Let them participate in planning

All family members can help with every part of the move. While you may not want to take younger children house-hunting, older children will probably want to play an active role in choosing their new house or apartment. Show your family pictures of homes you are looking at and be sure to explain the choices you make.

Get them excited about the new house and city

Go online and research your new city. What are some special places or events that they can attend in the new city? Ask each child to pick out one thing they would like to do or see after they move.

Also, enthusiastically describe the positive aspects of their new home. A great way to do this is to begin letting each child plan his or her new room. Ask how they would like to rearrange their furniture. Will they get to redecorate? If so, take them shopping for new comforters, paint colors, or rugs. Fueling positive anticipation will help your kids adjust to the move.

Create a moving kit

Make the move a special event by giving your kids a small kit for all the fun things they will do before the move. Their special moving kit can include:

• Information about your new city
• Pictures of your new house or apartment
• A disposable camera
• An address book
• Fun moving supplies, like markers and labels

Visit special places

Your kids will be leaving behind their friends and the familiar places they eat, play, and learn. Take final trips to favorite restaurants, parks, the zoo, and other special places in your town. Don't forget to take lots of pictures!