We have several house sales currently going through to completion, the owners are motivated and enthusiastic about moving on to their next home. Moving house represents a transition in life, and whilst the ‘grown-ups’ in the house may focus on many of the practical elements of moving, change is easier for adults to accept than for children. Many of our buyers are moving to Bramhope specifically for the wonderful school, so children are invariably involved in the house move and we like to ensure these children are happy!

The emotional impact

For a child, moving home can have a greater emotional impact, certainly in terms of the losses the
move represents. This may be the loss of a safe and familiar environment, the potential of leaving
friends behind, having to start again or being the new person at school. The impact can be huge, but
there are ways to keep your children reassured and enthusiastic about the future move.

• Talk to children about the move and do it at an early stage, so that they have time to get used to the idea. Offer reassurance every step of the way.
• If your child can’t join you when undertaking viewings, take some photos or a video of the
  potential new home and the area in which it is located. Think about the school, play areas and
  outdoor space- at David Phillip Estate Agents, many of our homes have videos or 3D virtual
  tours you could show them.
• Discuss the new home with them, and give them lots of facts and information, not only about
  the new home (where they will eat, sleep and play) but the surrounding area too. Use facts
  that are appropriate for their age group and level of understanding.
• Although children can’t get involved in the bigger aspects of the home purchase, they can get
  involved in helping decide on colour schemes and decorations. By doing this, they will feel part
  of the process. Have them draw pictures of how they will arrange their new room and what
  colours they will use. Give them new pens and an album they can keep adding to.

Moving day

• Moving day can be stressful for parents – children are always listening and may pick up on your
  anxieties. On this busy day, it may be a good idea for children to be with relatives or friends.
  If the children are with you, get them to document the move through photographs and then
  create a ‘moving day’ chapter for the photo album.
• Just before you leave your old home, walk through each room and say “goodbye” – this helps young children to develop closure.
• When toys are being packed into boxes, explain why and where they are going. A child may worry that they are disappearing for good otherwise.
• Don’t buy a new bed or bedding when you initially move home – this can create a feeling of
  Insecurity. Do prioritise your child’s bedroom as the first to unpack
• If you have a school-age child, the big question is whether they will like their new school and
  make new friends. If the move takes place over the summer holidays, then the child has more
  time to get used to the idea and is making a fresh start with the rest of the children. Although
  the child may have to spend the summer without their old friends. Organise things so that children
  are not bored or lonely.
• Arrange for friends and family to visit. If they are too far away, arrange a video call before you leave your old home. Give your child an address book, arrange a party and have each friend add to a ‘goodbye memory book’.

A stress-free move

Once you have moved, get back to the status quo as quickly as you can. Children are resilient and will
adapt well to the move relatively quickly. They will almost certainly enjoy their new home and the
lifestyle that goes with it as much as the old one, but by following simple steps, you can ensure the
lead-up to the big day and beyond is stress-free and one of excitement for your child.

Application deadline for schools

The North Leeds area has some amazing schools, we frequently find families want to move to the
area specifically for schooling. If you are looking to move home for your child’s education, then the
next key date is September 2025 for secondary schools. To be living in your catchment area before
this date means that April is a great time for marketing your home.

If you are considering selling your home then contact David Phillip FRICS on 0113 4676 400

w: davidphillip.co.uk
a: 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 9AN.

Selling homes quickly in North Leeds and covering Bramhope, Adel, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Otley,
Cookridge and Alwoodley