Moving your children
Moving with children is never easy; they are leaving their family home and may not understand why, but there are ways to minimise the impact that moving house has on them.
- The earlier you tell your children about the move, the better – it will give them time to come to terms with it. Help them focus on the positives of the move; for example, are you moving for a new job? Is it a bigger house? Is there a garden for them to play in?
- When you start packing, involve the kids by giving them little jobs to do around the house, such as washing the windows, or packing soft goods like pillows and blankets. Reward them for a job well done!
- Let them decorate and label boxes to keep them occupied and excited.
- Pack their essentials for moving day, including their favourite toy & pyjamas, their pillow, blanket and clothes for the new house.
- Give your children some control. Moving house is totally out of your children’s hands, so you will make them feel like their opinion matters by allowing them to choose how they want their room to look – the colour they want their walls painted, where their bed will go, and which toys they want to keep.
- Keep the same routines. Children thrive on routines, so make sure their mealtimes, bath times and bed times are the same in the new house.
Moving your pets
All pets react differently to a house move. Many are territorial and can become stressed when taken out of their environment, and it may take some settling in time.
The easiest option would be to put your pet in a kennel, cattery, or have them stay with friends or relatives for a few days, but not everyone has this option. So hopefully by following these tips you will be able to keep your pets relaxed for the duration of your move:
- Update your contact details before moving, including your pet’s tags and insurance. Also, make sure you register with a new vet if you are moving to a new area.
- Have someone, perhaps children, to look after pets while you organize your move. It will feel less stressful if they’re being occupied by someone!
- On moving day, give your pets a designated empty room and keep the door closed. This will keep them safe and also prevent them running out of the door if they become anxious. Put a sign on the door so removal staff know not to go in.
- Move your pets last so they deal with minimal disruption and can be taken straight to their new home. Make sure they have bedding, water, food and toys to keep them occupied. Maybe you could put down some old jumpers that smell like you for extra comfort.
- Keep your pets’ routines, like feeding and walking times. Depending on age and obedience, you’ll need to make a judgement call on how to introduce them to a new area, especially with territorial cats and/or dogs that run away when off the lead!
- Some pets try returning to their old home in the first few weeks after the move. If possible, inform the new residents of your old home that they may be paid a visit and to inform you if so.
Moving house with your pets and children doesn’t need to be overwhelming and stressful. If you hire a reputable removal company, you will have the time to prepare and settle into your new home as quickly as possible.
