Moving into a new house is an exciting adventure, but turning it into a warm, welcoming home — especially when kids are in the picture — takes time, effort, and creativity. Transitions are tough for everyone, especially young ones, so it’s important to take steps to make the new place a home and a safe place for the littlest members of our families. Here are some of the lessons we learned during our family’s recent move.
Involve the kids in decor choices
One of the first steps in making a house feel like home for kids is involving them in the decision-making processes. Let them choose decorations, pick colors for their rooms, or select furnishings. This not only empowers them, it also ensures their personalities and preferences are reflected in their space.
Bringing in design elements from your old house can ease the transition and create comfort as well. Incorporating familiar furniture, photos, or art on the walls — even a favorite throw pillow or blanket — can give a sense of familiarity to the new space.
Maintain safe spaces — even while moving
Safety is paramount, especially when it comes to young kids. The process of moving can create many unanticipated hazards in the home, such as stacked boxes and unsecured hazardous items. It may be safest to make the house a “no kid zone” while things are actively moving — and to secure electrical outlets, install safety gates, and ensure furniture is stable prior to allowing children to enter their new space.
Make sure any childproofing items, such as doorknob covers, safety gates, and outlet covers, are packed in an easy-to-access area so they can be unpacked and set up as soon as possible.
Respect their belongings
Packing and moving with kids is no walk in the park, but resist the urge to do all your packing when the kids are out of the house — especially when it comes to their belongings. Talk to your children about the move and understand which items — toys, blankets, clothing, etc. — are essential to unpack and use right away. Give those items a designated box or area.
Transitions are often made scarier when familiar items are out of reach, or, in this case, sealed somewhere in a box at the bottom of a stack. Give each child a box or plastic tote (clear works great for this!) to fill with the items they want to keep within reach and have accessible throughout the moving process. This shows respect for their personal items while allowing them to participate in the process of packing and moving. It also lends easy access to the items that can help the most to support transition once you arrive at the new place.
Create a welcoming bedroom
A child’s bedroom is their sanctuary. Let them choose bedding, wall art, and decor that resonates with them. This personal touch will help them feel a sense of ownership and belonging. Talk to your child about the new space and what they want out of it. Are there things they want to remain the same, such as colors or window treatments?
When it comes to making changes in a child’s bedroom, consider your child’s personality, comfort level, and how they have adapted to changes in the past. For example, for some children, the continuity and comfort of sleeping in the same bed in their new room is a key part of easing the transition. For others, a new room may be an exciting time to transition a child to a new or larger bed. Talk to and observe your child to understand which changes could happen now, and which may be best to postpone until they are settled in the new space.
Moving with kids and transforming a new house into a loving, nurturing home is a journey that requires a balance of safety, personalization, and creativity. By involving your children in the process and easing their transition to a new home, you’ll set the stage for cherished memories and a strong sense of belonging. Remember, a home is not just a place; it’s an environment that fosters love, growth, and happiness for your entire family.
