Moving with Kids – The Ultimate Survival Guide

Moving to a new home is a big deal for anyone but for children, it can feel especially overwhelming. As a parent, you naturally want to help your child handle the move with as little stress as possible. Even if staying in your current home isn’t an option, there are still plenty of things you can do to make the whole process easier for your child. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind before, during, and after your move.

What You Can Do Before the Move

In the months, weeks and days leading up to your move, try these simple steps to help your child adjust smoothly.

• Break the News Gently – According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about one in six Americans moves every year. So, you’re not alone—and many parents have had to share this kind of news with their kids. When it’s your turn, choose a quiet moment when your child is fully focused and calmly explain what’s happening. Let them know it’s okay to feel upset or nervous. Be honest that it’s a big change but also remind them that your family will stay close and your routines and traditions will still continue.
• Create a Memory Book – Help your child put together a little book about your current home. Depending on their age, you might need to lend a hand. Include pictures and little notes about each room. Ask everyone in the family to share a memory or two. It’ll be a special keepsake they can look back on when they miss the old place.
• Visit the New Area – If you can, take your child to see the new house before moving day. Walk around the neighborhood and point out fun spots like nearby parks, the new school, grocery store or even a local ice cream shop. Getting familiar with the new place ahead of time can make it feel less scary.
• Read Books & Watch Movies About Moving – Head to the library and pick out some books or movies that talk about moving. Since moving is a big part of many kids’ lives, there are plenty of options for all age groups. After reading or watching together, talk about how the characters handled the move and ask your child how they feel about it too.
• Let Your Child Make Some Choices – It’s normal to want to handle everything yourself when moving but giving your child a bit of control can really help ease their stress. Let them help with small decisions, like picking out their new room or choosing which toys or clothes to keep, donate or toss. This helps them feel more involved and less anxious.
• Hang On to Familiar Things – Moving is a great time to clear out things you no longer need but don’t get rid of everything. Let your child keep some favorite toys, decorations or even pieces of old furniture. These familiar items will make the new home feel more comforting and familiar.
• Visit the New School Early – Take your child to see their new school as soon as you can. Get them registered ahead of time so everything is ready for their first day. If possible, go on a tour of the school so they can see where their classroom, bathroom, cafeteria and playground are. It also helps to meet their teacher, the principal and maybe even a future classmate who can show them around on the first day.
• Plan a Goodbye Party – Saying goodbye is important for helping your child feel some closure before the move. A farewell party can make it easier. Invite their friends, neighbors, teachers and anyone else they’re close to. It gives your child a chance to celebrate the good memories and say proper goodbyes.

How to Handle Moving Day with Kids

Moving day will be here before you know it. Here are some simple ways to make things smoother for your child when the big day arrives:

• Let the Movers Handle It – You’ll be more available to support your child if you’re not busy carrying boxes. Hire professional moving company to take care of the heavy lifting so you can focus on keeping your child calm, comfortable and entertained during the move.
• Consider a Babysitter – If your child is too young to help out, it might be best to have someone watch them for the day. A trusted babysitter or family member can keep an eye on them while you take care of everything else, making the day less hectic for everyone.
• Pack a Special Bag for Moving Day – To avoid last-minute stress, help your child pack a small bag just for moving day. Try to get it ready about a week before the move. Include their favorite books, toys, games or anything else that brings them comfort. Also, pack a change of clothes, a cozy blanket and a pillow so they can relax once you arrive at the new home.
• Play Hide & Seek in the New House – Once you get to the new place, take a short break from unpacking and play a quick game of hide and seek. It’s a fun way to explore the new home together and it helps your child get used to their surroundings in a lighthearted way.
• Let Your Child Help Unpack – Even if you have a certain way you like to organize things, let your child be part of the unpacking process. Giving them the chance to put away some of their own things helps them feel more in control and connected to the new space. It makes the new house feel more like home.
• Have an Indoor Campout – That first night in a new home can feel a bit scary for a child. Make it fun by turning it into a little indoor camping adventure. Set up a real tent in the living room or their bedroom and let your child decorate it how they like. Share fun “campfire” stories and play a few games to make the night feel exciting instead of stressful.
• Start a Moving Day Journal – For older kids, giving them a blank journal to write in can be a great way to process the move. Encourage them to jot down how they’re feeling, what they notice about the new house or even sketch things they see. Later on, they’ll enjoy looking back and remembering what that day felt like.
• Play With Packing Supplies – Instead of tossing all the packing boxes and materials right away, let your child play with them for a bit. They can build forts, tunnels or even pretend castles. It’s a great way to keep them busy and entertained while you settle in.

What to Do After the Move

Even after the move is done, your child will still need time to settle in. Here are some tips to help them adjust in the days and weeks that follow:

• Set Up Your Child’s Room First – Make your child’s bedroom the first space you fully unpack and arrange. When their room is set up with their favorite things, it gives them a cozy, familiar place to relax and feel safe whenever they need a break.
• Introduce Yourselves to the Neighbors – Don’t wait around for others to make the first move. Take a walk with your child and say hello to the neighbors. There might be other kids nearby who are around your child’s age and this is a great way to help them start making new friends.
• Visit Your Old Neighborhood – Plan a few visits back to your old area after the move. Going back to see familiar faces and favorite spots can really help your child feel better about the change and make the transition smoother.
• Keep in Touch with Old Friends – Encourage your child to stay connected with friends from their previous neighborhood. If they’re old enough, using social media can help. For younger kids, you can stay in contact with their friends’ parents and set up phone calls or video chats from time to time.
• Let Your Child Talk About Their Feelings – Moving can be tough for everyone, including you. While it might be tempting to pretend everything’s okay, your child needs space to talk about how they’re really feeling. Make time to check in with them now and then, and encourage open, honest conversations. Let them know it’s okay to feel sad, worried or even excited.
• Think About Therapy if Needed – Every child reacts to moving differently. Some adjust quickly, while others have a harder time. If your child seems to be struggling more than usual, it might help to have them talk to a therapist. Sometimes just having someone outside the family to talk to can make a big difference.

In Conclusion

No move ever goes exactly as planned and it’s hard to know how your child will react to the changes. But by following these tips, you can help make the moving process a lot easier and less stressful for your child—and for yourself.