The Long Distance Move: Survival Tips For Maintaining Family Harmony

Moving can be an exasperating and exhausting experience, but it is often necessary to secure a good job or join other family members in different areas. Short moves are bad enough, and long moves, across the country, can be even more disruptive. However, whether you’re hiring long distance movers or doing it yourself, you can preserve harmony in the family on all fronts if you take the time to prepare everyone for the move, by talking through emotions and involving them in the
planning.

Before the Move

Your plans should begin as soon as you learn that a move is in your future. First, you should explore housing in the new location. The Internet offers a number of real estate sites, such as at bridgfords.co.uk, that provide pictures and pertinent information that can help you to become familiar with available properties before you make your first visit. You should plan on viewing a home several times before you make the purchase. Once you have found a suitable home for your family, you can then begin the process of arranging to move your household goods. Ensure that you deal with a reputable mover that will insure your goods.

Dealing With Children’s Reactions

You should inform your children of the upcoming move as soon as possible to allow them the time to adjust to the idea and deal with a range of emotions that can occur. Some children may look forward to living in a new area of the country. Other children may be fearful or regret leaving their familiar school and friends. Teenagers, in particular, can display anger over being forced to move. Experts say it’s important that you allow children to express their emotions, regardless of what they are. Parents can help by acknowledging that moving can be a disruptive experience, but they can also convey the many advantages of the new location. Involving children in the plans for the move can also help to allay their fears and increase their interest in the new home.

Moving Your Pets

If you have pets, you will have to take measures in advance of the move to get them ready to travel long distance. Purchase pet carriers of the appropriate size and get them used to them by putting them into the carriers with a treat and a special toy for increasing periods of time. Make sure they have identification with an address or phone number in case they get lost in the new location. Keep pets confined in the carrier or in the bathroom while the movers are at work.

Staying Calm on Moving Day

You should be available to the movers on moving day to answer questions and ensure that everything is packed and ready to be put in the vehicle. Ensure that cartons are correctly marked and contain all that you want to bring with you. Discard or donate items that you have decided to leave behind. It’s often a good idea to let friends take care of children and pets while household goods are being removed. Then, you can collect the children, pets and partners and enjoy your journey to your new home.

Getting Organized on Delivery Day

On delivery day, be at the new home to supervise the movers, to answer any questions and to handle paperwork. Direct the movers to the rooms where you want the goods placed. Take note of any damaged items and list them on the bill of lading.

Settling In To Your New Home

Many experts recommend taking a few days to get settled in your new home. This measure will allow you to explore the area with your children so that they become accustomed to the new sights. You can find nearby schools, parks, and shopping areas that will help you to feel more at home. Having a ritual to mark arriving at your new location can be a good way to enhance family solidarity and make memories for the future. You can plant a tree or special flowering shrub. Some people put up a special wall of photos of family and friends.

Your pets should be given time to grow accustomed to the new home, too. Children can find it reassuring to help pets navigate the layout of the house, stay with them as they explore the yard, or take them on walks around the neighbourhood. Simply helping another creature deal with the change in environment can be a psychological aid for dealing with their own ambivalence. If you will be arriving at your new home during the summer, find church or sport activities they can attend to keep busy and meet new friends.

Although moving is always disruptive, you can minimize problems and preserve family harmony by getting all members involved in necessary tasks.
Jai Corbett provides relocation support and guidance as part of his work and likes to share his insights on how to plan and execute a successful relocation strategy. He is a regular online contributor for a variety of lifestyle and consumer websites.