This can be a dinner or wine party, depending on preferences.
But if you’re on a budget, it is definitely fine to have just one party altogether. After all, you’d want to cherish your last days in that house and leave nothing but good memories.
For long-distance moving, the journey can be exhausting and boring for some. Before your trip, try making a checklist of destinations on the way so that you can stop over for a short break. You can also pack delicious snacks and prepare good music that the whole family can enjoy.
Once you arrived at your new house, take the time to rest and bond with one another. You can choose to start unpacking your boxes the next day so you can have more energy to work. During unpacking, you can also let the children help set up and organize things in your new house. Make sure that you also have an unpacking room-by-room checklist prepared so things in your house won’t look scattered when you set up at random.
After setting up your house, you can then start getting to know your new neighbors. You can host a housewarming party and send invitations. If you’re on a tight budget, you can just visit the house next door or invite them over for a nice meal. If you have kids, let them play with other kids in the neighborhood so they would also feel welcome. This will also help them adjust more easily by having new friends in town.
Once you’re all settled in and have befriended new people, it is time that your family get to explore what’s in and around your new location. Schedule a weekend for the whole family to go outside and have fun adventures.
Relocating to another city doesn’t have to be stressful. You can take out the moving blues as long as you choose to enjoy the journey and your new chapter in life. Make sure to keep in touch with old friends and be supportive of every family member if they’re having a hard time adjusting to their new environment. It may take more time than expected, but what matters is that everyone feels at home.
Have you had any experience moving to a new city with your family? What are the things you considered before relocating? Feel free to share some tips when you share this post!