At some point or another, many families will face the prospect of moving to a new home. Moving can be a tedious and overwhelming process. A collaborated effort from the whole family, including the youngest family members, can ensure that your move goes smoothly. Since moving can be a little scary or unnerving for children, there are numerous things you can do before, during and after your move to help everyone feel at ease.

Before you move, take an opportunity to explain what is happening to your children. You can help them to better understand a job transfer or explain that moving into a new house can be exciting. If possible, express to your children that their input and ideas about the move are important, and include them in the selection of your new home. You can entice them by allowing them to choose their own new bedrooms in the home and to help decide what kind of backyard additions to add, such as a jungle gym or a pool. If you are moving to a new town close by, you can also offer to take your children there to visit or explore before you move. This can help make it feel like an adventure, which might be exciting for them.

Ensure that your children know they are an essential part of your family’s move, and that their help and ideas are important to you. You can assign your children the responsibility of helping to pack up their rooms or toys with your help. You can also ask your children if they would like to keep their bedroom furniture in the same arrangement in their new bedrooms. On your actual moving day, ask your older children if they would like to help bring some light boxes out to the moving truck. See if you can arrange for your younger children to stay with a relative or friends during the move to help keep them safe and entertained. You may also want to consider hiring a professional moving company that can help out. With movers on your side, you can focus on your children throughout this transitional phase instead of worrying about the details of the moving process itself.

After you complete your move, be sure to take time to help your children adjust. Try to keep playtimes and mealtimes consistent, so that your children will have a sense of familiarity in their new home. If your children are attending a new school after the move, be sure to encourage them to tell you about their new classmates and teachers and to confide in you if they are having any trouble or anxiety.