When you decide it is time to move, it is important to engage your children in the process. Depending on the reason for the move and the distance, moving can cause some concerns for children that parents may not be aware of right away. Moving often means going to a new school, leaving favorite playmates, and experiencing a lot of uncertainty about what the new neighborhood will be like.
The transition will be a lot easier if your children support your efforts to get your current home sold. How can you get them involved in the process? Include the whole family in discussions about the move and invite the children to participate in house-hunting trips. Ask for the children's cooperation in keeping their toys and clothes picked up. Teenagers may be especially touchy about strangers invading their space, and may resist keeping their room in "showing" condition. Stay communicative with your children about developments in the home sale to help them feel connected to the process.
Work with a real estate agent who is comfortable with children and can remain sensitive to your children's needs and concerns. When the house sells, take the whole family out to celebrate the event.
I think moving is really a traumatic experience for every one especially kids. Good post and a lot on common sense advise
Jennifer, good tip on getting your children involved in the move to engage them in the process of willing participants in keeping the home clean and tidy.
When you think about it, you really are missing a whole market segment if you leave out the kids in your closing package. When my last buyers showed up at closing, my first question was "Where is your daughter?" I was more prepared for their daughter than I was for them.