Smooth Moving: 9 Tips for Moving With Children

Children thrive on routine. Most parents will tell you that even small changes can be a major hiccup for a little one’s schedule. With this in mind, the prospect of moving—whether its just to a new home or a new city entirely—can be really daunting. Here are a few tips to make this process easier:

1. Discuss the move with the kids

The most important part in making kids comfortable with the idea of moving is by talking about it. Call a family meeting and give them as much information about the move as soon as possible. Explain to the kids the reasoning behind it and how excited you are about the changes. Although the response from them may be negative, be receptive to their feelings and try to explain to them the positive aspects of the move. Change is scary, and even if the move will benefit the family, kiddos may not understand.

2. Let them help you choose

Try to involve the kids in choosing the house. Bring them along to see the homes and ask them their top three favorite things about them once you've finished the tour. As you narrow the homes down, let them know you’ll take their opinions into consideration.

3. Give them as much information as possible

If you’ve already chosen a home, be sure to give them the opportunity to see it. If the move is just across town, take the kids with you to tour it and explore the neighborhood. If you’re moving long distance, show them photos and Google the new area to explain where the kids will go to school, where they could do their favorite activities, etc. By giving them as much information as possible, they can feel like active participants instead of them feeling like the change is being forced upon them. 

4. Purge before packing

One of the most important things you can do for yourself before the move is to clear out the clutter that has accumulated in your house over time. We like to recommend the 12-12-12 Challenge. Every day up until the home is officially on the market, make it your mission to locate 12 items to throw away, 12 items to donate and 12 items to be returned to their proper home. By completing this challenge, you’ve quickly organized 36 things in your home without it feeling as much like drudgery. If you involve everyone in the family, including the kids, it can become a fun game. Explain to young children the concept of donating toys to kids who may not have any, and be sure to give them a say over which toys go and which stay. 

5. Give everyone tasks for packing

Even little ones can be a help during the move. Let them know that you’ll need their help packing and make them feel like an important part of the moving process. Small kids can decorate a “treasure box” with stickers, markers or paint and fill it with the things they want to keep close. This can include activities for them if the move includes a road trip. Be sure to explain that you’re not giving away their toys and as soon as you get to the new house, they’ll get them back. 

6. Map out their new room

With multiple kids, be sure to decide whose room is whose beforehand to avoid potential conflict once you reach the new home. Once that is done, try to involve them in the decor planning. Giving kids the opportunity to help choose paint colors or new bedding can get them excited about the process and give them something to look forward to about the new home.  

7. Host a going away party

Goodbyes are hard on you, but they can be even harder for kids. Especially if yours is a long distance move, try to give the kids an opportunity to invite friends over for a going away party. Be sure to have them take photos together and exchange contact information so they can keep in touch with old friends while they’re transitioning to a new school and meeting new ones. 

8. Say goodbye to your old house

Take a photo of the family in front of the old house so you have something to remember it by. Frame the photo of the family and let the kids write a favorite memory they had at the home on the matte. 

9. Be a tourist in your new town 

Once you’ve unpacked and settled in, explore your new town. Find out what the major tourist attractions are and take the kids to see what their new city is all about. Also talk to locals to find their favorite lesser-known haunts and visit those. Map out things the kids will want to know like the closest park or swimming pool. Be sure to show the kids all the exciting things your new hometown has to offer.