Tips for Kids Who Have to Move Across Towns or States

Maybe it’s a new job, moving closer to family, or changing family status— no matter the reason, moving can be overwhelming for parents and their children. So it’s crucial to help your child accept the relocation and adapt to their new home. It’s not always easy, but with some planning, you can help make the experience positive.

The following tips will help you navigate your family’s significant adjustment to your upcoming move.

1. Prepare Them Ahead of Time

Tell your kids as soon as you know you are considering a move. Don’t worry about this distressing your kids. It’s better to be upfront about the move so they have time to process the situation. Be honest about why and how your family will be moving. It might surprise you how well your kids can handle honesty. Use age-appropriate language and be positive in your presentation. Your words and attitude can go a long way in their acceptance of the relocation.

2. Allow for Open Communication

Provide your kids a chance to ask questions about the upcoming move. Encourage them to share their thoughts and concerns and provide a supportive environment as they do so. Be patient as they adjust to the news.

3. Keep The Routine if Possible

Routine gives children something comfortable and reliable when everything else seems chaotic and different. Whether it’s a dinnertime family meal or a bedroom routine of stories and snuggles, these rituals provide a sense of calm and security. You might have to adjust these slightly as you get deeper into the packing process, but hopefully, you can transition your routines to accommodate the changes.

4. Involve Them in the Process

Take your child along while you look for a new home, or let them browse online listings with you. Make it a fun experience researching the potential new neighborhoods, in-person or online. Encourage their input as you look at the possibilities. You might discover interesting things about your kids in the process.

If possible, allow them some Also, allow them to buy something new and different for their room. This will create anticipation and excitement and give the kids something to look forward to when they get there 

5. Capture Some Memories

Moving will force your kids to leave behind friends, family, neighbors, teachers, and classmates. 

Find ways to honor your children’s friendships, favorite places, and current home. Take photos or videos and craft a special scrapbook for them. Then, allow them to help and be part of the fun. 

If possible, arrange a going away party to get everyone together for a little goodbye. Ensure your kids exchange phone numbers, addresses, and appropriate social media information to stay in touch.

New Home Happiness

Planning for your move is essential, especially when planning and mapping your children’s involvement and transition. First, contact us for a free quote. Then, focus on your family, and let us handle the logistics of your upcoming move.

Moving Your Artwork

Are you preparing for an upcoming household move? The chances are good that you have some prints and framed artwork that you will need to prepare and pack. Packing artwork and prints can be tricky. You need to start with the proper moving supplies to get the job done right and avoid damage to your fragile pieces. 

Continue reading to find out how to pack artwork for moving so you can take it with you and display it in your new home. 

Artwork Packing Checklist

To get your art pieces, prints, and framed photos to your new home safely, you will need to protect them before packing them on the moving truck. 

Here are some supplies you’ll need.

Supplies Needed

  • Flat picture box or specialty moving box
  • Corner protectors
  • Packing paper
  • Bubble wrap
  • Acid-free paper
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Painter’s Tape
  • Packing tape
  • Markers and Labels

Avoid Using

  • Non-archival quality tissue paper for wrapping fine artwork
  • Styrofoam peanuts
  • Second-hand filler (newspaper, plastic bags, etc.)
  • Garbage bin bags

Keep reading for tips on packing framed artwork and wall art. You may need different supplies depending on the style of your art pieces.

Inventory Your Art

From ceramics to crystal, and prints to paintings, create an inventory of your art. Cataloging your art, including photos, will help you keep track of everything and, in case of any issues, have the information you need for any claims.

Packing Artwork

There are many different types of art. Following are some ways to pack them. Follow these basic ideas for other artwork as well.

Preparing Framed Artwork

If your artwork is framed, you can keep it in the frame.

If your artwork doesn’t have a glass face, Wrap it in acid-free paper and then with plastic wrap to protect it from moisture. Do not use newspaper as packing material for exposed artwork because the ink can transfer. Place protective corners over the plastic wrap to protect the frame’s edges.

Use bubble wrap as cushioning between the pieces. Place several layers of bubble wrap horizontally and vertically, then carefully tape it to secure it in place (do not tape the artwork or frame itself.) 

Next, add padding like crumpled packing paper in a sturdy box to keep the art from shifting around. Also, add packing paper to the sides so that the art is secure in the box. 

Packing Loose Artwork

For items not in frames or on canvas, use acid-free paper to wrap them around the piece. Use acid-free tape to secure the acid-free paper to itself. Place the art between two foam core boards bigger than the wrapped artwork, using painter’s tape to keep it from sliding around. 

Put them in the moving box, making sure the pieces are cushioned with packing paper. The cushioning should be on all sides, the top, and the bottom of the box. This will absorb shocks from inadvertent bumps and drops.

Storing Artwork

How to pack art for moving: Packing artwork for long-term storage

When packing artwork for moving and long-term storage at storage space, ensure that the storage facility offers the necessary conditions to ensure that the paint, frame, or canvas works will not be damaged. A storage space that isn’t climate controlled appropriately can cause damage to paint and canvases.

When looking for a space to store your artwork, ensure there won’t be any significant temperature changes inside. Ideally, your storage solution will also reduce humidity and moisture levels since dampness can damage canvases and paper. Also, ensure that artwork is stored in a space without direct sunlight.

Packing Artwork for Moving

Prepare your artwork correctly for moving — it’s worth the time. Having the proper supplies and hand is essential. 

Finding the ideal mover is also essential and they can help you prepare, pack and move all of your artwork safely. Contact us today for a free quote.

Looking to move from a northern state to Tampa, FL?

Tampa, Florida, is situated on the Gulf Coast and provides residents with access to wildlife, sports, and nightlife that is unique. For someone from the northern United States moving to Tampa, Florida, you may be aware of some of these things, but others might surprise you.

We’ll start off with some more obvious things you can look forward to:

1. Warm Weather: Tampa’s year-round warm weather is a stark contrast to the colder climate of the northern states. Even during the winter months, Tampa experiences mild temperatures, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to escape the snow and freezing temperatures up north.

2. Abundance of Beaches: Tampa is known for its stunning beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. New residents might be surprised by the sheer number of beautiful sandy beaches in the area, such as Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach, with their crystal-clear waters and breathtaking sunsets.

Now, on to some things you may not know about. 

3. Unique Wildlife: Tampa is home to an array of unique wildlife that might not be found in the northern states. The region is known for its alligators, which can be spotted in the swamps and marshes surrounding the city. Additionally, Tampa is a popular spot for birdwatching, as many migratory birds pass through the area.

4. Cuban Influence: Tampa has a significant Cuban influence, which can be seen in its architecture, cuisine, and cultural events. Ybor City, a historic neighborhood in Tampa, was once a thriving cigar-manufacturing hub and is still known for its Cuban and Latin American heritage. The presence of Cuban sandwiches, pastries, and strong coffee might surprise those from the northern states.

5. Thunderstorms and Lightning: Tampa is located in an area known as the “Lightning Capital of the United States.” The region experiences frequent thunderstorms and lightning strikes, which might be surprising to someone from the north who is not accustomed to such weather patterns.

6. Sports Culture: Tampa has a vibrant sports culture and is home to several professional sports teams, including the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning, and the MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays. The enthusiasm and fervor surrounding these teams, as well as the city’s passion for sports, might be unexpected to someone from the northern states.

Living in the Tampa area provides a unique experience of nature and culture. If you are moving to Florida, contact Community Mover to get a free moving quote!