Helping kids relocate to a new place according to Austin movers

Being able to adjust well to a new environment is an important skill for everyone. However, it can be especially tough on young children. Parents are often so focused on making sure everyone else is ready for the big change that they often overlook what might happen to their kids.  When you move with your kids, whether it’s across the street or across the world, they may find it difficult to acclimate. That’s why it’s important to prepare them for the transition into your new home. Here are some ideas on how to help prepare kids when moving with the help of professional Austin movers.

How to prepare kids when moving into a new home

Talk about what’s going on.

The first step in helping your child adjust is simply being willing to talk about it. Young kids have big emotions and big reactions when they don’t understand something or fear change. They need us to help them navigate those feelings by talking through them with them rather than dismissing their fears as silly or irrational. “You seem worried,” or “This has been a big change” are simple ways to open the conversation.

Listen and acknowledge their feelings.

Just as important as talking is listening. Once you have acknowledged their emotions, make sure they know that those reactions are normal and natural. Acknowledge how hard it can be to say goodbye to friends and familiar things, but reassure them that it’s a normal process. If someone they love is going to be left behind, give honest answers about when they will see each other again.

Don’t force anything.

Maintaining some sense of normalcy after a move is important too. While you should try to do things on your child’s schedule, moving near family or their old school can mean more restrictions than usual. If your child needs extra time with familiar activities or toys before introducing the new ones that came in boxes, give it to them!

If they want to say goodbye or get reacquainted with friends and family that live far away, give them the time they need for visits and don’t force them to talk about their feelings unless they want to.

Respect your child’s feelings and give them time to adjust.

Remember that each child is different and may need more or less time than others might to feel comfortable in a new place. Don’t be afraid to seek help if you’re worried about your child’s ability to adjust after a move – a counselor can offer a safe space for them and give you guidance on how best to support them going forward.

Write your favorite things together.

Help them create a list of their favorite things about where they are currently living. Doing this will allow them to see how moving can also have positive aspects. Sometimes, people shy away from change because they don’t know what good might come out of it.

In this way, they can already have something positive in mind before they see the moving company arriving at your door, so that they are more prepared for it.

Remind them of things that will remain the same.

Doing this would make them feel like everything is changing, and that their family will still be there for them. You can discuss this with them as though you’re telling them bedtime stories or at dinner time before hitting the hay. In this way, their thoughts won’t be overwhelmed with possible negative outcomes. Instead, they can focus on how things might remain positive for them even if they’re in a new community in the Austin area or as far as San Antonio, for instance.

Get them involved in the decision-making process.

Children feel more included and safer when their opinions are heard. This can be done by asking for their thoughts on things such as neighborhoods or houses, décor and even pets.

You can also invite them in planning and organizing their rooms so that they have something to look forward to once you arrive in your new place.

Be patient with your kids.

During these transitional periods and encourage communication, allow your kids to express themselves. When they show their feelings without being judged by others, they can embrace the move fully and be stress-free.

Hire an Austin moving company. 

When you hire movers, they will provide all moving supplies and services that you will need. Take your time and search for a suitable company that suits your needs. This is very important because you do not want unnecessary stress to appear during your relocation. There are many different movers, but not all of them provide the best services.

You can also hire them for their packing services to make sure you have the time and energy to focus on other things related to your move.

Remember that there may be many movers who will provide you with a free estimate, but not all of them can provide the best moving services. You should visit a few Austin movers to check their offers and compare prices for moving furniture or moving supplies.

Tips by professional Austin movers when packing and moving with the kids

Put lighter items in smaller boxes.

This should include clothes, pillows and shoes. Doing so will ensure that your heavier items will not break through the bottom of the boxes when they are being moved.

Tip: Austin moving companies recommend wrapping fragile items very carefully in tissue paper or bubble wrap before placing them inside their designated boxes. Make sure there are no gaps between them and use masking tape to secure them together.

Pack toys carefully.

It’s not as simple as just dumping everything into a box and sealing it up. Many toys can be broken or lost very easily so being extra careful is important. For example, plushies, which are made from fabric material, shouldn’t be packed together with harder toys such as plastic cars. They can get damaged if rubbed against each other for a long time, causing irreversible damage.

Tip: Check the local mover’s loading practices. The moving truck should not be fully stuffed where your kid’s toys are placed below boxes that contain heavier items to avoid damages.

Use plastic bags to pack as needed.

Cuddly toys would have a higher chance of getting damaged being jostled around in a cardboard box. It might be compressed more during transport. If there is a small stuffed toy that needs to be packed inside the box, then it should be placed inside a plastic bag and sealed before packing anything else.

Tip: A moving services company will always remind you not to mix your kid’s stuffed toys with their art materials. Watercolor paints, oil pastels and crayons may come in contact with their plushies and smudge them during transport.

Label each box with its contents.

Use a marker or by writing on masking tape that you place across the top of the box. This ensures that movers will know where items go once they reach your new home.

Tip: When unloading everything at your new home, local movers recommend writing down each box’s content on the top cover. In this way, you can quickly know where to place each box without having to open them one by one. It will also keep you from getting confused about what box contains what items when unloaded from the moving truck. Each box should be labeled, for example, “Stuffed toys,” “Art supplies,” “Cars,” or “Dolls.”

Secure boxes.

Don’t forget that putting tape over should be done carefully because there are small children around who would probably pull at anything that’s loose or hanging off another object or surface even if it meant ripping half of it apart.

Tip: Other Austin moving companies would recommend using your clothes for added cushioning instead of bubble wrap. Your clothes can be used for added protection inside boxes. Besides, bubble wrap can take hundreds of years to break down in landfills. Many professional movers have also become environment-conscious so they will surely appreciate your effort.

Pack your family’s essentials a day before in a separate bag.

Pack a bag with the most important items you will need before bed, after a shower, and in case of an emergency. This should include some snacks, extra change of clothes, shoes, toiletries, and medications. Don’t forget to add some water bottles too.

In addition, separate your kids’ essentials, including an extra set of clothes, snacks, feeding bottles, stuffed animals, favorite blanket, or toys. Make sure everyone has shoes and socks! Tie the bags up with their name on them. You don’t want to lose someone’s laundry in the chaos of moving day! Tape the names on the backpacks too.

Tip: Ask your Austin mover where you could buy some essentials along the way. You might run out of diapers or need more snacks during transport. The moving company will be able to guide you on where to purchase them during the move.

Frequently Asked Questions about moving together with the family with movers in Austin

1. Why is moving a big issue for kids?

   Moving can be a difficult process for any family. That’s why children run the risk of struggling with the move even more than their parents. Extra consideration should be given to help prepare kids when moving into a new home.

2. How can my kids enjoy packing before the move?

   Wrap together their favorite things up into one box before moving so they know everything important is still with them. This way, they can see old toys or books or anything else they hold dear. They won’t have to think too much about the fact that while some things around them have changed, many things remain the same.

3. How can I make my children feel good about the move?

   Set yourself as an example. Let them see that you are upbeat about the relocation and you are there to help them during the transition.

4. How can I best prepare them in advance?
   

   Talk with them about all the possible changes that may occur in their life when you’re relocating. This includes changes in their daily activities, faces they’ll see around the house all the time, possibly even new friends.

5. How can we make a long distance move if there are a lot of things we should take with us?

   When making apartment moves in Austin, TX or anywhere else, families usually have a storage problem. It can be useful to hire a storage company when packing. Although this may cost you a bit, the benefits of moving stress-free are typically well worth the cost.

6. How early should I book the services of a professional moving company in Austin, TX?

   The sooner the better. Most people book at least 30 days in advance to get the best rates and dates. Book at least 30-45 days early during these peak months (usually summer and fall) so you can avail of the best moving services.

7. What’s the best way to hire a moving company in Austin, TX?

   Search for experienced movers online and request for a free estimate. This will help you compare prices when you’re making a local move in Cedar Park or Round Rock or a long distance move to San Antonio. Don’t forget to clarify if the full-service moving company will bring moving supplies to meet your moving needs.

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Enjoy a streamlined relocation with expert moving teams no matter where you live with Heavenly Moving and Storage. Book your move knowing you have the full support of the only moving company in Austin on ABJ’s 2021 Best Places to Work and Best of the Best Moving Company Finalist. Get your free quote today or call us at 512-340-0551.