Moving from one home to another is one of the more stressful transitions family members will undertake.  Facets of family life will undergo some change or replacement, and parents and children alike will have to move through these changes in their own ways.   These changes are sure to bring emotional or behavioral changes as the family makes adjustments.  Expect to see feelings ranging from excitement to sadness, anxiety to frustration.  Don't expect everyone to express these feelings in the same way or at the same time.  Symptoms such as lack of energy, forgetfulness, indesciveness, tension, worrying, socially withdrawing and sleep difficulties may signal emotional distress in parents and older children.  Children below the age of 10 may show more frequent rebelliousness and irritability.  They may also show signs of regression as a reaction to the move.  Increased clinging, a return to bed wetting or nightmares may be noticeable.

Following are some tips to help ease this emotional distress for your family members:

• Get family members focused on and involved in the process of moving.  Hold a family meeting to discuss why, were, when and how the family will move.  Encourage everyone to ask questions and express concerns or feelings.
• If possible, drive the family to the new home and take a tour of the neighborhood schools, shops and parks.  Take photos or videotape the new house and neighborhood.
• To reduce confusion, make lists for each older child of things to do to prepare for the move and assign them a special task or two.  For example, have the older children read aloud about the new town's demographics, history, landmarks, special events and amusements to help familiarize the rest of the family.
• Help children prepare for the move by having them assist with the packing.  Let them pack a box of special clothes, toys or books they would like readily accessible at the new home.
• Let each family member help plan how to set up their bedrooms. 
• Let them share ideas on how to arrange the furniture.   When the move takes place, set up the children's rooms first.

Excerpted from "Moving With Children... An easier Way" by Virginia Secrest, Ph.D.