Moving Time? 4 Supportive Ways to Help Your Teenager Pack
Moving is stressful whether across town or across the state. Teenagers feel stress too if they worry about friends they leave behind. Plus, they are usually responsible for packing the precious contents of their entire bedroom. Help your teen in the days before the moving truck arrives. Learn about these four supportive ways to help your teen pack.
1. Begin as Early as Possible
Tell your teen as soon as possible about a future move. This extra time allows a teen to get used to the idea of new friends and a new school. Teens also have more time to process the reality that their bedroom sanctuary will be turned upside down.
Encourage your teen to start the sorting process sooner rather than wait until moving day to dump everything into boxes. Describe the ease of packing a room that has been purged of trash and unwanted items first. They may be more willing to do so if they see you employ this method in the pantry, the garage, or your closet.
2. Give Your Teen Purge Options
Your teen will likely appreciate options when they begin to sort and purge. Hand them a designated large box or bag to hold donations. Give them several empty trash bags for garbage or useless items. These options make the sort and purge simpler and more organized when teens have a physical location to place items as they work.
Teens who seem hesitant to sort their belongings before a move could simply be overwhelmed and clueless. To help them better understand the process, explain what to ask themselves as they consider their things. For example, when they sort clothing to toss, donate, or keep, decide:
- Does an item show signs of wear or damage beyond repair?
- Do they really need multiples of an item, like five white t-shirts?
- Does an article of clothing still fit?
- Does an item fit their style and is it easily replaceable?
- Has a certain article been worn in the last year?
Questions such as these help teens decide whether or not to save an item for the move.
3. Provide Plenty of Packing Supplies
Gather plenty of packing supplies your teen will need for their bedroom. A variety of different box sizes is helpful for a teen with a roomful of belongings. Don't forget packing tape, a marker, and packing material.
Teach your teen the value of a well-sized box and how it can better protect their things. For example, books belong in a small box rather than at the bottom of a large box with other mixed items. Be ready to offer additional specialty supplies if your teen needs to pack delicate, expensive, or bulky items.
Don't forget a teen might need supplementary supplies like upbeat music to jam to as they sort, pack, tape, and label boxes. Music lifts spirits, increases productivity, and helps time pass. Teens will also feel less grumpy or tired when you supply their favorite beverages and snacks as well.
4. Know When to Linger or Leave
Your teen is in a transition period between childhood and adulthood. They need to learn to do things for themselves, like sort and pack. With the right knowledge and support, your teen is capable of packing their own bedroom for the move. You will find the ideal time to leave their room and let them work.
However, there are appropriate times to linger in their room to assist and not be a helicopter parent. A teen may have moments they feel too distraught or emotional to shoulder the entire burden. Give them a hand. Your teen might surprise you and enjoy your company as you work together and bond.
Getting ready for a move? We have the right supplies to assist you, your teen, and your entire family as you prepare for your move. Contact Azalea City Moving Co . for more information.