How to make moving house stress free for your children

Moving house is very exciting. Choosing an area to live in, whittling down your list of priorities for your new home and then putting together a shortlist of properties can be very exhilarating.

However, it is easy in the midst of this excitement to forget that the decisions you are making do not only affect you but your children as well. Children can often feel overwhelmed and apprehensive about something as big as a house move. That is why it is important to involve them as much as possible from the start. 

Over the years we have helped hundreds of families find their dream homes in Lanarkshire and have picked up a few tips on how to help your children feel involved and become as enthused about moving as you are.

Everyone is apprehensive about things they do not know about or understand so take the time to explain to your children why you are moving: is it for a bigger garden, more space or because you wish to live in a more convenient location? Explain the benefits of moving to them and don't forget to listen to their concerns and opinions. 

Giving them some autonomy over the choice of the paint colour or furniture for their new room can give them a sense of having some control in this new adventure which will help to make it feel less scary and out of their control.

First viewings are best attended without your little ones, obviously, this is not always possible and they are always welcome. However, my reason for suggesting this is simply because you may decide a property may be completely unsuitable for you but your child may decide the opposite so will be disappointed when you disagree. 

Leaving your little ones at home will also mean that you can concentrate on the viewing without your child trying to hold a conversation with you at the same time or you having to worry about what your children are touching. We have all been there!

Choosing to take your children on second viewings when you have already decided that the property is a contender allows you to involve them in the selection process and runs less risk of disappointing them if you don't choose the property they have set their hearts on. 

Finally, on moving day make sure that you pack their most treasured belongings into a bag that they can keep hold of. Avoiding a panic about where their favourite cuddly toy is will make the day a lot less stressful for them and give them the comfort of knowing that whilst everything in the rest of the house is packed in boxes they are still able to cuddle and play with the things that make them feel safe.

We are always delighted to help your children feel involved in the process of finding their new home. If you would like us to help find the perfect property for your whole family in the Lanarkshire area please just give us a call on 01698 441327