Tips for Homeschooling While Moving

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Are you trying to keep homeschooling while moving?

If you are getting ready to move to a new house, or even a new state, it can be a stressful time for your family.

Leaving family and friends can feel like a void or hole in your life for a while.

Moving has a lot to offer your children if you look at it like a learning experience.

We have moved to a few different states all within 3 years and managed to homeschool the entire time.

I’m not going to say everyday is easy but with a few tips you can help your whole family make the transition smooth.

Tips for Homeschooling While Moving

Involve the kids in the moving process

Just the experience of moving is very educational for your kids.

Since we moved to different states it was a great way to learn geography together.

We researched cities and different communities, learned to read maps and how to research cities online.

My kids also got a look into the technical side of things as I had to forward our old mailing address, set up utility deposits and switch our life over to the new house.

There are so many life skills involved in moving, it’s a perfect opportunity to teach your kids these lessons.

Pack your curriculum

I packed up our curriculum up to a week before we were to be out of the house with each move.

I labeled a box “current curriculum” and the other boxes (I have lots of curriculum) “old curriculum”.

By keeping things separate you can easily grab the new box at your new house so it doesn’t get lost in the move.

I have packed our math and english separate because these are our must-have subjects that I don’t want to get behind on.

The “old curriculum” can stay packed away until you have time to shelve it, which could be months.

I have found it to be helpful to keep your kids personal blanket or stuffed animal aside also so it doesn’t get lost in a mountain of boxes while moving.

Your child may like to have those items close during the transition.

What to do when the house is packed

With little kids, you could use this time to drive to the park or take a walk so they don’t move the things around you have packed.

Play dates or nature walks are also good ways to get their wiggles out and keep them out of the house.

My kids are a little older so they were able to leave things alone.

We found documentaries on Netflix and Youtube about topics they were interested in and let the videos be our school for those few days right before the move.

Homeschooling while Moving: The New House

This is such a fun time for everyone when you get inside your new house.

I took a few days off school to let the kids adjust, explore and help get things unpacked.

They always have fun finding where to put their things in the new bedrooms.

Remember, moving is a learning experience in an of it’ self so don’t stress about taking a few days off.

Some children don’t do well with change and feel stress because they are not in their old home.

Try to unpack items that would bring comfort to your child first like a special blanket, stuffed animal or other special things that remind them of home.

You can always take off additional days if your child seems stressed by the move and make the days up at the end of the year.

Notifying your state

If you have moved to a different state you will need to comply with the new state’s homeschool regulations.

You can check the HSLDA website to find out what each state law requires.

Many states require notification within 15 days after the move to a new location.

I personally wouldn’t wait until after the move to find out how your new states laws work.

Take some time to research before your move so you know what to expect and are not met by surprises such as required assessments.

If you are moving local, you need to call the board of education in your area and make sure they have your new address on file.

If you live in a “green” state such as Texas, you are not registered with the state and don’t need to notify anyone.

Homeschooling in your area

If you moved to a different community it can seem overwhelming to get plugged in.

I always hop on over to Facebook and find a homeschool group for my new state or area.

You can search a group such as “Homeschoolers in Louisiana” or “Homeschoolers in Virginia” for other like-minded families and Co-ops.

This is a great way to get a feel for your new community and culture.

Your local library should also have plenty of information on local homeschool activities in your area.

Many libraries actually hold homeschool activities and groups at their location.

We have found our church to be a smart resource to connect with other homeschoolers and like-minded families.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help from family and friends during your transition.

Homeschooling while moving looks different for every family and you can always catch up on school work when things settle down.

Try to enjoy being present and include your kids in the process because there is so much to learn during the transition.

Let me know what other questions you have about homeschooling while moving. I’d love to answer them.

Thanks for sharing!