A move can be a stressful time for the whole family, especially for children. Discovering a new neighbourhood is a significant change for a family. It’s an exciting period, but it can also bring worries for all family members. 

Don’t hesitate to talk openly about the move with your child and encourage them to share any concerns they might have. Communication is always a winning solution! 

Here are some safety tips to help your child cope with this period of change and adapt quickly to their new neighbourhood. 

Safety Tips for a Safe Move 

Before the Move 

Prepare Your Child 

• Talk with them about the move well in advance to prepare them mentally. 
• Explain why you are moving and what it entails. 
• Visit the new neighbourhood together (park, convenience store, school, main streets) so your child can familiarize themselves with their future environment. 
• Remind them to never use shortcuts and always inform you where they are going. 
• Allow time for your child to say goodbye to their neighbourhood friends. 

  Involve Your Child in the Process 

• Give them small age-appropriate tasks, like packing toys or decorating boxes. 

• Allow them to choose the colour of their new room or some decorative elements so they feel invested in this change. 

Organize Personal Belongings 

• Prepare a bag with essential items (clothes, favourite toys, toiletries) for the first few days after the move. 
• Clearly label the boxes containing your child’s belongings for easier and quicker unpacking. 

During the Move 

 Supervise the Move Constantly 

• Ensure your child is always under adult supervision. If possible, ask a friend or family member to look after them during the move. 

Create a Safe Space 

• Set up a secure area in the house where your child can play safely, away from the chaos of the move. 
• Avoid letting your child run in high-traffic areas. 

Prepare a First Aid Kit 

• Keep a first aid kit handy to quickly treat any minor injuries. 
• Make sure your child wears appropriate clothing to avoid accidents.   

After the Move 

Prepare Basic Information 

• Ensure your child learns their new address and phone number as quickly as possible. 

• Be sure that your child has a way to contact you if they are ever home alone. 
• Create an emergency contact list and post it on the fridge. If you’ve changed jobs or cell phone numbers, don’t forget to include them on the list. 
• Include the names and contact details of people they can reach out to in case of an emergency when you are not home. 
• Remind your child to never accept invitations from anyone without first getting your permission. 

Set Up Your Child’s Room First 

• Unpack and set up your child’s room first so they can quickly find a familiar and reassuring environment. 
• Keep their favourite toys and familiar objects accessible to help them adapt to the new home. 

 Explore the New Neighbourhood 

• Take walks around your new neighbourhood to discover parks, playgrounds, schools, and nearby shops. Visit the school with your child before the school year starts. If they walk to school, practice the route together. 
• Get to know your neighbours and their children.  Encourage your child to meet the new neighbours as well and make new friends. 
• Identify safe places together where they can seek help if needed. 
• Remind your child to use the “buddy system.” They should always be with at least one other person when outside or walking. 

Maintain Routines 

• Try to keep family routines as much as possible (mealtimes, bedtime, etc.) to provide a sense of stability and security for your child. 
• Be attentive to signs of stress or anxiety and take time to talk with them about their feelings and concerns. 

For Teenagers 

• If your child wants to visit friends in your old neighbourhood, make sure they know the route and public transport schedules (if applicable). 
• Ask them to communicate with you upon arrival and before leaving to come back home. 
• Ensure they inform you of their whereabouts and any schedule changes. 

 Although you now live in a new neighbourhood, it is important to remind your child to continue practicing the various safety instructions you have taught them in the past. To this end, we invite you to consult our blog articles, where you will find a wealth of useful information to ensure the safety of your entire family.