Coping Emotionally when Moving

Moving can be a very common stress factor, and it is not just because of the packing process. Many people, especially teens and kids, find it difficult to accept the fact that they are leaving the place that they have grown up in. They also get apprehensive about adjusting to the new place. Here at OxfordVanMan, the concern goes beyond mere packages and tape. While the best thing to do in case of psychological stress and depression is to consult your doctor, psychologist or counsellor, this section of the site offers some advice that will hopefully help you and your family prepare for the emotional aspect of moving.

Your own adolescent experience would tell you that one of the primary concerns of your teenage sons and daughters would be finding their social place in a new high school. If they have a solid group of friends and are very active in school or in the community, then their attachment would make them protest against the leave. Even more, teens who are involved in romantic relationships often feel that it is the end of the world when they have to leave behind a girlfriend or a boyfriend. You can ease the pain of moving by not scheduling it in the middle of the school year, as your teens would be totally devastated to miss out on events like sports championships and the prom. Involve them in the decision making process, too, like letting them decorate their rooms in the new home according to their personal preferences.

In the case of children, do not shock them by moving all their toys at once. When you move, you can arrange and design the new room according to the way it was in your old house. This is because children take security from familiar things. Help them gain new friends by befriending their classmates parents.

Whether your sons and daughters are little kids or growing teens, always explain to them clearly the reason for the move. Note that your approach must be more sensitive if you are moving because of a divorce, death or any devastating event. By starting out in a new place during the summertime, your children can get accustomed to the new area and even attend fun summer activities there. Try to bring them on short trips to nice places in the new area before you move. If your children show signs of long-term agitation, consult a doctor to avoid or treat depression.