Tips for making your big move exciting for the kids

You may be excited about moving to your new home, but for your kids, it might be a little overwhelming.

1.     The biggest thing to remember is to prepare your kids. Relocating can be a fun adventure if they know what’s going on. Make sure you talk to them about the move. Ask them about their feelings so that you know their concerns, uncertainties, and fears.

2.     Involve your kids in the moving process, from picking out their new home (and their new rooms) to packing their toys. 

3.     Visit your new community. Make sure there is plenty of time for your children to explore their new home and neighborhood. Check out local parks and libraries. Visit the local pool or community center and other places your child might like. If you live far away but you’ve got pictures of the new place and neighborhood, share them with the kids.

4.     Most kids are concerned about losing old friends, and the uncertainty of making new friends. Assure them that they will not lose their old friends. Encourage them to exchange addresses, phone numbers and email. With Facebook, Twitter and the like, there are many ways for kids to remain in close contact with old friends.

5.     Meet the kids on your new block. If possible, try to meet other families with young children who live on your street or nearby. Get the kids involved in activities that will help them make friends, such as summer camps and play groups.

6.     Keep their favorite toys and comfort items close by. Pack your child’s beloved items in easily accessible places. Though you may be tempted to get rid of a ratty blanket or stuffed animal, don’t do it now if it’s something your child treasures.

7.     Get school squared away. Particularly if it’s the middle of the school year, do what you can to make your child’s transition comfortable. Take them to see their new school, and maybe meet their new teachers.

8.     Make sure there’s time to say goodbye. Plan a going-away party, or go out to your favorite local restaurant with your family and close relatives and friends.

9.     When the moving truck arrives at the new house, have the children stationed in their new rooms (so they are out of the way, unless they are big enough to actually help). Tell the children not to start dragging out their stuff until the furniture is in their room and they have a place to put their clothes.

10.  Keep whatever routines you have if possible. From breakfast to bedtime, kids like to know that some things never change.

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.

Some tips on eco-friendly moving!

Moving is typically not an eco-friendly undertaking. It involves packing boxes, tape, packing peanuts, transportation… lots of ways to harm the environment. But it doesn’t have to be an eco-nightmare. Follow a few of these simple tips and make your relocation a greener experience.

1.     If you don’t need it, don’t take it. One of the simplest ways to reduce your carbon footprint when moving is to reduce the amount of stuff you move. Go through your stuff and get rid of things you no longer need.  Donate clothing, furniture and books to charities or thrift stores or have a garage sale. If you have items that need to be thrown out, try to recycle them if possible. Always dispose of electronics properly.

2.     Go green when you clean. Whether it’s the home you’re leaving or the one you’re moving into, you’re likely to be doing a great deal of cleaning during your move. Cleaning products are typically very bad for the environment, as well as your health, so choose green cleaning products whenever possible. Look for products that are non-toxic and biodegradable and read through the ingredient list to make sure they’re all natural. You can also consider making your own cleaner using vinegar and water.

3.     Choose responsibly. Eschew the usual old truck packed with cardboard boxes. There are a variety of moving companies that espouse green practices, from using trucks that operate with bio-fuels, to using recycled or biodegradable packing products, to how efficiently they pack your belongings to minimize trips.

Here are some questions to ask:

·      Do they use recycled packing materials?

·      Will they come collect packing materials so they can be re-used?

·      Do they have a no idling policy?

·      Do they make an effort to reduce fuel consumption through a shortest route possible policy or speed monitoring?

If you’re handling your move on your own, be sure to rent a moving van that’s the right size for what you have to move – the smaller the van, the lower the fuel consumption. And to reduce your carbon footprint even further, load your belongings in such a way that allows you to make the fewest trips back and forth.

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.