Summer is one of the most popular times of year for families to move home. With school holidays in full swing, longer days for property viewings and a little more breathing room for packing and planning, it’s the ideal season for a fresh start. However, for children, especially if it’s their first move, the experience can feel like a big and sometimes overwhelming change.
“Buying a home is a significant milestone for any family,”says Andrew Buckley director for Gascoigne Halman.“However, with children, it’s important to consider the emotional impact as well as the practical side of moving. We encourage parents to approach the moving process with empathy and thoughtful preparation, as with the right support, a house move can become a positive and empowering experience for children – one that helps them feel included, reassured and excited about the change ahead.”
At Gascoigne Halman, we understand that moving with children comes with its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. That’s why we’ve put together our top tips to help parents make the process as smooth and positive as possible, keeping stress to a minimum and helping children feel excited about their new chapter.
1. Start the process without the children
In the early stages of your house-hunting journey, when you're exploring options, speaking to mortgage advisors or shortlisting potential properties, it’s helpful to keep children out of the process.
This gives you space to think clearly, ask important questions and focus on practicalities without added pressure. Once you’re further along and have more clarity, you can involve your children in a way that feels intentional and reassuring.
2. Share the news in a positive way
The way you introduce the idea of moving can really shape how your children respond to it. Rather than presenting the news all at once, try to ease into the conversation gradually, focusing on the exciting possibilities ahead.
It can help to turn moving into a fun activity by asking children to imagine or draw their dream home, what they’d love in their new bedroom, or how they’d like the garden to look. Early involvement like this helps ease uncertainty and encourages a sense of excitement. This gets children thinking creatively and gives them a sense of involvement, even if the final decision lies with the adults.
3. Make initial viewings adults-only
While it’s tempting to bring the whole family to every house viewing, it’s often best to attend the first few visits without children.
This allows you to properly take in the property, ask the right questions, and picture your family’s life there without distractions. Once you’ve narrowed things down or made an offer, it’s a great time to reintroduce your children to the process.
4. Show them their future home
Once your offer has been accepted, plan a second visit with your children. This is a great opportunity to help them connect with their new home and start to build excitement.
Seeing their future bedroom, walking through the garden or even bringing a favourite toy along can help them visualise living there and make the whole experience feel more real and reassuring.
5. Familiarise them with the new area
When moving house, it isn’t just about the building, it’s also about the lifestyle that comes with it. In the weeks leading up to the move, take some time to explore your new area as a family.
Whether it’s a trip to the local park, stopping for ice cream at a nearby café, or simply walking past your new home, these small moments can help children feel more connected and make the transition feel exciting rather than daunting.
Making moves memorable
Whether you're moving for more space, a change of pace, work, or a new school, relocating as a family doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little thought and care, it can be an experience that brings everyone closer and sets the tone for happy memories in your next home.
For more moving advice or to start your family’s next chapter, visit your local Gascoigne Halman branch and our team of experts will be happy to help guide you.
