How to Organize a Move with Children Stress-Free and Smart
Moving is a stressful event for many, but for families with children, it can be a particularly challenging undertaking. For children, moving means leaving a familiar environment and adapting to a new, unknown situation. How can you make this process as smooth as possible for both parents and children? In this article, we share practical advice and expert recommendations on how to organize a move with children so that it is a stress-free and smooth experience for the whole family.
Emotional Preparation: Involving Children in the Moving Process
Talk About the Move Early
Children's ability to adapt largely depends on their age and personality. Research shows that children's complete adaptation to a new home can take 3-6 months. However, for all children, it is important to start talking about the move as early as possible:
Younger children (up to 5 years old): Introduce the new home through pictures or videos. Show them their new room and talk about what toys they can place there. For example, you can create a small album from pictures that your child can browse and get familiar with.
School-age children: Involve them more in the decision-making process, for example, by asking their opinion about the color of the new room or furniture arrangement. Children feel much better when they are part of the decision-making process – for instance, you can let them choose between two or three color options.
Teenagers: Discuss the reasons for the move and possibilities in the new location (school, hobbies, friends) more thoroughly with them. With teenagers, it is especially important that they understand the reasons for moving, as they may feel the greatest loss related to their friends and familiar surroundings.
Reduce Stress Through a Positive Attitude
Children perceive their parents' emotions very well. If you are positively inclined toward the move, it will transfer to your children as well:
Emphasize the positive aspects of the new home (a larger garden, a nearby playground, a separate room for each child, etc.). Even if the new home is smaller, find aspects that are better or more exciting.
Create an "excitement map" together with your child about the new area, marking interesting places to visit. This can be a physical map that you print out together and where your child can draw or make notes.
Avoid expressing negative emotions in front of children, even if the move is stressful for you. For example, discussions about moving-related worries should take place after the children have gone to bed.
Practical example: Five-year-old Liisa's parents took several photos of her new room and let Liisa decorate it with paper dolls and small furniture pieces so she could "furnish" her room even before the move. This helped the girl feel that she had control over her new environment.
Practical Planning: Logistical Tips
Moving in Stages
When moving with children, it makes sense to divide the process into smaller stages. This turns a major change into smaller, manageable steps:
Planning stage (2-3 months before the move): Discuss moving plans with the family, visit the new home, and start sorting out unnecessary items. Hold a family meeting where you discuss all upcoming steps and create a shared timeline.
Packing stage (1 month before): Pack items that you don't use daily first. Seasonal clothes, books, decorations – anything that isn't needed daily.
Intensive packing (1-2 weeks before): Pack most of your home, leaving out only essential items. Pack remaining clothes, kitchen items, and everyday objects.
Moving day: Focus only on moving; ideally, children should stay with grandparents or friends. If this isn't possible, assign specific tasks according to the child's age.
Unpacking (gradually): Start with the children's rooms to quickly create a safe environment for them. Then move on to the kitchen, bathroom, and finally the living room and other spaces.
Packing Children's Items
Let children pack their own "first aid kit" – toys and items they'll need immediately on the first day in the new home. This can be a small backpack or bag that the child is responsible for.
Label boxes with children's items especially clearly so they're easy to find. In addition to text, you can use color codes or pictures so that even younger children can recognize their boxes.
For younger children, it's a good idea to pack their favorite toys in a separate bag that's always accessible. Especially important are stuffed animals and other items that provide a sense of security.
Practical example: Seven-year-old Markus's parents gave him a small backpack into which the boy could pack his five most important toys, favorite book, and pillow. This bag stayed with Markus throughout moving day, which gave him a sense of security that his important items were safe and accessible.
Timing the Move
If possible, plan the move during school breaks or summer to avoid changes in the middle of the school year. This gives children time to adapt to the new environment before school or daycare commitments begin. According to data from the Estonian Public Broadcasting, it is important to consider children's emotional well-being, especially now when the number of children is declining and the well-being of each child is a priority for society.
Real Estate Selection: Family Needs First
Family-Friendly Areas in Estonia
If you have the opportunity to choose between different areas, it's worth considering family-friendly neighborhoods:
In Tallinn: Haabersti, North Tallinn, and new developments in the outskirts often offer better opportunities for families with children. For example, the Kakumäe and Rocca al Mare areas in Haabersti are known for green spaces and good schools.
In other cities: Look for areas where there are good kindergartens and schools nearby, safe playgrounds, and green spaces. In Tartu, for example, Tammelinn and Ihaste are known as family-friendly neighborhoods.
On the Kinnisvara24 portal, you can search for apartment sales and house sales that meet your family's needs. Filter your search by family-friendly areas and research the educational institutions and leisure activities available in the area.
New Developments vs. Older Homes
New developments often offer a modern living environment and more amenities that can be attractive to families:
Better energy efficiency and lower utility costs, which means savings in the long run
Modern security systems, such as doors with magnetic locks and video surveillance, which are especially important for families with children
Well-thought-out layouts and family spaces, such as larger bathrooms or playrooms
New developments are often located in areas designed with the needs of families with children in mind – playgrounds, parks, bicycle paths
However, be careful about hidden defects that may only appear after the purchase. Before making a purchase, carefully check all details and ask the developer all questions you may have. If possible, visit similar projects already completed by the same developer.
Practical example: The Tamm family considered two options – a renovated apartment in an old house in the city center or a new development on the outskirts of the city. They chose the new development because it offered an energy-efficient home, proximity to a playground and park, and a safer environment for their two children. Additionally, they appreciated knowing that the home wouldn't need renovations in the coming years.
Moving Day: Practical Tips
Caring for Children on Moving Day
Moving day is often chaotic and stressful. Consider the following options:
Ask grandparents or friends to watch the children. Ideally, take the children to a familiar environment where they feel safe.
If children are present on moving day, give them specific tasks according to their age. For example, they can be "inspectors" who check that nothing is left behind, or "artists" who draw each room one last time.
Plan separate activities for the children to keep them occupied (games, movies). Digital devices can be a great help on this day – download some new games or movies.
The First Night in the New Home
First, unpack bedding and other things needed for sleeping. Make the beds before exhaustion takes over.
Create a familiar sleeping environment for the children – the same blankets, pillows, stuffed animals. For young children, a familiar smell (the same bedding) can be especially important.
Follow your usual evening routine as much as possible to create a sense of security. If you have a set bedtime routine (such as reading a book or singing a song), maintain it on the first evening in the new home.
Practical example: Four-year-old Karli's parents packed his favorite bedtime story book, teddy bear, and night light in a separate bag. On the first evening in the new home, they followed the exact same bedtime ritual as in the old home – a bath, brushing teeth, a story, and the same lullaby. This helped the boy fall asleep peacefully in the new environment.
Adjusting to the New Home
The First Days and Weeks
Gradually introduce your children to the new surroundings – nearby playgrounds, parks, shops. Take small exploration trips so your child feels at home in the new area.
Establish new routines that help children adapt. Regularity provides a sense of security – for example, a set route to school or daycare, a set time for dinner.
Be prepared for the fact that younger children may initially behave unusually (sleep disturbances, tantrums). This is a normal part of the adaptation process and usually passes within a few weeks.
Adapting to a New School or Daycare
Visit the new school or daycare before the first day. Familiarize yourself with the spaces and find important areas (classroom, cafeteria, toilet).
Introduce your child to the teachers and explain the situation. A good teacher can significantly help with adaptation.
Encourage your child to participate in clubs and activities to make new friends. Shared interests are a great way to form new friendships.
According to Statistics Estonia, quality education and social relationships are important components of children's well-being, so it is important to support children's quick adaptation to the new educational institution.
International Moves
If you are considering buying real estate abroad or moving to another country, preparation is especially important:
Thoroughly research the local education system and school standards. Educational systems in different countries can differ significantly – in some places, formal education starts later, in others earlier.
Introduce your children to the new country's culture and language before the move. Use books, movies, music, and food to make the new culture exciting and inviting.
Consider international schools if your child doesn't speak the local language. They can offer a smoother transition, especially for older children.
Practical example: The Kask family moved from Estonia to Finland. They began preparations half a year earlier – watched Finnish children's programs together, learned simple phrases, and communicated online with a Finnish family whose children were the same age. Upon arrival, the children already had an initial understanding of the language and culture, which made adaptation significantly easier.
Summary: A Smooth Move is Possible
Moving with children can be challenging, but with good planning and emotional preparation, it can also be an exciting adventure for the whole family. Remember:
Involve children in the moving process according to their age
Plan the move carefully and divide it into smaller stages
Choose a home that meets your family's needs
Quickly create a safe environment for your children in the new home
Give children time to adapt and be supportive
Kinnisvara24 offers a wide selection of homes suitable for families – from apartment rentals to purchasing your dream home. Our user-friendly search system allows you to find a home that meets your family's needs, whether it's a larger space for a growing family or a safer environment for young children. Additionally, we offer personalized customer service and educational articles to help you make informed decisions when choosing a new home.
