Tips for Moving During the School Year

Summer is generally considered the best time for a family to move – the weather is nice and it’s easier to perform the actual relocation, explore the new area, and adjust to the new environment.

What’s more, school is out and kids have enough time to get used to their new surroundings and new lifestyle before classes start again in the fall.

However preferable a summer relocation may be though, circumstances sometimes necessitate moving during the fall, winter, or spring and make it unavoidable for kids to switch schools midyear.

And while moving schools is always difficult, doing so during the school year may be for the better – it will be hard for a child to adapt to a new curriculum, new rules, and new teachers midyear, but it will give them a chance to meet new friends and adjust to the new environment more easily.

Also, teachers and students in the new school will already feel settled and will be more likely to reach out to the new kids and give them extra attention and support.

So, even if you’re moving during the school year, your child’s transition to a new educational facility doesn’t need to be daunting or stressful – you can make sure that your little one sees the move as an exciting adventure and the new school as an essential part of that adventure.

Here is how to achieve this:

How to Prepare for Moving a Child During the School Year

It is normal for children to fear change, so the prospect of moving someplace new and changing schools is certain to upset them and stress them out.

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The best thing you can do to alleviate your child’s fear and reduce the stress is to prepare them for the change as well as possible and help them see the exciting and positive aspects of the move.

1. Discuss the Move with Your Child Well in Advance

The more time children have to process their feelings about moving house and switching schools, the better.

So, be sure to talk to your kid as soon as your forthcoming relocation becomes a certain fact:

• Tell your child about the move and explain the reasons why you’re moving and what exactly the relocation process involves;
• Focus on the positive aspects of the move – new opportunities for exciting adventures and enjoyable activities, new places to explore, new friends to meet, a better school to attend, etc.
• Be sure to spark your child’s interest in the new area and make them feel enthusiastic about their new life;
• Encourage your child to ask questions about the move, the new home, the new area, and the new school, and do your best to answer in a truthful and reassuring way;
• Encourage your child to talk about the things they’re worried about and carefully address each and every concern;
• Ask your child to make a list of the things they’re looking forward to about a new school;
• Remind your child that you’re there for them and they can always count on you to help.

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2. Research Schools in Your New Area

Start researching schools in your new city or neighborhood several months before your relocation date.

Look at the quality of education in different schools, the class options and on-site facilities, the after-school activities and extracurricular activities available to students, etc.

If your child is old enough, show them the list of schools in your new area and the information you’ve gathered about them, and discuss the pros and cons of different schools.

If possible, tour the schools yourself to get a feel of the atmosphere in each of them.

Make sure you choose a place with a friendly environment that suits your child’s specific needs and preferences.

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3. Visit the New Place Together with Your Child

If possible, take your kid to visit the new city and show them around – go see your new home, explore the area together, look for interesting places your little one is likely to enjoy, etc.

If your child knows what to expect and anticipates new adventures coming up, they will be more likely to accept the imminent change in a positive way and not worry so much about moving house and switching schools.

Be sure to ask for a tour of the new school as well, so your kid can experience the school atmosphere firsthand, get to know where the classrooms, cafeteria, and other important things are, and imagine themselves in the new place.

If you’re moving long distance and can’t visit your new city before the relocation, show your child plenty of pictures of the new area and the new school.

It is often the unknown that children fear the most, so being able to visualize the new surroundings will help your little one relax and overcome their anxieties.

4. Talk to the New School’s Principal and Teachers

When moving schools midyear, it’s very important to get in touch with the new school’s administration and staff well ahead of time – either in person, by phone, or via e-mail:

• Ask exactly what the transferring process includes and how you can help it go quickly and easily;
• Ask about expectations for yourself and your child;
• Identify curriculum differences and make sure your child is up to speed with the new school’s current curriculum;
• Point out your child’s strengths and passions and notify teachers of any special needs or academic challenges your child may have;
• Ask about the school’s strategies for helping new students adjust – a buddy system, a peer support network, etc. It’s also a good idea to introduce yourself and your child to the new school’s guidance counselor who can help your kid adapt;
• Find out when classes begin and end, how drop-offs and pickups are handled, and what transportation options are available.

Talk to other parents in the new school as well – they can provide you not only with lots of useful practical information but also with valuable insight into the school’s social dynamics.

What’s more, if your child is still very young, meeting other parents will make it easier to arrange playdates and will help your kid make friends more quickly.

5. Help Your Child Say Goodbye to Their Old Life

Leaving behind friends, classmates, teachers, and favorite places won’t be easy for your child.

To help them overcome the sadness and get excited about their new life, you need to help them say their proper goodbyes before the move:

• Plan some special going-away events – visit your kid’s favorite places in town, take them to the movies, go for a picnic, etc.;
• Organize a farewell party – invite all your kids’ friends over and let the little ones have fun together;
• Make a scrapbook of memories – include pictures of your child’s old school, classmates, and teachers, notes from your kid’s friends, etc.;
• Make a contact list of friends from your child’s old school and neighborhood to help your little one stay in touch with their pals after the move.

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6. Involve Your Kid in the Moving Preparations

One of the best ways to make your move less stressful for your kids is to get them involved in the moving process.

• Encourage them to sort out and pare down their belongings, pack their own things, and help label the moving boxes.
• Ask them how they would like their new room to be arranged and decorated.
• Let them pick their new school supplies.

This will show your child that their opinion matters and will make them feel useful and appreciated, thus helping reduce anxiety and stress.

Moving to a new place and switching schools midyear won’t seem so scary anymore.

How to Transfer a Child from One School to Another Midyear

Moving to a new school involves a lot of paperwork, so you need to begin the transfer process well in advance:

1. Find out what the new school requires

Do this early on and gather the necessary documents:

• Make copies of birth certificates and any other ID documents your child may have;
• Make sure your child is up to date on their vaccines and retrieve their immunization records and other medical records;
• Get school transcripts – Usually, your child’s current school will transfer all official transcripts (report cards, standardized test scores, etc.) to the new school. It is a good idea, however, to get copies of your child’s school transcripts – just to be on the safe side;
• Make (or request) a portfolio of your child’s work at their current school;
• Gather recommendations from current teachers;
• Get proof of address – copies of your new home deed’s title page, utility bills from the new address, bank statements, etc.

2. Make sure your child has the right equipment and clothes

• Buy the new school uniform and the required sportswear;
• Make sure your kid has all the necessary books and supplies. It’s a good idea to buy brand new school supplies (and let your child pick out everything themselves) as a symbol of the new beginning – this will get your little one excited for the change and will give them a sense of control and satisfaction.

3. Help your child prepare for the first day at their new school

The better prepared your child is for their first day at school, the easier it will be for them to adapt to the new environment and find their place in the new school community:

• Visit the new school. If you haven’t been able to tour the new school before the move, be sure to do so as soon as you arrive in your new area – before your kid’s first day at school. Walk around the school’s campus with your child, show them where their new classroom is located, and introduce them to their new teachers;
• Ask your kid’s new teachers for previous class assignments so that your child gets familiar with the amount and type of work they’ll be doing;
• Get a copy of your child’s weekly timetable so you know what your little one needs each day;
• Talk to your new neighbors and your child’s new teacher to see if your kid can meet some of their future classmates before their first day at the new school – being able to recognize a few familiar faces will relieve much of the stress your kid is likely to experience when they enter class for the first time. If there are other new children moving to the same school, try to arrange for your child to arrive at school with them on the first day;
• Make sure your child knows how to get to the school and return back home – show them where the bus stops are, which way to walk, where you’ll pick them up and drop them off, etc.;
• Make sure your kid has packed the right books and supplies for their first day at the new school.

Now that you know how to transfer schools when moving, you need to focus on the effects of changing schools midyear and find efficient ways to help your child settle in.

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How to Help Your Child Adjust When Changing Schools Midyear

Moving in the middle of the school year results in great anxiety, as it means a new routine, new classmates, new teachers, and new struggles.

Your kid will lose everything they have achieved in school so far (popularity among classmates, leadership in school sports teams, etc.) and will have to prove themselves anew.

Moving to a new school, however, is an opportunity for your kid to start afresh, build a better reputation for themselves, and not make the mistakes they did in their old school.

So, to help your child overcome the challenges and take advantage of the new opportunities their new school offers, you’re advised to:

• Allow your child enough time to settle down and adjust to their new life;
• Be open and approachable – share emotions, expectations, and concerns with your child, and encourage them to do the same;
• Show your child how much you appreciate their efforts and how proud of them you are;
• Ensure your child that you’re there for them, no matter what. Show them how much you love them and make sure they know they can trust you;
• Keep your child’s routine intact to restore their sense of security and spend as much time together as you can, so they don’t feel alone;
• Make sure your child enjoys their new room and feels safe, comfortable, and happy in your new home;
• Explore your new city together with your child and kindle their adventurous spirit;
• Encourage your child to follow their passions, direct them towards subjects they’re interested in, and help them join activities and groups they’re enthusiastic about;
• Sign up your child for the extracurricular activities that they enjoyed at their former school. It’s very important that the things your kid loved to do in the old school can be transferred to the new community. (Consider signing up your child for new activities during the next school year, when your little one will have already settled into the new environment.);
• Ask your child’s new teachers about whom your kid seems to be getting along with and find ways for your little one to spend time with these children outside of school hours – set up play dates, register your child for the same activities the other kids are doing, etc.
• Stay in touch with your kid’s new teachers – talk to them regularly to find out just how well your child is adjusting and whether they’re keeping up in class;
• Be supportive and help your kid overcome fears and find solutions when struggling.

Switching schools midyear may be difficult, but it is also exciting and gives children the opportunity to grow and expand their horizons.

Besides, children are very adaptive, so as long as you know how to transfer schools midyear correctly, your little one is unlikely to have any trouble in the new educational environment.

Bonus Tips for Moving During the School Year

Here are a few more suggestions on how to make your move during the school year smoother and less stressful:

• Hire professional movers to take care of your relocation – The experts will perform your move in the fastest, safest, and most efficient way possible, so the arduous relocation process won’t be too stressful for your kid. Besides, when using professional moving services, you’ll have more time to dedicate to your child and their needs and will be able to ensure a smoother transition to the new school;
• Ensure your child’s safety on Moving day – It’s best to arrange for the moving crew to arrive and finish the job while your kid is still at school. If that is not possible (such as if you’re moving on the weekend, for example), let your child stay with a neighbor or a relative while the movers are at your home;
• Plan your trip to your new home in such a way that you can visit different attractions and historic landmarks along the road to bring excitement to your kid. Stop at playgrounds and parks, play games in the car, and have snacks and drinks whenever your child wants to – just do your best to turn the trip into a lively adventure and family bonding time;
• When moving near the end of the school year, you may be considering ways for your child to finish the academic year in their old school. Keep in mind though that enrolling your kid in the new school for a few weeks is a great way for them to meet new friends before the summer and get familiar with the new school environment, so they feel more comfortable in the fall when school starts again. Besides, they probably won’t be learning anything new during the last weeks at school and there will be many fun activities for the end of the year.

Moving during the school year may seem intimidating for your child, but in fact, it helps them avoid loneliness and unnecessary concerns.

A mid-year move happens so quickly that your little one doesn’t have much time to nurture anxiety. Even more importantly, when summer comes, your child will have friends to play with and will be able to adjust to their new life more quickly and more easily.

Good luck with your midyear relocation!

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