Moving is always stressful. The packing, finding help, the lifting, the maneuvering, the unpacking, the saying goodbye. Now the task with kids underfoot. The kids have an attachment to the old home, old friends, an old school. Moving with kids can be tricky. But with these tips, you will be able to make the transition an easier one.

I will be moving to a new home in three weeks. This will be my 6th move in 10 years. I have moved (sometimes a couple of times within the state) from Pennsylvania to North Carolina, to New Jersey, and then back to Pennsylvania. This move will be my third move with children. I have learned quite a bit along the way.

If you will be moving soon, here are some lessons that I have learned that might make the move easier.

Involve the child

Although as parents we have rules and ultimate control over what happens with our children and in our home, children become unsettled when they feel they have no control at all over a situation. A move introduces chaos into all lives involved, but especially the life of a child. Many times, putting their toys in boxes, leaving friends, and leaving familiar surroundings confuse a child. The best thing to do in this situation is to involve the child in the process. Help them feel like they have some control in the move and that it is going to be an exciting adventure.

1.) Take the child to the home improvement store and allow him or her to pick out a paint color for their room.

2.) Visit the home with the child before you move in (if possible) and ask them where they think things should go in their room.

3.) Go to local parks with the child before you move in to familiarize them with their new neighborhood.

4.) Have them help pack the boxes for their room and allow them to decorate those boxes with crayons and stickers. This allows the process to become more fun for them and allows them to see that they are able to create their own space in their new home.

Pack a "My favorites" box or bag

This is all of the things that will help the child feel at home during a move. Some things that should go into this box or duffle bag should be a favorite game, favorite books, crayons, paper, a few favorite toys, a blanket and a pillow and something new and special for their new room. When you arrive at the new house the child will have this immediately and will be able to play and settle in while you are able to unpack.

Role play with a young child so they know what to expect

A good way to explain what is going to happen on moving day is to play it out. Get a few dolls or action figures, a truck, and pretend boxes/cargo and load and unload the truck to pretend to move out and move in a new home. Playing it out will make it so much more clearly to a child than trying to explain it. Also, since it is play, the move seems more entertaining.

Get the child's room done first

Pack or have movers pack the child's room last so that it is the first off the truck. Make it seem like home as soon as possible. It will make them feel more comfortable that they have their own space and it will also give them a place to go to be out of the way for the rest of the move. Just make sure that the room is childproofed before you leave them play alone in there. Having a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or friend entertain and watch the child during the move will make the process easier as well.

Visit the school or join a playgroup

If your child/children are of school age, having them spend a day at the school prior to moving may put their minds at ease about being the "new kid". By joining a playgroup, you and your child will be making new connections in your new neighborhood and you will begin to feel at home.

By following these tips, moving with a child can be as comfortable and exciting transition.