Moving with Kids: How to Make the Transition Easier
Moving is a big deal for anyone—but for kids, it can feel like their whole world is being flipped upside down. Whether you're relocating across town or across the country, children thrive on routine and familiarity, and moving can bring a lot of uncertainty. The good news? With a little extra planning and some thoughtful communication, you can help make the move a positive experience for your whole family.
Here are some helpful tips to ease the transition for kids of all ages:
🗣 1. Talk About the Move Early
The earlier you can tell your kids about the move, the better. Give them time to process the change and ask questions. Focus on the positives—new friends, a new bedroom, or being closer to family—and be honest about what will stay the same and what will change.
📚 2. Read Books About Moving
There are lots of great children's books that deal with the subject of moving. Reading together can help your kids understand that their feelings are normal and give them a way to express their own concerns. Here are a few great options:
“The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day” by Stan & Jan Berenstain
“Big Ernie’s New Home: A Story for Young Children Who Are Moving” by Teresa Martin
“Goodbye House” by Frank Asch
“My Very Exciting, Sorta Scary, Big Move” by Lori Attanasio Woodring
🧸 3. Let Them Help Pack
Giving kids small, manageable tasks can help them feel involved. Let them pack their own toys, choose what to keep close by, and even decorate their moving boxes. Pro tip: pack their favorite items last so they can access them right up to moving day.
🧭 4. Visit the New Area (If Possible)
If your move is local, take your children to see the new neighborhood, school, or local park. Even seeing photos online can help them visualize their new surroundings and feel more excited about the move.
📦 5. Pack an “Essentials” Box for Each Child
Make sure each child has a box or backpack with the things they’ll need for the first night in the new home—think pajamas, a favorite toy or blanket, snacks, and their toothbrush. Familiar comforts go a long way on move-in day.
🧑🤝🧑 6. Maintain Routines
As much as possible, keep daily routines consistent throughout the move. Whether it’s bedtime stories, mealtimes, or weekend pancakes, routines provide a sense of security during a time of change.
💗 7. Give Them Time to Say Goodbye
Moving can feel like a loss, so give kids time and space to say goodbye to friends, teachers, and favorite places. You can even help them create a memory book with photos and messages from loved ones.
🏡 8. Make the New Home Feel Like Theirs
Let kids pick out new room decor, help arrange their space, or choose where their toys go. Giving them a sense of control helps them feel more grounded and excited about their new home.
👷♀️ 9. Keep Kids Clear of Movers
On moving day, it’s best to arrange for children to be with a trusted friend, babysitter, or family member—away from the hustle of heavy lifting and moving trucks. Not only is it safer, but it also helps reduce stress for everyone involved.
💬 10. Be Patient with Emotions
Children may act out, become clingy, or feel anxious after a move. This is completely normal. Be patient, give lots of reassurance, and create space for them to talk about how they're feeling.
Let Movher Help Make Your Move Smooth for the Whole Family
At Movher, we understand how emotional and complex a move can be—especially with kids in the mix. Our experienced team is here to take the stress off your plate so you can focus on what matters most: your family’s well-being.
📍 Call us today: (509) 954-4777
🌐 Visit us at: movher.com
🚛 Movher – Moving Families with Care 💖
Absolutely! Here's a great way to include that tip—this would work well as a bonus section toward the end of your blog post. Here's how it could be added:
🎨 Bonus Tip: Turn Moving Supplies Into Craft Time!
Once you're all settled in, don’t toss those leftover boxes and packing paper just yet—they’re perfect for fun arts and crafts with your kids!
Need some ideas? Try these:
Box Forts & Playhouses: Let kids design and decorate their own cardboard castles or rocket ships.
Packing Paper Murals: Roll out a sheet of leftover packing paper on the floor or table and let them go wild with markers, paints, or crayons.
Treasure Maps: Have your child create a pretend map of your new home or neighborhood on the back of a flattened box.
Not only does this reuse your moving materials in a creative way, but it also helps children feel more at home in their new space—and keeps them entertained while you finish unpacking!
