Moving is stressful. There’s packing and unpacking; change of address cards to be sent and notice to the Post Office; the last minute garage or yard sale; transfer or closing and opening of utility accounts; closing paperwork on the home you’re selling and the home you’re buying ; inspections, repairs, allowances; family finances… And on and on. How do you keep it all straight? Here’s a great checklist starting at two months prior to the move.

But what about your kids? If you’re stressed out imagine what’s going on in their young minds: Will I make new friends? Will I hate the school? Does anyone else like baseball as much as I do? How far away is McDonalds? I’ll never remember my new phone number, address, locker combination… They won’t be concerned about the same things as Mom and Dad. They will worry about things that directly affect them.

How do you settle your children’s nerves during a move? Give them an opportunity to participate by working onsmall projects that address their own personal needs. Children of any age can help pack boxes. Have them label their own boxes so they get placed in their new room in the new house. Have them draw out a plan for their new room, or make a list of things they want to learn from their parents about their new town before they get there.

Pack plenty of music, movies, and games if you have a long cross country drive to your destination. Keeping kids entertained when cooped up in a car all day goes a long way in soothing their nerves as well as Mom’s and Dad’s. And don’t forget the pets ! Now that you have arrived, here are some great ideas for the whole family once you get settled in.