A move is especially disturbing for those young people – generally teenagers and above – who have a particularly active social life, as they may be leaving friends behind and need to change schools/clubs and social groups. This can be particularly traumatic unless careful thought is given to the changes they will face.

It’s wise to inform your children about the move as soon as possible; the reasons why and advantages to moving (where applicable), so they can adjust themselves to the idea, become actively involved in the move and feel part of the decisions being made.

Research the area you’re moving to, so that you can be informed and enthusiastic about its advantages when your children ask you questions like, “Why are we moving?” “What will it be like?” “What will there be to do there?” etc.

It’s also a good idea to involve children in their choice of school (wherever possible), point out the advantages of their new school and the fact that they will make a new set of friends without necessarily losing touch with their old friends. You could reassure them that you will help to facilitate them keeping in touch with their old friends by organising sleepovers, visits, or days out together.

If you’re doing your own packing, get the children to help. You could use this as a de-cluttering exercise and encourage them to throw out all the unwanted or unused things that have been hanging around in your house for years!

Once you get to your new home, allow your children to have their say in the design and choice of their rooms – make it fun and special! Let them choose their own colour schemes, layout their bedroom etc. and make it their space!

If possible, arranging childcare for the removal day can be a useful and give you one less thing to think about. Perhaps they could go and stay with a relative or friend for the day.

Of course, your children are all unique, and you know them best! Some of these strategies may work and some may not, but we hope this gives you some food for thought.