| Make no mistake, moving into a new apartment | | | | the whole exercise a little more fun for |
| can be tough - there's a new part of the city to | | | | everybody, you can have your kids decorate the |
| get used to (or a whole new city entirely!), new | | | | boxes containing their things. As an added bonus, |
| roads and bus routes to learn, figuring out where | | | | doing so will also make finding their things easier |
| all of the different stores are ... It's hard enough | | | | once you're at the new apartment! |
| to do when you're by yourself, but when you | | | | Don't pack up everything. It's important that you |
| bring kids into the equation, moving can become | | | | don't pack away everything before the big move. |
| an even greater challenge. | | | | Special items such as blankets, stuffed animals, |
| Changing schools, leaving behind friends and | | | | books, etc., should be placed in a separate |
| classmates, giving up familiar routines, and living in | | | | container that can be taken in the car with the |
| a brand new environment can be very difficult for | | | | kids. This way, the kids get peace of mind |
| many children. Before moving with kids into your | | | | knowing that their favourite things won't get lost |
| new Ottawa apartment, we've put together a | | | | or left behind. |
| quick moving checklist to help make your move | | | | Stay positive. When moving with children, it's very |
| into a new apartment as smooth as possible - | | | | important to stay as upbeat and calm as you can, |
| both for you and your children. | | | | as your own mood will greatly impact the mood |
| Before the Move: | | | | of your children - if you hate moving, chances are |
| Tell your children about the move as soon as you | | | | they will, too. |
| can. The more time they have to get used to the | | | | After the Move: |
| idea of moving, the easier it will be for them | | | | Don't spend all of your time unpacking. Yes, you'll |
| when the big day finally arrives. | | | | need to get all of those essential items out of the |
| Involve your kids as early as possible. If you give | | | | boxes as soon as possible, but try to spread the |
| them specific tasks to do early on in the moving | | | | unpacking process out over a few days, if |
| process, you can help your children have a sense | | | | possible. For most kids, unpacking is boring - they |
| of control over this potentially scary situation. As | | | | want to explore! It's important to put down the |
| an example, you could let them participate in the | | | | boxes and take the time to really explore your |
| apartment-hunting process by getting their | | | | new neighborhood and spend time with your |
| opinions on the pros and cons (from their | | | | family. Go for a walk, check out the nearby |
| viewpoint) of the different apartments / | | | | stores and restaurants, relax at the park ... how |
| neighborhoods that you look at. | | | | you spend this time is up to you. |
| Take a tour of the new neighborhood. Before you | | | | Ask for your child's input. Give your children a |
| move in, take your children to your new | | | | chance to pitch in some ideas when you're settling |
| apartment and explore the new neighborhood | | | | in to your new apartment. Openly ask for their |
| together. Let them see the nearby parks, schools, | | | | ideas, especially when choosing items for their |
| stores, etc., as knowing about these places ahead | | | | rooms or deciding on the layout of the apartment. |
| of time will help ease their fears of the unknown | | | | If they feel that they've helped "create" the new |
| (and possibly even make them look forward to | | | | apartment, your kids will be more inclined to think |
| visiting these cool new places on a regular basis | | | | of it as their new home instead of a scary, |
| once you're all moved in!). | | | | unknown place. |
| Put together a friends list. When moving with | | | | Try to maintain daily routines. While children are |
| young children, leaving behind their old school and | | | | adjusting to new homes, neighborhoods, and |
| friends is perhaps the hardest part of the entire | | | | schools, parents can provide some comfort by |
| process. To help ease the transition, help your | | | | keeping some things the same. For instance, |
| children prepare a list of phone numbers and email | | | | having the same morning and bedtime routines, |
| addresses of all of their close friends and relatives. | | | | meal times, etc. might be extremely comforting, |
| Knowing that they can stay in touch with the | | | | especially for younger children. |
| important people in their lives, even when they're | | | | Above all, listen. Regularly ask how things are |
| in the new apartment, is a very important part of | | | | going for them at the new apartment. Some kids |
| a successful move. | | | | have a hard time opening up - spending some |
| During the Move: | | | | relaxed time together may help them to bring up |
| Involve your kids in the packing. Packing can be a | | | | whatever is on their minds. |
| tedious process at the best of times. To make | | | | |