New York Resident

by Victoria Pericon

While moving is an arduous task; more than 20 million people participate in it each year. From emptying the home and setting it up in the new one to just organizing belongings into piles of things to keep or give away; every job associated with moving is undoubtedly grueling. The stress associated with moving can easily be passed down to the youngest members of the family. If the odds are against you; and your family is included in the number packing up and moving into a new home this year, there are a number of ways to make the transition smooth for you and your children.

Deborah Golden, a moving business veteran of 27 years and owner of Golden Hands, believes it is a great idea to pack an overnight bag for each member of the family.  It makes bedtime easier when everyone is tired. She recommends parents of infants always pack the diaper bag full of plenty of supplies and bottles if not breast feeding. A favorite toy or blanket may help toddlers while keeping the television set up during the move so the older children could watch a favorite program will provide a much needed distraction.

Because moving day can pose a number of dangers to children; Gentle Giant Moving Company Crew Chief Robert Swift strongly believes in arranging for childcare on the day of the move. Whether you hire professional movers or opt for a do-it-yourself move, it is essential to keep your children safely out of your path or the path of the movers when hauling heavy items.  Swift alerts parents to the fact that “when large items are wrapped up in soft moving pads, children can get a false sense of safety and tend to pull on them or climb on them not realizing what's inside.” Since parents can be distracted by what's going on with the move and are not able to keep a close an eye on their children. Small children can pick up pieces of tape and try to put them in their mouths and choke. Movers walking backwards with large pieces can trip over a child, causing serious injury to both of them as well as damaging the furniture or walls.

Golden feels that keeping children around on moving day is a personal decision, and “it depends on if the child is very demanding of their parents' attention or not.  It can be very difficult for the parent if they are being pulled in two directions and that is when it's great to have another care giver present to jump in and lend a hand.” It can be helpful to have an extra care giver around during the course of the move.  “That way some extra hugs can be given and the children won't feel left out,” Golden explains.

Since talking eases anxiety, Jim Frederickson, owner of Two Men and a Truck, feels parents should encourage children to ask any questions they have. “Create a no-pack box that allows children to keep their treasures in the car and not the moving truck” adds Frederickson who belives parents will create a sense of security. By allowing children to unpack their room right away; it will help them get comfortable much quicker.

Not all family members adjust to their new surroundings in the same way or at the same rate, so talk to your children about what is happening advises Leslie Levine, relocation expert and author of Will This Place Ever Feel Like Home. Levine has a creative cure to the moving doldrums “when you get to your new home, take a break from unpacking to watch a familiar movie or TV show with the kids.”

And remember, few moves go smoothly but if you anticipate trouble and have a positive attitude, children will not feel anxious throughout it.

This article was written by Victoria Pericon.
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