Okay, folks, buckle up. Moving across the country with a 5 and 8-year-old is like trying to herd squirrels while riding a unicycle. I did it (Ohio to North Carolina!), and lived to tell the tale (mostly). So, if you’re about to embark on this adventure, here’s my mom-approved survival guide:
1. The “Packing My Preciouses” Power Move:
Let your kids have some control over packing. I know, I know, the urge to purge every single toy is strong. But trust me, a few familiar comfort items can be sanity savers. My kids got to choose a box of their favorite toys and books. This gave them a sense of agency (important when their world is being turned upside down) and meant I didn’t have to listen to whining about missing Mr. Snuggles for the entire drive. Just be prepared to “edit” later if their “essentials” include 17 stuffed unicorns.
2. School Enrollment: ASAP:
Get them enrolled in their new school faster than you can say “parent-teacher conference.” Routine is key, and the sooner they start making friends, the sooner they’ll stop asking, “When are we going back to Ohio?” We moved a week before kindergarten and 3rd grade started, giving them a chance to go to meet the teacher night and see their new school, then jump right in making new friends.
3. Extracurricular Extravaganza:
Swimming, dance, art, scouting – sign them up for something. It’s an excellent way for them to meet kids with similar interests, burn off energy (a crucial factor in cross-country moves), and give you a much-needed break. My son loves Rubik’s cubes, and back in Ohio, there were no groups or anything to get into, but here in Raleigh area, he found his tribe of like-minded kids right away.
4. The Grandparent/Cousin Connection (aka How to Avoid the “I Miss Them” Meltdown):
Staying in touch with family back home is vital. We did weekly video calls with the grandparents. Pro-tip: Schedule them in advance so you don’t forget (mom brain is real, people). We also sent little care packages – drawings, stickers, silly photos – to keep the connection going. Bonus points if you can plan a visit back “home” sooner rather than later. For us, the grandparents made a plan to visit us within a month of us moving here. From there, we make ongoing plans to see them or for them to come here. For the cousins, we do video calls when we can and make sure to visit 3 or 4 times a year.
5. Exploring Your New Territory (aka “Please Don’t Make Me Go Back to Ohio” Tour):
Become a tourist in your own town! Explore the local parks, museums, restaurants (kid-friendly ones, obviously), and quirky attractions. We hit up the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh – total wins. The more positive experiences they have in their new home, the faster they’ll adapt.
6. The “It’s Okay to Be Sad” Talk:
Moving is a big deal, and kids are allowed to have big feelings about it. Let them know it’s okay to miss their old friends, their old house, their old everything. Listen to them, validate their feelings, and reassure them that things will get better. And maybe have some chocolate on hand. For them, of course. (Wink, wink.)
7. Patience, Grasshopper (aka Don’t Lose Your Mind):
This is the most important piece of advice. Moving is stressful for everyone. There will be meltdowns (yours and theirs), there will be tears, and there will be moments when you question your life choices. Just breathe, remember that this is temporary, and know that eventually, you’ll all settle in and create new memories in your new home. And if all else fails, there’s always ice cream.
Year and a Half Later: The Verdict
So, here we are, over a year after the great migration. And guess what? Nobody wants to move back! Nobody. There were definitely some bumps along the road – a few tearful goodbyes, some initial struggles with making friends, and the occasional longing for familiar haunts. But now? My kids are thriving. They love their school, they’ve found their tribe (one is a budding artist, the other loving scouting and rubik cube group!), and they can navigate our new city like pros. My husband and I? We’ve discovered hidden gems we never would have found in Ohio, and honestly, the change of scenery has been good for us too. Winters are less depressing and we are both thriving as well.
The video calls with family are still regular, but now they’re filled with stories about new adventures and inside jokes from their new schools. We still make visiting back “home” a regular thing, which is fun, but it also solidifies the feeling that, yes, North Carolina is our home now.
The biggest surprise? How quickly the kids adapted. Kids are resilient, and with a little love, support, and a whole lot of patience, they can adjust to big changes faster than we often expect. So, if you’re in the thick of a cross-country move, hang in there. It might feel chaotic now, but a year from now, you might just be surprised at how much you all love your new life.
