Moving with Kids and Pets

 

Moving is already stressful on its own, but with the additional complications that children and pets can bring into the mix, it can feel impossible. Depending on the age of your children and your pets, some moves might be easier than others, but the stress you’re feeling might affect everyone, including them.

The good news is that with lots of planning, you can make the transition that much easier for your children and pets. When they’re happier, you’ll certainly feel relief. Before you move your entire household to a new place, check out these tips!

1. Consider Your Timing

There isn’t an easy time to move, per se, but there are definitely some life events that can make it more difficult for everyone. If there’s been a recent death in the family, or a divorce is coming, then both the children and pets are likely to already be feeling anxious. Adding moving on top of that is not always the best plan. If possible, try to wait 6 to 12 months after an event such as that to move.

2. Research the New Area

When you tell your children about the move, they’re likely to have many questions. Your pets might not be able to ask, but having a plan to ensure some routine. Make sure they’re aware they can still do the same things they could do at their old home. Here are a couple things to make sure you’re aware of when you move:

• Schools, parks, walking trails, pet stores, etc. Find all places that you and your family went to in your previous neighborhood and find similar. 
• Find some exciting places for your children and pets to go to, and get them excited to go.

3. Talk to the Kids About the Upcoming Move

You will likely need to explain to your children why you have to move, and discuss what that means. Depending on their age, their needs and concerns will vary. Younger kids might ask simpler questions, while older kids are more likely to be concerned about more social issues, like school or friends. This would be a great time to talk about the new neighborhood you are moving into, such as their new school or a new park. You don’t want to overwhelm them, but kids can be excited about the move too, even if it is a little scary.

4. Emphasize Similarity

People (and animals) are often afraid of change. During the moving process, if you have any discussions about it, make a point to talk about what isn’t going to change. You’ll still host for holidays, the same sports games you watched in the old house will be watched in the new house. A lot might change, but a lot will stay the same, too.

5. Have a Moving Day Plan

Moving day itself will likely be stressful for everyone, so to remove some of that stress in advance, it’ll help to plan out the day:

• For your kids, come up with safe ways to participate. Make sure that you also have ways to keep them out of the way during the moving process. If you have friends that have offered to watch the kids, take that opportunity. 
• For pets, the day can involve taking them to a day care, or keeping their favorite place as intact as possible. While things get moved out of the house, it might help to keep them in one room

6. Hire Movers

Professional movers have turned the chaos of moving into a science. Their expertise can save you hours or even days of your life. They can also let you make alternate plans for the moving day itself.

Secure Your Animals While Moving

Two things you don’t want to be doing on your moving day; Chasing your dog through the neighborhood or coaxing your cat out from underneath the porch. To ease your way, maybe send them to day care or have a friend take care of them. If that’s not an option, make sure that you’re prepared to contain your pets while the move happens. Keep them behind a door they can’t open, but be sure to leave water, litter boxes, toys, or whatever else they might need for a few hours.