Moving can be stressful on its own, but when you add the additional complications that kids & pets bring to the mix, it can feel impossible. Depending on the age of your kids, and your pet, some moves may seem easier than others, but the stress you’re feeling might manifest drastically in your dependents.
The good news is that with some foresight and lots of planning, you can ease the way for your kid and pets. When your kids and animals are happier, you’ll definitely feel relief. Before your move your entire household to a new place, read these tips first.
1. Consider your timing
There isn’t an “easy” time to move, but there are definitely some life events that can make it more difficult for everybody involved. If there has been a recent death in the family or you’re getting a divorce, then both the children and the pets are likely to already be feeling anxiety. Adding a move on top of that is probably not the best plan. If possible, try to wait at least 6 to 12 months before you move.
2. Research the new area
When you tell your children about the move, they’re probably going to have a lot of questions. Your pets may be able to ask, but they’ll still want the assurance of some consistence. They need to know that they can still go on a walk and will still have plenty of food. Here’s a couple of things you may research from the beginning:
- Schools, parks, walking trails, pet stores, veterinarians, doctors, restaurants and other attractions like libraries, and more.
- Find some cool places that you know will excite your kids when they hear about them.
Older kids may want to help with the area research, and you should encourage them to check out whatever they need to in order to fell comfortable about their new home. It helps to have a good understanding of where you’re going to be living.
3. Talk to the kids about the upcoming move
Explain to your children why you have to move and talk to them about what it means. Depending on how old they are, their needs and concerns will vary. Younger kids may have more questions about what will happen to their toys, while teens are likely to be more concerned about school and friends.
This is a good time to share some of what you’ve learned about your new area, such as whether the local grocery store carries their favorite snacks, or what their new school will be like. You don’t want to overwhelm your kids, but help them get excited about the change by emphasizing some of the positive differences between here and there.
4. Emphasize similarity
People (and animals) are often afraid of change because they’re afraid of the unknown. While you’re having any moving discussions, make a point to talk about what isn’t going to change. If you’ve always hosted Christmas, then let them know that they will still be celebrating the holiday by cooking with you in the their new kitchen. Tell the sports fans that they’ll still be able to watch their favorites in the new home, and they can try out for the local teams if they want.
Obviously your pets can't appreciate these conversations, but you can do them a favor by thinking about how you can work to emphasize similarity when they get to their new environment. Set up their favorite room exactly the way it is now, for example.
5. Have a moving day plan
Moving day itself will probably be stressful for you, the pets, and the kids, so to remove some of that stress in advance, plan out of the big day.
- For your kids, this may involve coming up with safe ways they can participate, or even planning to get them the out of the way while the move is happening. If you have friends who have offered to help watch the kids, take them up on it!
- For pets, the moving day plan can involve dropping them off at a doggie day care, or keeping their favorite room as intact as possible and locking them inside while everything gets moved out of the house.
6. Hire movers
Professional movers and packers have turned the chaos of moving into a science. Their efficiency and expertise can save you hours & days of your own life, and they can also allow you to make alternate plans for moving day itself.
7. Secure your animals while moving
Two things you already know you don’t want to be doing on moving day: chasing your dog through the neighborhood or coaxing your cat out from underneath the porch. If sending them to day care or having a friend watch them isn’t an option, then make sure you’re prepared to keep your pets confined and contained while the move happens. Secure them behind a door they can’t open and leave water, litter boxes, toys, and whatever else they might need for a few hours out and available for them.
