Browse all topics • See what's new
Moving With Kids? 6 Savvy Ways To Make It More Manageable
If you’re considering a move soon, read up for a smooth transition!
Researched, written by 
Rachelle Wilber
Updated on July 9, 2023
// We recommend helpful products in our articles. Read our full disclosure here.
Moving to a new home can be stressful enough without having kids in tow – but don’t panic!
With the right plan and preparation, moving with kids doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience.
Taking some time to create a strategy ahead of time will help keep your family organized, manageable, and (most importantly) happy throughout the entire process.
On top of that, it can help to lower moving-related stress for kids.
In this article, we’ll be sharing a short guide to moving with kids successfully, so you can focus on making new memories together in your new abode.
If you’re considering a move soon, read up for a smooth transition!
Tips For Moving With Kids
1. Have a Plan
Before you start packing up your home, have a plan in place for what needs to be done and when it needs to be accomplished.
This will help you stay organized and on track during the moving process.
Plus, it will give your family something concrete to work towards each day as you get closer to moving day.
To create a packing plan, start by making a list of everything that needs to be packed.
Then, create a timeline for when each task should be completed.
This will help ensure that nothing is forgotten or left until the last minute.
Often the first things people will choose to pack are decorative items, such as paintings or knickknacks.
These items aren’t necessary for day-to-day life and it’s nice to get them out of the way early on in the process.
2. Get the Kids Involved
Moving with kids can actually be a great way to help your children learn about organization and tasks.
Let your kids know what’s happening so they can be prepared for the upcoming move.
Give them tasks that are age-appropriate like helping pack their own room or helping pick out decorations for their new bedroom once you arrive in your new home.
They’ll feel important and included in the process, which will go a long way toward making them excited about the move.
Another helpful way to make moving with kids more manageable is to have them help out with the packing process.
Not only will this keep them busy and distracted from the stress of moving with a lot of stuff, but it will also teach them some important life skills.
Here are a few tips for getting your kids involved in packing:
- Let them choose their own boxes and packing materials.
This will give them a sense of ownership over the process and make them more likely to want to help out.
- Give them specific tasks that they can easily do on their own, such as sorting through toys or clothes or filling up boxes with books.
- Let them pack their own room (or at least part of it).
This will keep them occupied during the move and help avoid any accidents or messes.
3. If Possible, Hire Help
Hiring a professional moving company can make all the difference when it comes to moving with kids or when everyone in the family is involved.
Not only can they do much of the heavy lifting and driving, but they also specialize in making sure everything is moved safely so nothing gets damaged during transit (or while loading/unloading).
Plus, moving companies offer additional services like packing/unpacking that can save you time and energy as well.
4. Take Time to Connect
Moving is a big change for everyone involved, especially children who may not understand why things need to change so drastically all of a sudden.
Take some time throughout this process to connect with your children:
- Ask them how they’re feeling about the move;
- Listen to any concerns or worries they may have;
- Remind them that no matter where life takes you, family always sticks together!
5. Create Traditions
As part of taking time to connect with your family during this transition period, consider creating some traditions that will help ease you into life in a new place together as well as create lasting memories of this special time in your lives.
Maybe it’s having pizza night every Friday night or taking walks around town every Sunday morning – whatever can make moving easier for everyone involved is perfect.
6. Moving With Kids Is Not Easy… So Celebrate Every Little Win!
Moving is an emotional roller coaster ride filled with highs and lows, especially with kids.
Celebrate each little victory along this journey as much as possible!
Acknowledge even small wins like finishing packing up one room or finally getting all of those boxes off the truck.
These moments should be celebrated because every win counts when it comes down to making this transition smoother and more manageable for everyone involved.
Recap
Moving with kids doesn’t have to be so stressful if you take the right steps beforehand such as:
- Having a plan in place;
- Getting kids involved early on;
- Hiring professional movers for assistance, when possible;
- Connecting with your kids throughout this transition period;
- Creating traditions together;
- And celebrating every small win along this journey.
With these tips in mind, we hope your next move is easier than ever before!
Freelance writer. Graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn't on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber