Moving With Kids Can Be Stress Free

Moving With Kids Can Be Stress Free

Moving With Kids Can Be Stress Free by The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team 678.929.6529

Moving your family and preparing for a new home is a busy time filled with many things to do and exciting decisions to make. But for children it can be an emotional time in their lives. Moving with kids can be stress free if you include them in the process and implement some of the following tips:

Create A Dream-Wish List
Review with your children some of the things you would like in your new home. Maybe its a finished basement, private yard, pool, sidewalks or a community tennis court.

Shop Together
Bring your kids as you house hunt.

Choose Colors
Let your kids select the color of their bedroom walls or pick out new bedding and curtains to decorate their room. If you are planning on decorating a finished basement with rooms for the kids activities, let them be part of that decorating plan.

Party, Party, Party!
Throw a party for your kids and their friends. This is a great way for them to say goodbye. Take lots of pictures so you can create a memory scrap book. Fill the book with email address, cell numbers and mailing address. 

Move Slowly
Moving in one day can be exhausting and can cause stress for the whole family.  If you are able, moving room by room is one thousand times better than trying to sort out multiple boxes. If you're moving out of state, try scheduling a little vacation along the way. Stop and visit some sites can make the move an adventure.

Babysitters Are Golden
Choose the kids most favorite people to watch or entertain the kids. Find additional helpers for after the move. This keeps the kids busy and time for you to get settled. 

Older Kid Connections
If you are moving far away you may want to have the older kids send a letter to their old friends during the first few weeks when everyone may start to feel homesick.

Everyone Has A Job & A Snack
Some young children may worry about their belongs making it during a move. Create a list with your kids listing their "most important items."  Then pack their "most important items" in a box to take in the car. Create an adventure and pack snacks to pull out in difficult moments.

Connect Now
Find local vendors, doctors, stores, healthcare facilities now and create a list. Introduce yourself to your neighbors is a great way to begin to connect.

For more tips and information on moving contact:
The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team of Keller Williams Realty
678.929.6529

 




Moving With Kids Can Be Stress Free

Preparation And Moving Day Checklist For Your Pets

Preparation And Moving Day Checklist For Your Pets

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team of Keller Williams Realty 678-665-2887

Having a preparation and moving day checklist for your pets can care for your pets in the best possible way during this stressful time. Here a some suggestions to assist you.

PREPARATION UP TO MOVING DAY

Pet Identification: Pet collars and identification tags need to be labeled with current contact information. Include destination location, telephone number, and cell phone number. 

Pet Records: Keep on hand a current copy of pet’s vaccinations, list of medications, health certificates, medical history and current vets phone number. 

Medications/Food: Have at least one week’s worth of food and medication on hand. Order an extra prescription refill.  Purchase an extra supply of food in case you can't find the food in your new area. 

Privacy For Pet:  Keep your pet in a secluded, safe, quiet, well-ventilated place, such as the bathroom, on moving day. They will be nervous with all the activity. 

Pet First Aid Kit: Include veterinarian's phone number, gauze to wrap wounds or to muzzle your pet, adhesive tape for bandages, non-stick bandages, towels, and hydrogen peroxide (3 percent).

Car Safety: Travel with dogs in a crate; cats in a well-ventilated carrier. Secure the crate or carrier with a seat belt and provide pet with familiar toys. Plan ahead by searching for pet-friendly hotels.Keep on hand plenty of kitty litter and plastic bags, and keep your pet on regular diet and eating schedule.

Air Travel: Check about any pet requirements or restrictions. Some airlines will allow pets in the cabin, depending on the animal’s size. If so, purchase a special airline crate for under the seat in front of you. If traveling is stressful for your pet, ask your vet about ways to reduce their stress.  

Find New Vet:  Ask your vet to recommend a doctor in your new locale.  Choosing a new veterinary should include asking for a tour of the facility.  Ask if there are any local health concerns such as heartworm or Lyme disease, or any vaccinations or medications your pet may require.

New Home Prep: Immediately upon arrival set out all the familiar things your pet will need: food, water, medications, bed, litter box, toys, etc. Keep all windows and doors closed when your pet is unsupervised.

MOVING DAY

Keep Schedule: Feed and walk your pet at the same time that you normally would.

Get To New Home Before Pet: Inspect your home for anything that could harm your pet.

Release Your Pet: Be sure all doors and windows are closed as your pet explores the new house.

Familiar Items: Put out the pets familiar toys, bowels and bedding.

Play: Give your pet some time with you to make them feel at home.

ID Tags: Update ID tags and microchips.

New Yard: Be sure it's dog and cat proof and that fence is secure.

Cats: Keep outdoor cats inside for a few nights to they get accustomed to new home.

For more tips on moving contact The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team of Keller Williams Realty 678-665-2887. 

Preparation And Moving Day Checklist For Your Pets