Selling and Buying a New Home: How Do I Keep Things Normal for the Kids?

We just went through this with my 2 kids, age 7 and 4 at the time. We told them what was happening, involved them in the process of looking for new homes, and told them what would be different. My older one has a harder time with change and she had to leave behind her BFF, which was the hardest part. We still have playdates with her friend about once every 2 months or so, which has helped. They need to understand that all the stuff that is theirs will be coming with you and so will the pets. My younger one just sailed right through the move without missing a beat and was thrilled with the new house and neighborhood. There are lots of childrens books on the subject as well. read as many as you can and relate them to your situation. Good luck with your move!

Just remember that kids take their lead from their parents. If you are able to remain upbeat, calm and organized about things, likely they will do just fine.

In the selling process, the biggest challenge will likely be the showing on the home. I would suggest you set up with your Realtor specific times that are ok for showings as well as request that all showings be approved by you before they occur. You can have them set up a "Call Before Showing" code on the keybox to your home so that another agent cannot get in unless they have first called and confirmed availability.

Packing is never easy or fun. My biggest suggestion there is to hire a company to do the physical move. They can pack you as well, but that can be pricey.

As for the new home, show it to them before you move, if you can, especially your five year old. Your kids are the same ages roughly as mine and I think it would be toughest on the older child, but you can also really tap into the excitement of it with your oldest where the youngest will just likely be excited for any change.

Good luck and if you need a Realtor still feel free to contact me. I'm a Realtor in Orange County, but my broker is up your way. We'd love to help you out.

www.meredithdrews.com (my site)
www.citrusgrovegroup.com (my broker's site)

Have fun! This is SO exciting!

-M

For us, we pack their room last and unpack their room 1st if it across country or if within driving distance we have them (that is right they box it with me) slowly pack 1 box of toys, move it and then unpack it. We use only 1 or 2 boxes for all their things and just make lots of trips.

My son and I moved this year from my parents home to a townhouse of our own and this was HUGE for both of us. He was three at the time, but I took him with me every time I looked at a place and asked his thoughts. Eventually we found a place we both liked and I let him be a part of the whole thing from showing him what packing was like to deciding where every piece of furniture and other stuff would go in his room and the rest of the house for that matter.

Honesty with kids of any age is key and helps them see that they are a part of whole process.

Good luck!