With its temperate weather and months-long break from school, summertime is generally regarded as the best time to move. Unfortunately, a person’s busy schedule doesn’t always allow them the luxury of moving during the summer months. Moving in the middle of the school year is often challenging both for parents and their children. Luckily, we can help! Beyond offering affordable moving services, our team at UF Mover Guys provides helpful tips to assist people in navigating even the most difficult of moves. Check out the following tips for moving with kids during the school year!
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Discuss The Move With Your Kids
Kids need time to process their feelings and prepare for change, so don’t keep them out of the loop for too long. Shortly after making your decision to move, host a family meeting and break the news to them. Discuss the specifics of your relocation with them, tell them why you’re moving, where you’re moving, and when the move will take place. Share with them why you’re excited about moving, and once you’re done talking, take them to do something they enjoy. Also, be prepared to be met with resistance, especially if you’re moving somewhere far away. This is a perfectly normal reaction from kids, and it will pass with time. Just remember to be open and available to answer any questions they may have.
Research Schools In Your New Neighborhood
Start researching new schools for your children to attend as early as possible before your move. Review each school’s educational quality, extracurricular activities, proximity to your home, and on-site facilities. If you’re able, take a tour of the schools with your child. Have older kids? Include them in the process! Parents should be sure to factor in their children’s unique needs and specific preferences when making a final decision regarding education. Once you’ve decided on a new school, contact your kid’s current school and have them transfer over any transcripts, health information, report cards, and credits.
Visit The New Home With Your Children
Nothing is scarier than the unknown, and to your kids, their new home is likely just a big question mark. That said, taking your children to visit their new home, town, and school can help lessen any anxieties they have about moving. If possible, bring your kids with you to tour their new school, and then take them out to do something fun around their new town. Bring them up to see their new house and encourage them to think about how they’re going to decorate their new room. Familiarizing your kids with their new town before the big move can make the transition significantly less daunting.
Host A Farewell Party For Your Kids
Saying goodbye to your friends is never easy, especially when you’re a kid and they’re the only friends you’ve ever known. This is one of the primary reasons moving is so challenging for kids. Help them say goodbye the right way by hosting a farewell party and inviting all of their closest friends. Also, help them understand that just because they’re moving doesn’t mean they can’t stay in touch with their friends. Exchange contact information with other parents, set up online games to play with friends, and do whatever you can to ensure your children don’t have to end relationships that bring them comfort. Rest assured that your kids will make plenty more friends in their new town.