Moving to a new home is often described as one of life’s most stressful experiences, and when you’re moving with kids, that stress goes through the roof. When you add the complexity of having a child with special needs into the mix, planning a move can feel like an unbearable task.
From managing DRS appointments and therapies to helping with sensory sensitivities and ensuring that routines stay the same to avoid disturbances, moving with a child who has special needs requires a lot of extra consideration, patience, and organization.
With a little preparation and a good strategy, a move can be smoother for your family and less overwhelming for your very special child. Here’s your guide to planning a stress-free move, step-by-step, so you can focus on the excitement of a fresh start while minimizing the challenges and stress on your loved ones.
1. Start Early, Get Organized, and Talk it Out
The key to reducing stress in any move is starting early, but this is especially true when moving with children who have special needs. Early prep allows you to avoid last-minute chaos and gives you plenty of time to manage your child’s needs while also handling the logistics of the move.
Start by breaking down tasks into manageable chunks. Draw up a timeline as a family for the months leading up to your move and prioritize the most important steps. Organize your moving day by assigning responsibilities and staying on top of tasks that need to be done before the move. This will help you feel in control.
In addition to the usual moving checklist, be sure to include tasks that are specific to your child’s needs. This could mean scheduling meetings with psychologists or updating school. If possible, keep these tasks separate from other responsibilities to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
The most important thing to remember is to involve your child as much as possible. Talk to them about the upcoming move and have them feel a sense of responsibility and a part of all the action. If you can give them a sense of control over the changes you can ease their discomfort.
Children with special needs may have difficulty understanding or processing the concept of a move. Depending on their age and cognitive ability,try to explain what’s happening in a way that they can comprehend. Let them know what to expect during the move, such as when the movers will come and when the new house will be ready.
If you can, take them to visit the new home before the move, so it’s not a completely unknown place when you arrive. Try to give a good connotation to the new home so your child will be excited instead of stressed out.
2. Consult Your Child’s Support Team
Moving to a new location can disrupt more than just the family’s daily routine; it will also interfere with your child’s healthcare, therapy, and educational services. Start by consulting your child’s support team for good tips and techniques well in advance of your move.
Here are a few things to discuss with your child’s support team:
- Medical and Therapy Appointments: Make sure your child’s ongoing treatments, therapies, and medical appointments are well-documented and that records are transferred to your new healthcare providers. Ask them for any special nuances you might not be aware of.
- Educational Needs: If your kid is receiving extra services at school like special education, speech therapy, or occupational therapy, work with the school system in both your current and future neighborhood to be sure there will be a smooth transition.
- Sensory Needs: If your child has sensory sensitivities, consider how your new environment may affect them. A noisy neighborhood at night or the layout of the new home could cause additional stress. Make a plan for how to minimize sensory triggers, such as setting up a quiet, cozy space in the new home that will feel familiar and safe for them.
By involving your child themself along with you child’s support team early in the process, you’ll have the support you need to ensure your child’s needs continue to be met during the move.
3. Stick to Routines
Children with special needs rely on daily routines to feel secure and calm. When moving, you can expect disruptions to their normal routine of course, but there are ways to make the transition a bit smoother.
- Therapies and Appointments: If your child has regular therapies, try to schedule appointments around your move or arrange for services in the new location before you arrive. This way you child will already be familiar with their doctors and feel less alone. Consistency in treatment will help your child adapt to the new environment without feeling overwhelmed by a sudden change in care alongside all the other new changes.
- Sleep Routines: Moving can affect your child’s sleep patterns, which may already be sensitive due to their condition. Ty to keep bedtime routines consistent. Whether it’s reading a bedtime story or enjoying a special toy, the comfort of familiarity will help their anxiety.
- Eating Times: Maintain routines as well, to try be sure that your child continues to eat at the same times and with the same types of food they’re used to. If possible, pack snacks or comfort foods they love.
4. Pack Your Child’s Belongings Last
Packing is a big task when moving, but when you have a child with special needs, the timing of packing is important to ensure they don’t feel overwhelmed. Start by packing up the rooms that won’t affect your child’s routine, such as the garage, kitchen, your own bedroom or the guest room. Keep their key items like their favorite toys, comfort things, and anything they might need on a daily basis out of boxes until the last minute if at all possible.
On the day of the move, pack their things last and unload them first in the new home. This will help them feel a sense of comfort. If possible, set up their bedroom or space in the new house as quickly as you can to help minimize anxiety about being in an unfamiliar environment.
If possible, give your child the opportunity to be involved in the packing process. While some children might enjoy packing their own toys or organizing their things, others might find this task overwhelming. Gauge your child’s comfort level and make sure it’s a positive experience or nick it in the bud.
5. Prepare Your New Home with Special Needs in Mind
Before you move into your new home, take the time to prepare the home in a way that caters to your child’s specific needs just as the old one did:
- Sensory Needs: If your child has sensory sensitivities, think about how your new home can be adapted to reduce sounds. You might need to soundproof a certain room, install blackout curtains, or other adaptations. Plan ahead and make these changes before you move in.
- Safe Spaces: Create a designated space in the new home where your child can head when they feel overwhelmed.
- Accessibility: If your child has mobility issues, make sure that all parts of the home are accessible.
6. Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help- this is a big task. Whether it’s from family, friends, or professionals you hire, getting support can make the move much more manageable.
Many moving companies offer additional services like packing and unpacking, or you might want to hire a caregiver for your child during the transition.
Make sure you get rest, stay hydrated, and take breaks when needed. Taking care of your well-being will help you.
7. The Moving Day: Stay Calm and Flexible
Finally, the moving day will arrive. While it’s important to stick to your plan, things might not always go as expected and that’s ok. Movers might be late, or your child might feel overwhelmed by the commotion and get sick.
Make sure to keep a bag with essentials like snacks, toys, meds on hand for your child so they can have some comfort during the transition. If your child has a hard time with the noise and chaos, find a quiet room in the house where they can relax until the move is complete and get them headphones that cancel noise. The best idea is childcare in a familiar environment.
FAQs
How far in advance do I need to start planning for a move with a special needs child?
Start planning as early as possible, ideally 2-3 months before the move. This gives you time to work with your child’s support team, talk the move over with your child, arrange for therapy or medical transfers, and decompress.
How can I reduce the stress of moving on my child with sensory issues?
By creating a calm, quiet space in your new home where your child can retreat when they become overwhelmed. Use familiar sensory items, like a favorite blanket or noise-canceling headphones, to comfort them during the move.
Should I tell my special child about the move in advance?
Yes, it’s important to give your child plenty of time to process the information. Use visuals to explain the move, and answer any questions they ask. If you can take them for a visit beforehand.
What can I do to help my child adjust to the new home?
Try to set up their room as quickly as possible, keeping their favorite items nearby to create a sense of familiarity. Keep routines consistent.
Should I hire a moving company to help with the move?
Yes, hiring a moving company is smart, especially if you’re moving long-distance or have a lot of items. Look for movers who are experienced with special needs families. Moving APT meets this bill.
