While moving is typically stressful for parents and kids alike, it can also present an exciting new reality for your family. With these tips for moving into a new home with stepkids, you and your family can enjoy a new beginning.
Buying a home is like starting a new life chapter. Especially if this is your family’s first new home together since you joined the family.
If your kids are younger, there’s a good chance they’ll feel some anxiety about moving to a new home. Leaving their old home behind, especially if they have lots of great memories, can make them feel sad and leave them feeling anxious and alone.
Taking care to make sure your family feels comfortable in their new home doesn’t take a lot of effort, but it’s sure to make a big difference. Here’re tips for moving into a new home with stepkids.
Make Sure Toys And Teddies Arrive Safely
Younger tots will likely have toys, blankies, or teddy bears that bring them comfort, especially during times of uncertainty. Being separated from their go-to comfort toy can be distressing for a young child.
Ensure the safe arrival of their favorite toys by creating a “Teddy Express” train! Grab a cardboard moving box and have them decorate it with markers to look like a train. Write “Teddy Express” or “Blankie Express” and fill it with their favorite toys and blankets.
Put the Teddy Express in your car wherever your child is sitting or in the front passenger seat. Your child will have a great time escorting the box of toys to your new home, and they’ll be able to keep tabs on their favorite toys without worrying about them getting lost in the move.
Write A Letter to the Seller With Your Child
You and your partner will likely tour a fair amount of homes before you settle on one special enough to finally make an offer. If you’re smart, hopefully, you’ll get input from your child as well!
But buying a home is competitive. There’s a good chance your offer isn’t the only one the seller will be looking at.
That’s why it’s often recommended to write a letter to your seller. A handwritten note is a time-honored ritual that holds extra value now that most of our communication is by text or phone.
Sit with your child and talk about all of the reasons you love your new prospective home. Write them all down in a letter for your seller, and make sure to let your child contribute.
You can even have them draw a picture of the new home using crayons and send that along. If you’re not feeling particularly creative, try using a family-focused template from Hippo to write your letter.
Writing a letter to the seller with your child builds a great connection with your seller. It also can help your child get more excited and comfortable with the idea of moving to a new home. If you’re really stumped for ideas, Hippo offers more suggestions for writing a great letter to your potential seller.
Time to Move!
The first few weeks of moving into a new home with your stepchildren can feel uncertain and unfamiliar. It takes a long time to make a house feel like a home. But, these tips for moving into a new home with your stepkids can give you a soft landing.
Taking these extra steps to help your child feel security and ownership in your new home can go a long way in helping their transition to their new home with you go as smoothly as possible.
