Thinking about a move during the school year could feel a little daunting. Thoughts of planning a “convenient” time to be somewhat inconvenienced could even seem a bit overwhelming.

At the same time, a mid-year move with your family could also offer a strategic time to make new friends and establish a new routine — all while neighbors and school-age children are more readily available to meet and forge new friendships.

We’re offering five tips to help you successfully make a mid-year move during the regular school year.

1.    Keep your kids involved.

If they’re into an activity, foreign language, or a sport, find a way to incorporate that interest into the new location and forge new friendships. Involvement breeds commitment, and it’s also a vital part of making healthy relational connections.

2.    Keep the lines of communication open.

Focus on honest and up-front answers while also keeping it age-appropriate in your conversations. When kids ask answers that you don’t know, it’s OK to acknowledge that as well. Try to keep them informed about a potential moving company, the dates involved, and help them say goodbye to teachers and friends.

3.    Look for the adventure.

Stay positive about a potential move. If teenagers are having a difficult time due to emotional insecurity, be honest about the situation and try to remain upbeat.

4.    Explore the new school.

If at all possible, try to offer a “shadow day” or a sneak preview day before the official enrollment begins to meet any classroom teachers or key school administrators.

5.    Create a new routine.

Incorporate new school schedules into your family. Find a new place to have a snack or a meal for special celebrations. And yet, feel free to keep some of the same rhythms like the dinnertime or bedtime rituals.

Whenever you need to find movers or relocation services (during the school year or otherwise) in parts of Pittsburgh, southwestern Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia, or eastern Ohio, we’d love to talk! At George Moving and Storage, we offer free estimates — either in-person or virtual, depending on your schedule. Simply visit our website, or give us a call today at 800-810-2635.