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5 Tips For Moving Locally With Children

11 December 2015 by David Diaz

Many people think of local moves as easier than cross-country moves. While they are more simple in many ways, you should resist the urge to put off organizing your move until the last minute, especially if you have children. Moving to a house just a few streets away from your current residence can be a source of stress for some children. If you are doing a local move with small children, you should make sure to organize the following things well before your move date. 

Make Sure You Are In The Same District

In some cities, moving just a few streets over can put you in a different school district. If your new house will be in a different district, you may want to petition your school to allow your child to finish the school year there. If your child will switch school districts, you may have to take time off of work to attend an orientation with them and help them get settled in their new school. 

While district lines should be something you check before you make a decision about purchasing or renting a new property, it is a good idea to check with your school one final time before the move. 

Memorize the New Address and Phone Number 

It is important that your child knows their address and phone number in case of an emergency. If your child is particularly young, getting them to remember their new address and phone number can be difficult, so you may want to start before you actually move. Rhyming activities and games can make the memorization process faster and easier for you and your child. 

Create a Route To and From School 

You should find time before the first day of school and work to create a plan for getting your child to and from school. You may want to draw a map together and walk the route if they walk. This will help you and your child get an idea of how much time it will take them to get to school, so you will be able to adjust your morning routine if necessary. If they will be taking the bus, you should find out from neighbors where the bus will stop and at what time it will arrive in the morning and the evening. 

Let Your Child Say Goodbye to the Old House 

While moving a short distance may not disrupt your life much, it can be overwhelming for a child, especially if they have lived in one house their entire life. It is important to recognize their possible grief and anxiety about the move and give them time to say goodbye to the house. 

You may want to let your child help pack some of their own belongings, even if you have hired a moving service to do the majority of your packing. They may also want to walk through the house one last time after your items have been loaded on the moving truck. 

Arrange a Trusted Sitter 

You should arrange for a sitter to come to your house or take your child somewhere else during the move. If you have hired professionals, it is important that they are given their space to do their job. They may need to ask you questions about your packing and loading preferences, so you will not be able to give your child the attention that the situation requires to ensure their safety. 

Even a local move can get complicated when you have children involved. To make it easier, hire a professional company to do the majority of the work and concentrate on helping your child transition to their new home. 

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