Planning a move child with Special Needs

Introduction

Every moving season hundreds of families move within and across the state. They plan and organize their move for months where they prepare their children and family for the move. Moving can emotionally challenge people and it is not easy to manage the process. Children need special care and attention at the time of relocation. Sometimes they feel excited about their new house and sometimes they might feel they will have to leave their friends back. So, their emotional well-being needs to be managed likewise, if you are moving with a child having special needs you need some strategies to plan the move.

Many families connect with experts to understand how they can manage the moving process without impacting the lifestyle of their child. In this article, we have divided the relocation into three stages- before, after, and during the move. You can explore the article and customize the move as per your requirements.

Prepare for the move

Everyone feels differently when they relocate from one place to another, distance doesn’t matter, but separation does. When you move, you will find a new place with a comfortable environment and essential amenities. There are various challenges you may encounter while planning a move with a child with special needs.

Before the move

• Inform them about moving- The first thing you have to do is to tell your child about the move and then see how they react. Most kids get overwhelmed with the news and might not get along. Give them some time to adjust to the situation and accept the change. Involving them in the moving process will allow them to understand the importance of the move and they will slowly prepare themselves.
• Involve them in the move- As a parent, you know your kid well and understand how they can handle the emotions. So, involve them in the moving process, and ask them to pack their room. They can declutter their room and decide what to do with their toys, books, or clothes. Most child who has special needs find it comforting to share their things with others so they can connect with them. Take them to the donation spots and create a memory.
• Update the paperwork- In the usual moving process, people overlook the documentation and other paperwork. But in a move with a special child paperwork is important. Start with medical records and school records. Before finding the new doctor at the new address, collect all the medical documents, prescriptions, reports, and certificates (if applicable) from the current health provider. Also, update the changes with the insurance company.
• Explore & secure a spot in a new school- Once you have picked the new house, start exploring the neighbourhood to find a new school. Children with special needs schools where they can learn at their own pace. Each location has schools that have programs for special kids. You can pick a school where you believe your child will find comfort and safety. Once you find a school try to connect with the families with similar situations. You can also explore the official website of the US government to find schools for children with special needs at https://www.state.gov/special-needs-office-of-overseas-schools.
• Arrange Medical facilities- After finalizing your house start exploring the neighborhood, and find the best hospitals and medical facilities. Since you have a child with special needs, research thoroughly and connect with the medical practitioner per the child's needs. If you need supplies for your child right after you move into the new home, connect with the health agencies and NGOs who can assist you immediately. Inform them about your move and ask them to provide the supplies. Gather all the medical documents in one place before the packing starts. Fill out the prescriptions before moving to avoid any health concerns. Also, keep all the health insurance documents handy and update the health service provider about the address change. Make sure the insurance will be valid in a new location.

During the move

• Plan the moving day- Before the arrival of the moving day it is important to keep everything organized. You can hire a professional or ask a friend or family to look after your children. Having a babysitter on the busiest day of your moving journey can be very helpful.
• Help children to handle the emotions- Moving brings up many emotions for kids, they might be upset with the change and happy with the thought of getting a new room. Talk to them and involve them in the process. Give them a bag pack and ask them to fill it with their toys or books or whatever they want to carry with them. This will make the transition easy for them.
• Set kids' room first- When all the items are unloaded, try to set kids' room as a priority. If they find familiar things in a new place, they will feel less anxious and comfortable.
• Don’t forget about yourself- While taking care of your kid with special needs and managing a relocation process, remember to take care of yourself. Keep yourself hydrated, have snacks, take moments, and find time to say goodbye to family and friends.

After the move

• Explore support services- After moving into the new house, you need some help in taking care of your child while you are busy unpacking. The government of the US has a section that caters services to children with disabilities. You can explore the website to find the child care service for your kid on the moving day. Visit this link https://childcare.gov/consumer-education/services-for-children-with-disabilitiesand learn all about the service. It is not bad to ask for help when you have to set up a house in a new state.
• Visit the school- Once settling into your new house, visit the school you picked for your child. Inform the staff about your child, his medical conditions, and special requirements. Also, learn about the program they have for special kids. Ask your child to introduce himself to his new teachers and classmates. He can visit his new classroom and collect school supplies. This can excite them and they will try to connect with new places.
• Reach out to other families- You can find and connect with families who have children with a similar diagnosis and relate with you. In this way, you can find someone to talk and your child will get a new friend to play and study with.
• Explore new state- Make your child comfortable in new surroundings by taking them to parks and shopping spots. You need to find some time from your busy schedule to explore the new state.
• Enrol in activities- For children with special needs it is important to have a schedule. If they are enrolled in any activities in their old place, they might miss that after the move. So, start finding new activities like painting, sports, etc., and enroll them to keep them on a schedule.

Role of professional movers

Managing and executing a move requires detailed planning which is an expertise of professional movers. If you are moving with your child who has special needs, you will be relaxed during the move if you hire a professional mover. Moving companies handle the move and also assist you in managing the move. If you plan your move with Van Lines Move, you can request the services you need on the moving day and after the move.


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