1. Do not wait to inform your children about moving. Tell your kids about the move as soon as possible!

It is pretty natural to assume that the less time kids have to think about moving, the easier it will be for your children. However, experts say it is actually the opposite. Kids need time to get used to the idea of moving. Don't put off telling them about moving.

2. Welcome your children's questions about moving.

Open lines of communication will go a long way toward helping your children feel comfortable with moving. And it's okay even if you can't answer all their questions right now. Your kid's questions can give you an idea of how they're feeling about moving — whether they're excited or uneasy. Some questions may also offer an ideal way to get them involved in the moving process, such as suggesting they get online to locate nearby libraries or parks.

3. Be positive and upbeat about the move.

Your attitude about the move will influence your children's attitude as well. If you dread moving, then the move will seem dreadful to them too. Be enthusiastic, upbeat, and positive about the new experiences and opportunities in store, and your children will be more likely to feel the same way.

4. Let your children know they can help with the move.

This is a good time to emphasize that the move is a family event and that everyone will be part of the planning, packing, and perhaps even choosing the new home. Start your kids on thinking of things they can do and how to get ready for the move. Assure your kids that their contributions, however small, will be valued and greatly appreciated.

5. Do some homework so you can "sell" the new community to your child.

Get ready to present the benefits of moving that your teens will agree are positives for them. Perhaps things such as they'll finally get their own bedroom, or a basketball court in the big yard, or you're moving to a place with more public transportation, making it easier for them to get around on their own independently. Look for a link to a talent or interest your teen has that can be explored more fully in this new community. Show them that the move will have plenty of opportunities for them personally.

6. Be straightforward about why you are moving to a new place.

Older children are better able to grasp the bigger issues of why the move is happening -- even if they seem stubborn and don't want to understand. You can explain why a promotion at Daddy's work can't be turned down and can benefit the whole family, or why elderly grandparents need the family nearby. Be open to having a discussion to state your reasoning, such as when your teen asks why Grandma can't just move closer to you. Remember the importance of keeping open lines of communication. Your responses like "Because I said so" often won't help ease the transition.

7. Share what will happen next.

Share with them the expected timetable and how the move will work, such as if one parent will move first and the rest of the family will follow later. Explain where you are in terms of finding a new home and how your teen can be involved in the moving process. Be sure to assure your teen that his or her ideas are welcome and appreciated, even if you can't always act on them, and that their opinions and feelings are always respected. Make sure you live up to your word!

8. Re-establish regular family routines, such as mealtimes and bedtimes, right away.

When moving, there's a certain amount of disruption to regular schedules that you simply can't avoid. But once you've moved in, aim to get back on track with your normal family routines as quickly as possible. This will help younger children, in particular, who need routines and more consistency. This also sends the important message to all members that you are the same family, just in a new setting. The old rules, routines and rituals still apply no matter where you're at.

9. Be sure to prioritize the unpacking process.

You certainly didn't pack in a day, so don't try to unpack in one either. Make setting up the children's bedrooms your first priority to help get them comfortable. Put the kitchen, bathroom(s), family room and other high-use living spaces at the top of the list. Don't obsess over decorating or hanging pictures right away. Take your time to enjoy getting to know your new home and the wonderful discoveries you and your kids will make about it.

10. Familiarize yourselves with the new neighborhood.

This is especially important for comfort and safety. You want your children to know as quickly as possible the boundaries of where they can go and where they can't go beyond. Taking walks or driving around together as a family is the best way to uncover the exciting surprises that await in the new neighborhood.

Information provided by Movers Directory