Moving Your Family To A New Place

Whether you're relocating across town or to another state, the moving process can be a stressful one if you don't plan it out properly -- especially when you have small children in tow. Knowing what to expect and how to minimize the chaos of this transition can prove just as important to your venture's overall success as choosing the right local movers for the job. Here are three steps you should take when you and your little ones set off for a new life in a new home.

1. Medical Preparations

Every member of your family should be well enough to travel before you hop into the car for your move. While this is especially true for long-distance journeys, it also applies to more local moves because of the overall stress of the big day itself. For one thing, emotional and physical stresses are known to lower resistance to infectious diseases. Get a general physical examination for your children just to confirm that "all systems are go" for the trip. If your child requires a specific medication, make sure you have enough of it to tide you over until you can locate the nearest pharmacy to your new home.

It also pays to do your homework about the medical facilities at your destination point. Find out where the closest urgent care clinic, emergency room, dentist or pediatric clinic are. Write down their contact information and addresses so you'll know how to get there in a hurry if trouble strikes shortly after you reach your destination. For long-distance moves, note the availability of emergency facilities in various towns along your route.

2. Emotional Preparations

How stressful will your upcoming move be on your small children? To some extent, that depends on their age. A baby will hardly notice -- in fact, he may sleep the whole way and accept the fact that his old crib is sitting in a new room without any complaint whatsoever. Some infants may seem a bit more restless than usual for a few days before settling town.

Toddlers and pre-schoolers, however, are old enough to understand that they're leaving their familiar environment, and this may upset them. You can alleviate their distress, and even transform it into joy, by emphasizing the sheer fun of exploring a new place and making new friends. Take some the intimidation out of the move by introducing them to their new home in advance, if possible. Make a project out of learning all about your new town or neighborhood. By the time the moving company shows up, your child may be raring to go!

3. Logistical Preparations

A move is a more complex venture than many people realize, and the sheer amount of work that goes into it can create household stress that has a negative effect on your child. Start packing early so you don't feel rushed or panicked. Professional moving services frequently include packing, so consider letting your moving company take on this burden for you so you can spend more time preparing your kids for the move.

Once you're on the road with your little ones, it once again pays to be prepared. Have favorite toys, snacks and other diversions readily available. Babies often find quiet music soothing, so play their favorite tunes in the car as you travel. Most importantly of all, plan out your potty breaks, meals and rest stops in advance so your kids don't get too uncomfortable or cranky -- and as noted above, know where you can get emergency help if needed. In fact, you'd be well advised to bring a first aid kit along with all the other items you've stuffed into your vehicle.

Once you've completed your move, give priority to child-proofing the house and personalizing the children's rooms. Then sit back, relax, and congratulate yourself on a job well done --and enjoy a celebratory family meal in your new home!