Guest post by Alex Hall of singleparent.info

Everyone dreads moving, and with good reason. It takes quite a bit of time and energy to take care of all the details. However, if you’re leaving your kids out of the process, you can unintentionally be making it more stressful for them. There are simple ways to include them that allow them to help and to feel more in control. Here are some tips:

1. Pack their room last and unpack it first in the new home.
2. Stick to the old meal and bedtime routines throughout the move to give them a sense of familiarity.
3. Hire movers — you will thank yourself and you’ll have more time to help your children.
4. Include your kids in some decisions: decorations, new plates, which new park to visit first.
5. Find child and pet care for moving day to alleviate stress.
6. Involve the kids in unpacking so they feel more invested.
7. Prepare them mentally but be prepared for anxiety — adjusting can take up to 6 months.
8. Get them pumped about their new school by taking a tour or even walking or driving by.
9. Help them create a memory book of the old house, school, neighborhood, friends, babysitter.
10. Remember to practice self-care so that you’re on top of your game for your children.

Now that you have some ideas for how to include your kids, you can make moving more fun for everyone. When you see the planning as a game rather than a chore, it can be much more inviting to do together. Your kids will feel better and you’ll have more help. Win-win!

Consumer Education Services, Inc. (CESI) is a non-profit credit counseling agency committed to empowering and inspiring consumers nationwide to make wise financial decisions and live debt free. If you are struggling financially, speak with a certified counselor for a free debt analysis today!

This article was syndicated and originally appeared on the CESI Debt Solutions website.