Help children ease into the moving process
Dottie Coll
dottiecoll@msn.com
412.881.1111
Help children ease into the moving process
Moving is stressful for kids, but there are ways to make it easier on them, the moving experts at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® say.
It’s important to inform children about moving plans to move as soon as possible. The more time they have to prepare, the easier it will be for them, say child psychologists. Let them participate in the decision-making. If children feel included and take ownership of their new home, the transition will go much easier.
“Moving is a family project,” said Dottie Coll, President, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®. “Share the excitement and responsibilities with every member of the family. Give everyone an age-appropriate responsibility. Have the kids decorate their boxes. And then, once you are in your new house, it will be easier for them to find their stuff.”
The experts at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® believe these tips will help get children through a move:
• Throughout the move, stay upbeat and calm. Give children a chance to express their feelings and try to be honest about your own feelings.
• Most children will feel some anger, sadness or may worry about the move. Reassure them they aren’t alone and it’s OK to have these feelings.
• Involve kids in the packing process and start packing items that will be needed right away.
• Sentimental items that children treasure like special blankets, beloved stuffed animals and photo albums should be kept in a separate bag or box.
• Make sure children say goodbye to the important people in their lives. Help children prepare a list of phone numbers, e-mails and addresses of important people in their lives. Prepare cards that have their name and new address on them to hand out to friends. If kids know they can stay in touch with loved ones, it will make the move less traumatic.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the largest franchised moving company in North America. It includes more than 200 locations and more than 1,400 trucks on the road. Each location is independently owned and operated, and sells boxes and packing supplies. Locations complete both home and business moves, as well as packing and unpacking services.
For more information, call one of the Pittsburgh TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® locations at 412.881.1111 or 412.259.87777 or visit www.twomenandatruck.com
