Moving with Kids
MAKING MOVING EASIER FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES
Moving is a big transition for anyone, but it can be especially emotional roller coaster for children. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, kids and teens experience the change differently — and often more deeply — than adults realize. After all, they’re not part of the decision-making process, yet their world suddenly changes overnight. New home, new friends everything will be different and for kids, the unknown can be especially scary. From toddlers who crave routine to teens who are leaving close friends behind, each age group faces its own challenges during a move. The good news? With planning, patience, and empathy you can make the process smoother for your whole family.
1. See the Move Through Your Child’s Eyes
Try to imagine what this move looks like from your child’s point of view. Are they leaving the only home they’ve ever known? Their school or favorite playground? Their best friends? To them, it may feel like their entire world is being turned upside down.
Toddlers and young children thrive on structure. When their surroundings change, they may become more clingy, emotional, or even act out. Offer extra comfort and reassurance that their favorite toys, pets, and family routines are all coming along.
School-aged kids may be anxious about starting over — new teachers, new classmates, new routines. Be honest about what’s changing, and highlight what’s staying the same.
Teens often feel the social impact of moving most deeply. Leaving close friends, teams, or part-time jobs can be tough. Give them space to express frustration or sadness, and involve them in decisions where possible. And my best advice, which can be especially hard to do is to simply LISTEN. They may just need someone to talk to, not fix the situation or negotiate a different outcome.... JUST LISTEN, take them out for ice cream and be there for them.
2. Start the Conversation Early
Talk openly about the move as soon as plans are underway. Kids handle change better when they feel informed, even if they don’t fully understand all the details.
Here are a few ways to keep the conversation going:
Be honest but reassuring. Explain where you’re moving and why, emphasizing that your family will go through this transition together.
Encourage questions. Let your children share their feelings — excitement, sadness, or confusion — and listen without dismissing them or trying to diminish their feelings.
Use stories or visuals for younger kids. Picture books or pretend “moving games” can help toddlers process the idea.
Acknowledge older kids’ opinions. While the move may not be negotiable, letting teens express their thoughts helps them feel respected.
3. Introduce Your Kids to the New Area
Helping your children get familiar with their future community can turn anxiety into excitement. If possible:
Visit your new neighborhood before the move. Explore local parks and things that interest them. Check out the offerings at the local community center, or library.
If you enjoy going to church, explore churches in the area, ask about the kids programs they offer.
If you workout at the gym, check out local fitness centers that have kids clubs, like the YMCA.
Plan a playdate for younger kids or set up a school tour to meet teachers before the first day.
Show older kids and teens local hangout spots, gyms, or sports clubs where they can meet new friends
If your move is long-distance, try a virtual approach — look up photos, videos, or maps of your new city and highlight all the fun things to discover once you arrive.
4. Keep Routines as Normal as Possible
Consistency is key for kids of all ages. During the weeks before and after your move, stick to familiar routines — mealtimes, bedtime rituals, and family traditions, like Friday night Pizza and board games. Even though your environment changes, daily structure gives kids a sense of stability. In your new home, unpack their rooms first and recreate comforting spaces like bedtime setups or homework nooks. For toddlers, keep nap times and bedtime the same. For older kids, help them set up their personal spaces early so they feel ownership and comfort in their new environment.
5. Expect (and Accept) Emotional Ups and Downs
No matter how smooth your move is, emotions will run high. Kids may cry, act out, or withdraw. Teens might appear distant or irritable. It’s all part of processing a major life change.
Tips for helping your kids cope:
Validate their feelings. Let them know it’s okay to miss their friends or feel sad.
Stay calm and patient. Your attitude sets the emotional tone for the household.
Keep communication open. A simple “How are you feeling about the move today?” can go a long way.
Encourage connection. Help your children stay in touch with old friends through calls, letters, or visits when possible.
6. Involve Your Kids in the Process
Children handle change better when they feel included. Visit the local hardware store and pick out a bunch of their favorite paint chips to paint their future bedroom.... remember it’s just paint, it can be re-painted in the future, give them a bit of control over their space, who cares if they want to paint it fluorescent pink with orange curtains, and you want it to look like a page in a Pottery Barn magazine. Let them have some control.
Other ways to involve them in age-appropriate ways include:
Toddlers and young kids: Let them help pack a special “moving day” box with their favorite toys and comfort items.
Older kids & Teens: Ask to create a “vision board” with their favorite pictures on Pinterest. And encourage them to research things to do in the new area or help choose after-school activities.This inclusion turns moving from something happening to them into something they’re a part of.
7. Have a Plan for Moving Day
Moving day is chaotic — boxes everywhere, movers in and out, and endless to-do lists. If you can, arrange childcare for younger kids or ask a family member to help supervise.
If that’s not possible, prepare your kids for what to expect:
Explain that boxes are being moved, not lost.
Let them carry something special with them, like a favorite blanket or pet toy.
Once everything’s out, walk through your old home together to say goodbye — it helps with closure.
8. Make Safety a Priority in the New Home
Before young children enter the home the first time, take a few minutes to “kid-proof” the space.
Keep cleaning products, cords, and tools out of reach.
Avoid stacking boxes too high.
Set up a safe zone — a room or play area that’s unpacked and ready for them to use.
For teens, go over new safety details like alarm codes, neighborhood boundaries, or nearby emergency contacts.
9. Unpack Slowly and Build Familiarity
Your first instinct might be to get every box unpacked right away, but it’s okay to take your time. Focus on comfort first — not perfection.
Set up bedrooms, family gathering spaces, and routines before tackling décor or deep organizing. Pull out familiar items early: favorite toys, books, family photos, or even the same dinner plates you used before. Those small details help everyone feel “at home” faster.
Final Thoughts
Moving with kids isn’t easy, I get it, I moved 3 times with my kids over the years! — but it can be an opportunity for your family to grow closer, adapt, and start new traditions together. Children take their emotional cues from you, so when you stay calm, positive, and reassuring, it helps them feel secure no matter where home is.
With thoughtful preparation, and plenty of patience your move can become more than just a change of address — it can be the start of an exciting new chapter for your whole family.
