Moving with Kids: A Stress-Free Guide for South Jersey Families

Moving with children can add an extra layer of complexity to an already stressful process. But with the right approach, you can make the move a positive experience for the whole family. Here's everything you need to know about moving with kids in South Jersey.

Before the Move: Preparation is Key

### Tell Them Early

Don't wait until the last minute:

Share the news 4-6 weeks in advance for younger children
- Give teens even more notice - they need time to process and say goodbye
- Be honest about reasons for the move
- Emphasize positive aspects - new room, new friends, better schools
- Listen to their concerns without dismissing their feelings

### Get Them Involved

Children feel more in control when they participate:

- Let them help choose paint colors for their new room
- Show them photos of the new house and neighborhood
- Tour the new neighborhood before moving day if possible
- Visit the new school and meet teachers if feasible
- Have them pack special items - gives sense of control

### Address Their Concerns

Common worries and how to help:

"Will I make new friends?"
- Research clubs and activities in the new area
- Plan playdates with neighbors once you move
- Keep video chat dates with old friends

"What about my school?"
- Get information about the new school
- Connect with guidance counselors
- Tour the school together if possible
- Join school Facebook groups for families

"I'll miss my friends!"
- Plan goodbye parties
- Create memory books with photos
- Set up ongoing communication (video calls, letters)
- Promise visits when possible

## Age-Specific Moving Strategies

### Babies and Toddlers (0-3 years)

Young children sense stress but don't understand why:

- Maintain routines as much as possible
- Pack favorite toys last - keep them accessible
- Set up their room first at the new house
- Keep familiar items visible - favorite blanket, stuffed animals
- Stay calm - they pick up on your stress

### Preschoolers (3-5 years)

At this age, they understand more but still feel anxious:

- Read books about moving - many great children's books on the topic
- Play "moving" games - pretend with toys
- Let them "help" with simple packing tasks
- Create excitement about the new house
- Maintain bedtime routines - crucial for security

### Elementary Age (6-11 years)

School-age kids worry about friends and fitting in:

- Validate their feelings - moving is hard!
- Let them say goodbye properly to friends and teachers
- Create a memory book of their old home and friends
- Research kid activities in the new area together
- Give them responsibilities in the move
- Set up their room quickly - priority on moving day

### Teenagers (12-18 years)

Teens often struggle most with moves:

- Involve them in decisions - respect their input
- Don't minimize their feelings - friendships are crucial at this age
- Research their new school together
- Find their sport/activity in the new community
- Maintain technology - keep them connected to old friends
- Be patient - adjustment takes time
- Consider timing - avoid moving during senior year if possible

## Packing with Kids

### Their Belongings

Make packing their items special:

1. Let them pack a personal box - items they need first day
2. Use colored tape or stickers - helps them identify their boxes
3. Donate together - teach them about helping others
4. Create a "first night" bag - pajamas, toothbrush, favorite toy
5. Pack an entertainment bag for moving day - books, toys, snacks

### What to Keep Accessible

During the move, have these handy:

- Favorite comfort items
- Tablets or devices (fully charged)
- Snacks and water bottles
- Change of clothes
- Medications if needed
- Books or quiet activities

## Moving Day with Kids

### Make a Plan

Options for moving day:

Option 1: Kids Stay with You
- Good for younger children who need you
- Designate a "kid zone" away from movers
- Set up activities to keep them busy
- Have snacks and drinks ready
- Consider hiring a babysitter to watch them at the house

Option 2: Kids Stay with Family/Friends
- Often easiest for everyone
- Less stressful for you and kids
- Especially good for very young children
- Pick them up once basics are set up

Option 3: Combination Approach
- Kids help load truck in morning
- Spend moving day with grandparents
- Return to sleep in new house (room already set up)

### Safety First

If kids are present on moving day:

- Establish boundaries - where they can/can't go
- Watch for hazards - open doors, stairs, moving equipment
- Keep them busy - age-appropriate tasks
- Check in frequently - they'll feel more secure
- Feed them regularly - hungry kids = cranky kids

## Setting Up the New House

### Priorities for Kids' Comfort

First things to unpack:

1. Kids' beds - they need a good night's sleep
2. Bathroom essentials - familiarity helps
3. Kitchen basics - so you can feed them
4. Kids' favorite toys - brings comfort
5. Clothes for next few days - reduce stress

### Their Room Setup

Make their space feel like home:

- Let them help arrange furniture - gives control
- Hang familiar items - posters, artwork
- Set up the bed exactly like the old house
- Unpack their belongings first - priority over adults' items
- Add something new - new bedding or decoration makes it feel special

## After the Move: Helping Kids Adjust

### First Week Priorities

Focus on these areas:

Establish Routines
- Same bedtime as before
- Family meals together
- Regular check-ins about feelings

Explore Together
- Walk the neighborhood
- Find the park and playground
- Locate library, ice cream shop, pizza place
- Drive to school and back - practice route

Meet the Neighbors
- Introduce yourselves
- Find families with kids same ages
- Exchange phone numbers
- Plan casual get-togethers

### School Transition

Make starting school easier:

Before School Starts:
- Tour the school if possible
- Meet the teacher
- Get school supplies together
- Practice the morning routine
- Review the school schedule

First Day of School:
- Take first day photos - new tradition
- Walk them in if allowed
- Have a special after-school treat planned
- Let them share about their day without pressure

First Weeks:
- Stay in touch with teachers
- Ask about their day positively
- Look for clubs or activities they can join
- Arrange playdates with classmates

### Watch for Adjustment Issues

Normal adjustment takes 3-6 months, but watch for:

- Sleep problems persisting beyond 2 weeks
- Acting out or behavior changes
- School refusal or declining grades
- Withdrawal from family activities
- Physical complaints - frequent stomachaches, headaches

If concerns persist, consider talking to:
- School counselor
- Pediatrician
- Family therapist specializing in transitions

## Staying Connected to Old Friends

Help maintain important friendships:

- Schedule video calls - make them regular
- Send care packages - let kids pick items to send
- Plan visits when possible
- Use apps like Marco Polo - video messages for young kids
- Create shared online games - play together remotely

## Making New Friends

Help them build new friendships:

Join Activities
- Sports teams
- Scouts
- Music or art classes
- Religious youth groups
- Community center programs

Neighborhood Connections
- Spend time outside where other kids play
- Walk to school if possible - meet neighbors
- Attend community events
- Organize a meet-the-neighbors party

School Involvement
- Volunteer in classroom
- Join PTA
- Attend school events
- Arrange playdates with classmates

## South Jersey Specific Resources

Take advantage of South Jersey's family-friendly offerings:

Parks and Recreation:
- Cooper River Park (Cherry Hill)
- Blackwood Lake (Gloucester Township)
- Washington Lake Park (Sewell)
- Numerous township rec programs

Libraries:
- South Jersey library systems offer great kids' programs
- Story times, summer reading programs, teen activities

Family Activities:
- Diggerland USA (West Berlin)
- Adventure Aquarium (Camden)
- Sahara Sam's (West Berlin)
- Local farms and pumpkin patches

Sports:
- Excellent youth sports leagues
- Soccer, baseball, basketball, lacrosse
- Check your township's recreation department

## Special Circumstances

### Moving During School Year

If you must move mid-year:

- Get transcripts from old school immediately
- Communicate with new school about curriculum differences
- Consider tutoring if they're behind in any subjects
- Extra support for adjustment period

### Moving with Special Needs Children

Additional considerations:

- Transfer IEP/504 plans promptly
- Find new therapists before the move if possible
- Maintain sensory items and comfort objects
- Keep routines as consistent as possible
- Social stories about the move
- Visit new house multiple times before moving

### Moving with Teens in Activities

For serious student athletes or performers:

- Research programs in new area before moving
- Contact coaches or directors in advance
- Get tryout information early
- Consider commuting to old school/team if feasible temporarily
- Help them connect with new team members before official start

## Self-Care for Parents

You can't help your kids if you're overwhelmed:

- Ask for help - family, friends, professional movers
- Lower expectations - house doesn't need to be perfect
- Take breaks - even 15 minutes helps
- Maintain your routines too - exercise, coffee with friends
- Be patient with yourself and your kids
- Celebrate small wins - first meal in new house, first friend made

## Making it Positive

Turn the move into an adventure:

- Create a moving scrapbook - photos of old and new house
- "Treasure hunt" in new neighborhood - find library, best playground, ice cream shop
- New traditions - special meal on moving day, annual photo at new house
- Decorate together - let kids personalize their spaces
- Celebrate milestones - first night in new house, first day of school

## How Maloney's Moving Helps Families

We understand the unique challenges of moving with children:

Family-Friendly Service:
- Experienced with family moves
- Professional, courteous team
- Efficient service = less disruption
- Safe, careful handling of children's belongings

Reducing Your Stress:
- Handle the heavy lifting
- Professional packing available
- One-day service for most local moves
- Licensed and insured for peace of mind

South Jersey Expertise:
- Know the neighborhoods and schools
- Understanding of local communities
- Familiar with South Jersey family life

## Final Thoughts

Moving with kids is challenging, but thousands of South Jersey families successfully make the transition every year. With preparation, patience, and support, your children will adjust and thrive in their new home.

Ready to make your family's move stress-free?
Call Maloney's Moving at (856) 223-7940 for a free quote. Our experienced team has helped hundreds of South Jersey families move smoothly - we can help yours too!

Let us handle the logistics while you focus on your family. We're here to make your move as easy as possible.