How to Move Out of State With a Child
Making an out-of-state move with a child can be a stressful experience for everyone involved. In addition to planning, packing and making arrangements for housing and employment in your new state, you may need to take some time to talk to your child about his concerns and fears concerning moving to a new place. Before you start making plans and filling boxes, there are a few steps you can take to make the transition easier for your child.
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Things You'll Need
- Medical records
- Immunization records
- Birth certificate
- School records
- Cards with new address and phone number
- Camera
- Videos
- Books
- Games
- Coloring Books
Instructions
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1
Tell your child about the move rather than surprising her. Toddlers have short memories and you can wait to tell them that they will be moving until a few weeks before the move. The move will have much more of an impact on older children and you should tell them several months in advance, if possible. Be prepared for some tears and complaining. Explaining exactly why the move will be beneficial to your family may help your child understand the need to move.
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2
Include your child in house or apartment hunting if you can. Children will be much more excited about moving to a new town if they feel that they have a voice in the process. If your child is unhappy about the move, the thought of decorating a new bedroom or swimming in your new home's swimming pool may help improve his attitude.
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3
Visit your child's new school before you move. If your child is already familiar with her new school, the first day of school won't be quite as scary. If your child would like to participate in an activity at the new school, such as chorus or a sports team, ask if your child can meet the coach or teacher and observe a practice or rehearsal.
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4
Gather your child's medical and immunization records and birth certificate. You will need these items to register him at a new school. Be sure to find out if your child's new school requires any immunizations that were not required by the old school and ask the old school to send your child's records to the new school.
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Pack a suitcase or box full of your child's favorite things and keep it with you during the move. As soon as you enter your new home, your child will be able to find her teddy bear or favorite book.
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6
Arrange a going away party for your child. Invite his friends and special adults in his life. Get telephone numbers and email addresses from the attendees so that your child can keep in touch. Give everyone cards containing your new address, telephone number and email address. Take plenty of photographs of your child with his friends.
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Provide plenty of books, videos, handheld games or coloring books for the car or plane ride to the new state. Stop at interesting places along the way if you are driving and have your child keep track of how many miles remain in the trip.
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Tips & Warnings
When you move into your home, set up your child's room first. This will allow you to get your child to bed at a reasonable time on the first night and will provide the comfort of familiar surroundings.
Resources
- Photo Credit Sanjib Lamar
