Relocation can be an exciting time for the family. However, it can also be a stressful period, particularly for children who may have mixed feelings about the move.

If you’re using serviced apartments as a temporary residence whilst you secure a suitable property in a new city – be it for a several months or up to a year - there’s numerous ways you can support your child before and after the move:

Before your move into serviced apartments

• Share information about your new town or city with your child. Gather a collection of postcards or leaflets about the area to generate a sense of excitement, rather than sadness or fear.
• Tell your child in plenty of time about the serviced apartments you’ll be moving to – preferably several months in advance. Plan a leaving party so they can say bye to friends.
• As soon as possible, arrange a day out to show your child your serviced apartment and the new neighbourhood. Take them to see facilities and amenities you know they’ll enjoy close to the serviced apartments, such as parks, video stores, swimming pools and skating rinks.
• If your child is being enrolled into a new school, schedule some time to visit the head teacher, form tutors and classmates ahead of moving into serviced apartments.

After your move into serviced apartments

Your child, or children, will require love and support when you move into serviced apartments in a new city. A few tips to keep them feeling safe and happy include:

• Helping your child to decorate the room with toys, pretty lights and colourful bedspreads. Make it feel like their own bedroom – even if it is temporary.
• Help your child take photos of the serviced apartment and the city so they can post them to friends and relatives.
• Encourage your child to enrol in local clubs, be it gymnastics, swimming or brownies/scouts - preferably close to the serviced apartments.
• Perhaps most importantly, be there to listen. Whether they’re scared, excited, nervous or happy about moving to serviced apartments in a new city, they’ll need your support.