Moving interstate with kids? 10 tips to do it the right way

Moving houses is a headache in itself.

However, variables like kids and an interstate move, things can get chaotic very soon.

Children are especially sensitive to change that involves going away from their friends and comfort zone.

With proper care, kids may resist the move and cause trouble in the future, which will only make the whole thing harder for parents.

Therefore, with an interstate move, there is only one chance to get it right.

Here are ten tips to help you achieve this with zero hassle:

1. Know the place

When moving to a new place, it is always better to do your research, whether you are going solo or with the family. However, with kids in the mix, the need for recon in the new area is high. With adequate research, you can choose a place that is convenient for everyone in the house. Doing so will also help you get your children settled in with nearby parks, playgroups, schools, etc.

2. Use Social Media

These days, a Facebook group for nearly everything and parenting is no stranger to the social media platform. You can easily find local groups for parents in your area with helpful tips to get you well adjusted to the new place. Join one of these groups and contact fellow parents. This way, you are also creating new contacts in the new area even before moving. Moreover, fellow parents can give you a local place you may find helpful once you move.

3. Visit once before

Once you have the list of places from the group and your own research, it is time to visit the new area at least once before you move. Multiple trips can help you familiarize yourself with the new place, but that is not always practical. You can use this opportunity to check out the local grocery stores, schools, parks, etc., to avoid stumbling around after you move.

4. Plan schooling/childcare

In your current place, your child may have a set routine. Disrupting it can be a recipe for disaster in your new location. Therefore, before moving, make sure you have narrowed down the schools or pre-schools for your kids (if they are that age). Use your pre-move trips to check out the institution and, when satisfied, get your children admitted. This will help them maintain a routine they are following now, making a move easier on them.

5. Involve the kids

Kids may feel helpless during a move because they have to leave their friends and the place they called home for so long. You can help make it easier by involving them in the process. The best way to achieve this is by visiting the new house with the kids and planning where their things could go. Another option is to get their help in packing things, especially their items, to reassure them that all their stuff is moving with you.

6. Acknowledge feelings

As mentioned before, children may feel sad that they have to leave their friends. Instead of quashing them, you should acknowledge them. Talk to your kids and help them get through the sadness. You can also try to share your own feelings with them to make them comfortable with sharing theirs.

7. Say the goodbyes

Goodbyes can be challenging and sad, but they don’t need to be. You can drive around to some of the favourite spots to bid adieu to them. It would be a great idea to visit your kids’ friends and bid farewell to them, as well. Encourage your children to promise, keeping in touch with their buddies through letters, calls, and visits. This will make the situation more hopeful.

8. Hire a removalist

When you are moving on your own, transporting your belongings by yourself is no big deal. However, with kids, you can’t take that risk. On a long car drive, it will be hard to handle your children. Therefore, lugging around your stuff can be an extra headache you don’t want. As such, hiring the right and best removalist in Melbourne will prove beneficial because they can take care of moving your belongings. Make sure you do your research when choosing a service for the best experience. You can use a platform like Crazy Rise to connect with the reliable and verified local and interstate removalists. Freight services are ideal for large families who own more than one vehicle. Interstate transport of your cars, boat or caravan can help alleviate some of the stress during this frantic time. 

9. Meet new people

Humans are social beings. We need people to interact with and be part of a community to lead a healthy and happy life. Therefore, have your children socialize with people of their age through their schools and via neighbours. It would be best if you too met other parents and new people to lessen the sting of moving to a new place. Besides having people you know, you will also get free tips and tricks to better live in the area.

10. Give it time

Finally, give your children some time to cope. They will miss the old place and their friends, and it is okay. It will take time for them and you to adjust to the new home and neighbourhood. So, don’t force it too much. If possible, you can try visiting your old place a few times to catch up with friends. Doing so will assure your children that they are not forced to cut the place and friends there out of their lives.

Moving to a whole new state can be daunting for you and your child.

However, the key to making it a bit more bearable is familiarizing yourself with the place.

This will save you from panicking over not knowing the neighbourhood enough to keep your family safe.

It will also help you get in touch with people who can help smoothen the transition.

Moving to a new place? Start taking notes.