Enjoying The Moving Process

Criss-Cross Applesauce: Getting Your Children Ready To Move Across Country

by Ava Sanders

Moving across country to a new area with children? Not surprisingly, you'll have more to think about than when you were just moving as a single person or as a childless couple. For example, you'll need to check out what school district a potential home is assigned to. Even packing up for your big move requires more foresight when there are children in the picture. So if you're planning a big move, check out additional reading that can help reduce some of your moving stress as well as that of your children below. 

Pull Important Documents

One of the first things you will need to do when you hit the ground in your new hometown is to register your children for school. Unfortunately, some parents forget to put aside important documents, such as their children's birth certificates and social security cards, when packing up their homes. When thrown into a random unmarked box, these documents can be very difficult to find in a pinch. And these are documents that many school systems require in order to register your children for school. So when you're getting ready for the movers, make sure to:

  • Place important identification cards such as birth certificates, social security cards and passports in a folder where you can easily access them. You may also need these documents to sign your child up for camps, after-school programs and/or sports leagues. 
  • Keep copies of prescriptions that your family members may need. 

Packing Your Kids Rooms

Once your children's rooms have been packed up, make sure to mark those boxes as ones to be opened first so that your kids can get their rooms set up. It will give them something to do while you're busy setting up the rest of the house, and it may also be comforting to them to have a familiar setup to retreat to if they start feeling stressed by the move.

Hire a Professional Moving Company

When you were single and moving across town, you probably moved your belongings with the help of a few friends. But, now, your family owns a lot more "stuff" and even your best friends aren't going to have the time to go across the country to help you move. So it's time to hire a professional moving company. There are a number of advantages to hiring a professional company. For instance, some companies will do all the packing up of your belongings, which will give you more time to help your children adjust to the move.  

Before selecting a moving company, though, you will need to:

  • Get estimates from at least three different moving companies. Prices can vary greatly, so it's important to do your due diligence when finding a company. For example, one company may charge you extra if you have stairs, while another one might not. 
  • Check on references. Ask for and then verify customer references from the moving companies. 

Have Your Children Help in the Home Selection Process

According to Parents.com, your children will be more excited about the move if they are involved in helping you find a new home. You can also take them shopping for a few new items for their rooms. 

Check Out the Dates for Leagues and Sports

If your children love to be involved in a certain sport, make sure to check with the school system and local leagues about registration dates. For instance, you should:

  • Contact the high school for tryout dates. High schools typically have their tryouts about a month before school starts for the year, so make sure your child can attend tryouts even if you haven't moved into your new home. 
  • Check on registration processes for the leagues your child may be interested in joining. In some bigger cities, popular sports leagues may fill up quickly. 

Moving can be stressful, but these tips could help your children adjust to their new home more quickly. 

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