| Tips on Moving With Your Family Moving with a family can be challenging. There are a lot of changes going on for you and your family. That's why it is critical to spend some time helping your kids cope with the changes going on around them. The advice set out in this guide will help your move go more smoothly. When to Move School Age Kids
When your kids are school age, you might be tempted to plan your move for the school holidays. In reality, this can actually make things harder for your kids.
School is most likely the first place your kids can be assured of making friends. Thus, moving during the school holidays places your child in unfamiliar and new surroundings at a time when their chances of making friends are low. As school resumes, your child may feel even more left out. As the first day return to school is filled with the excitement and hustle and bustle that occurs after a holiday vacation, your child may feel like a stranger.
When you schedule your move during the school year, it allows your kids to go from one social setting to another.
The teacher and the other kids will be more willing to show your child some extra special attention when they are the only new person.
Does Age Make a Difference?
Generally speaking, the younger the child, the better they will cope with the transition of moving to a new home.
Very young children and infants may be confused. It is a good idea to try to explain to them what's happening and make it like an adventure.
The biggest worry that school age children endure is whether they will make new friends and fit in easily a their new school.
Because teenagers' friends provide them with a sense of identity, it is more difficult for teens to feel comfortable with the idea of moving to a new home.
Before the Move As you start making plans for your move, remember to focus on what your kids can look forward to.
After all, if you see your move as an exciting adventure, your kids will also be very enthusiastic.
Right from the start, you might want to take them with you on house-hunting adventures. In cases where it might not be practical to have them tagging along, don't forget to bring back pictures of hot prospects you're considering.
After you've found the new home, be sure to take pictures of local places of interest.
Communication is the Key Don't forget to keep the channels of communication open. Before and during your move, encourage your kids to tell you about their uncertainties.
Most likely, you're probably feeling a little nervous about moving too (no matter how promising your new situation is likely to be).
After your move, spend time together with your family. Listen to each other's stories so that you can be sure how everyone is coping with the change.
Getting the Kids Involved It's only natural that your kids will want to be involved with what's going on. Some examples of ways to get your kids involved are: Asking them to help plan for and organize your garage sale. They could make colorful posters to stick up around the neighborhood.
Allowing them to choose a small number of toys or other items to keep with them on moving day.
Empowering them by letting them pack and label a few of their own boxes
Making sure they have a special job to take care of on moving day. This will help them feel as if they're making a valuable contribution.
Allowing them to decide how their new rooms should decorated and arranged.
What About Childcare? Undoubtedly you will be offered a lot of conflicting advice whether you should keep your kids with you on moving day or arrange childcare.
Keep in mind that you are the best judge of what's right for your kids.
Saying Goodbye It is critical that your children have the enough time to say good-bye to the family members and friends they're leaving behind.
You should encourage them to exchange contact information. Fortunately, for most of us today, our friends are only a few keystrokes away via e-mail.
Settling In Understand that it is like that there may be a grieving period for children…it may last a few weeks, perhaps even a few months. Here are a few easy things you can do to make moving easier for your kids. Investigate and explore your new neighborhood together. Look for new and exciting things.
Go to your new child's school with them beforehand…walk around the new school together to help them find their bearings.
Accompany your kids on their route to school until they are comfortable traveling by themselves.
Seek out after-school activities where your children can make new friends with similar interests.
Don't forget to encourage them to keep in touch with old friends.
Keeping an Eye Out for Early Warning Signs A major change is always difficult for a child. Even the most well adjusted child can have difficulty coping with moving.
Be watchful, it's important to pick up on early warning signs that your child may need extra help adjusting.
Here are some things to watch out for
Withdrawn behavior
Loss of appetite
Problems sleeping, or regular nightmares
Outbursts of anger or tears
Reluctance to stray far from the house or family
Difficulty making new friends
Additional Hints for Moving Kids There are children's books that help kids come to terms and understand an upcoming move, and cope with some of the feelings they may be experiencing.
If you've got young children, it's important to remove dangerous situations and to child proof your home.
The sooner you teach your kids your new address and phone number, the better. Moving With Pets
As you prepare for your move, you should plan on preliminary preparation for your pet so they too can be well prepared. There are many things you can to do make the move less stressful for your pet. This guide will help make your pet's transition into a new home much easier.
Get the Facts Once you've made the decision to move to a new home, you will need to do some research. Certain localities may have stringent requirements or restrictions regarding pet ownership. You may need permits or registrations.
Don't forget to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Your pet should have a check-up before moving. Be sure to attain your pet's veterinary records so that they can be forwarded to your new veterinarian.
A Short Move
For local moves, it probably makes the most sense to transport your pet in the car with you on moving day.
Remember to make sure that your pet is safe. Keep your pet in an unused room, or perhaps even outside. And of course, as always, your pet should have plenty of fresh water, and enough toys to occupy their time.
Moving Pets by Car
Many dogs and cats may find car travel extremely distressing. Some may even get car sick. You will have to be ready to make many stops along the way. Several small pets (such as birds, guinea pigs, birds, etc.) can be easily transported via automobile. A good, simple way of keeping them calm and quiet is to cover their cage with a cloth.
Long distance moves may required an overnight stop. Remember to call hotels in advance to make sure that they will allow your pet to stay in the hotel.
Moving Fish
It's wise to visit your local Aquarium or Pet Shop and ask for special fish containers to safely transport your fish. They should be able to offer suggestions on what's best for different types of fish.
Creating A Pet Pack
If you're moving your pet by car, there are several things you should plan on taking with you on moving day. An old bed sheet or blanket will protect your car upholstery.
A favorite toy or two, and an old T-shirt or rag with your scent on it.
Two plastic containers - one should have fresh water, the other should have food and treats.
Medications that your pet may need.
A leash for when you make rest stops with your pet.
Even if your pet doesn't typically get car sick, it is better to be safe than sorry…bring paper towels, a sponge, and plenty of plastic bags.
Pet Transport
Depending on the temperament and size of your pet, as well as the distance you're moving, it may be make sense to enlist the help of a pet transporter. Reputable pet transporters can organize every aspect of moving your pet from beginning to end. Services provided may include the following: Sensible advice on preparing your pet for the trip
Specific details about requirements or restrictions on pet ownership in your new locality
Collecting your pet at the airport
Boarding your pet until you arrive
Delivery of your pet to your new home.
If you will be transporting your dog or cat by air, you must have the following details in order: A recent health certificate provided by your veterinarian
A pet carrier that complies with airline regulations
Don't forget to confirm rules and regulations with your pet transporter so that you can purchase any pet products that may be needed.
Trip Tips
Always take your dog for a long walk before the trip.
Remember to advise your pet transporter of any specific requirements for your pet.
You should keep your cat indoors for at least 24 hours at your new home.
Never feed your pet too much before the trip.
Unless it is absolutely necessary, it is best not to sedate your pet.
Other Bits and Pieces to Consider
If your new home will be rented, prepare a pet resume for prospective landlords. Your vet may agree to write a referral letter.
Always remember to get a new pet ID tag with your new address and contact phone numbers. Your comments are appreciated! We want to build a great website. If you have comments about our site or if you would like to contribute or link information for this site let us know. Please use the quick comment form below or email lee@goodolboysmoving.com | 
