Buying a new home is an exciting time for the entire family, and through my experience, I’ve learned that the most difficult clients are the youngest ones. While Dad admires the built up area of the house, and Mom’s eyes light up when she sees the beautiful kitchen space, it’s usually the little guy clinging on to her leg, who is most scared of the move.
I’ve seen many young parents frustrated in the process of finding their new home, and moving into it. But in my experience, it doesn’t have to be that grueling! When I’m helping a young family buy a home, I always make sure I get the kids just as excited about it as the parents. After all, this will be their home as much as anyone! As the parents are busy doing their calculations and measurements, I let the kids walk around and discover. Going from room to room, excited to see what’s around the corner. I ask them which room they would like for their own, pointing out fun things through the house. A little corner that would make an amazing fort, a basement that can fit in all their toys. Maybe a playhouse or even a place to hide in an old fashioned game of hide and seek! It’s all part of making them feel that they belong in this new space.
If you’re planning to move into a new home with your young family, there’s a lot to keep in mind. But midst checklists and organizing, planning and packing, some of the most important things end up getting over looked. Try to make this a special time for your young children. Once the house has been bought, and the move is upon you, involve your children in the process as much as you can. You’ll find dozens of lists on line that will help you with your move and tell you what to do a week before, a day before and on the day, but no one will tell you how to help your children adjust to the big move! Here’s what I’ve learned over the years…
As you buy your new home:
- Involve your children. Have a family meeting and ask them what they’d like in their new home, when you’re house hunting, try to find a place that meets at least some of their requirements.
- When you’ve found the perfect home and are ready to make an offer, then bring them along and see what they have to say about the place. Get them excited, so they feel like they are a part of the decision.
Weeks before the move:
- Have them pick out a room, choose a wall color and start sorting out their toys to go in their new space.
- Bring them to their new school, show them around and let them get familiar with the surroundings.
- Take them around the neighborhood. Show them where the parks are, the nearby stores, and maybe stop for an ice cream treat!
- Throw a ‘see you soon’ party! Invite neighborhood friends and hand out your number and new address so they can come and visit.
Days before the move:
- Make sure you explain the process of the move to your child. You might overlook them while you’re busy taking care of ‘grown up’ stuff, but children can get their share of anxiety if they aren’t sure of what’s going on.
- Have your child pack an “essentials” box and add any item that they’ll need right away. It can be a favorite toy, a blanket, books, or anything they feel a special attachment to.
Day of the move:
- Make sure that your child has somewhere to go while you’re busy moving. Have them spend the day with family or friends.
- Make sure the new fridge is stocked with some favorites.
- Have their “essentials” box placed in their room before hand.
Moving can be a stressful time for anyone, especially for families with young children. But you can make the transition smoother, and help your children get excited instead of anxious. If you’ve got young children, and you’re planning to move, call me, and let me rest your entire family at ease! I’ll be happy to get you on your way to finding your new family home, while helping you ensure that the change is welcomed by your children.
Call me on (416) 268-6228
Bill Orr