5 Ways to Make Moving Memorable for Children

Written by Shelby Reno

Leaving the familiar can be tough on the psyche for anyone, but for a child it can be traumatic. The only bedroom they’ve ever known might be what they are letting go, so identifying ways to ensure your child’s experience is a positive one is easier than you might expect.

Our movers are encouraged to meet the child at his or her level. Once a kid feels comfortable with the people who are hired to move the entire contents of his life, the anxiety is diffused and the child is more apt to join in the adventure. We recently saw this in action at a franchise in Atlanta, Ga. After engaging the six-year-old boy of a couple who was moving for the first time in that child’s brief history, he wanted to help the moving team, so the movers made him an honorary supervisor, outfitting him with an official armband. The boy’s parents were so touched that they sent a heartfelt letter to the office and thanked the moving team for making an indelible impression on the youngster. Giving them a part to play can make all the difference to our precious little ones.

Here are five key thoughts to consider if you’re moving with small ones:

1) Harness the good in change, and frame the move as a grand adventure. Plan a fun event after the move is complete. Make a favorite meal or buy a new piece of furniture you know they’ll love, like a bean bag, canopy netting for the bed, an inexpensive tent for the new room or a wall decal of their favorite cartoon character.

2) Remove the unknown by planning ahead. Keep the move a daily topic, especially as the move nears. You’ll pick up on anxiety triggers allowing you to head off potential issues.

3) Pack special toys and lovies in a carry-on that never leaves the child’s side. Keeping their favorite things close is a sure-fire way to curry comfort and reduce anxiety.

4) Make introductions to strangers on move day. Our movers care about pets and kids, and there are countless stories of our teams going above and beyond for our clients’ loved ones. While moving can be stress-filled, professional movers know they are hired to minimize this to any degree they’re able.

5) Take advantage of opportunities to be inclusive with your children. Many kids just want to have place in the process. There are opportunities abound that give them a role while keeping them out of the fray. Ensure their special tasks are safe but rewarding.

If you and your chosen movers handle your children’s experience with TLC, your move will be memorable for all the right reasons.