Moving with Kids: Ultimate Guide

• Eight+ weeks before the move: Talk openly about the move, research schools and neighborhoods together, and start decluttering so kids can choose what to keep, donate, or toss.
• Six weeks before moving day: Gather school and medical records, line up childcare, and invite the kids to share ideas for their new rooms and routines.
• 4 weeks before: Begin packing non-essentials room by room. Label or color-code boxes together and schedule utility shut-off and turn-on dates.
• 2 weeks before: Pack an “essentials box” for each child (favorite toys, pajamas, first-night items), confirm their school enrollment, and book school tours or orientation dates.
• Moving week: Keep routines as normal as possible, leave comfort items out until the last minute, and plan goodbyes with friends and neighbors.
• Moving day: Arrange childcare or engaging activities, keep the kids’ essentials boxes within reach, and take a “last/first home” family photo.
• Arrival & settling in: Set up your kids’ rooms first, explore the neighborhood, and help them make friends by visiting parks, joining clubs, and attending school events.

• Use simple, age-appropriate language: Keep it brief and concrete for little ones; with teens, share more details and listen to their concerns.
• Be open about the “why”: Kids pick up on stress. Explain the reasons you’re moving honestly but gently, and focus on what will be consistent.
• Invite questions: Common ones include “Will I still see my friends?” “What is my new school like?” and “Can I bring my pets and favorite things?” Share what you know and promise to keep them updated as your plans firm up.

• Packing together: Let kids pack their own toys or books, decorate boxes with stickers, and help choose which items ride along in the car.
• Decision-making: Ask how they want to set up their new room, and let them weigh in on paint colors, bedding, or desk setup.
• Age-appropriate jobs: Toddlers can “feed” stuffed animals into a box; elementary-age kids can sort, keep/donate piles, and label boxes; teens can manage their own packing and even research schools or activities.

• Validate their feelings: Normalize mixed emotions and reassure them you’ll work through the hard parts together.
• Protect routines: Keep mealtimes and bedtimes as steady as possible, even if you’re surrounded by moving boxes.
• Use transitional objects: Break out your kids’ favorite blankets, toys, and family rituals (like Friday movie nights) for comfort.
• Read about moving: Story time is a low-pressure way to talk about changes and questions.

Pro tip: Dr. Jamie Howard, director of the Stress and Resilience Program at Child Mind, advises, “It’s much easier to deal with something that’s expected than it is to be shocked and unprepared for a stressor.”

• Create a color-coded moving calendar: Assign a color to each family member and add fun stickers to keep kids engaged.
• Make an admin checklist: Transfer school and medical records, notify schools, set up utilities, update your address, and arrange child or pet care for moving day. Use our guides for transferring utilities and labeling boxes.
• Preview the new area: Share photos of your new home, local parks, libraries, and their new school’s website or virtual tour.

• Declutter as a family: Turn decluttering for the move into a game. See who can fill a donation box the fastest (winner picks movie night!).
• Pack room by room: This creates bite-sized wins and makes unpacking smoother on the other end.
• Color-code or label: Assign a color to each room or child. Movers and helpers can match these labels in seconds.
• First-night kits: Pack a small box for each child with pajamas, a stuffed friend, favorite snacks, and a bedtime book.
• Keep comfort items out until last: Familiar objects reduce anxiety as the house empties out.

Pro tip: Ryan and Rachel Ehmke from Child Mind state that letting your kids help can make “them feel in control at a time when events in their lives can seem out of their hands.”

• Host a farewell party: Invite friends and classmates. Ask guests to bring a small note or memento for your child’s memory box.
• Create a memory book: Add photos, drawings, and goodbye letters. Flip through it during the trip to keep spirits up.
• Make the journey fun: Pack road-trip games, create a family playlist, and let your kids take turns as “DJ.”
• Celebrate your new home: Plan a first-night picnic on the living room floor or a walk to the nearest park.

1. Research schools: Check ratings, request virtual tours, and read the PTA page for upcoming events.
2. Contact early: Ask about registration, required documents, and orientation dates so your child knows what to expect.
3. Jump-start friendships: Introduce yourselves to neighbors, set up playdates, and join clubs or teams.
4. Explore together: Walk to the local library, playgrounds, and the grocery store to make the new area feel familiar.

• Keep explanations simple: “We’re moving to a new house together.” Repeat often and pair it with visuals.
• Stick to routines: Protect nap and mealtime windows to minimize meltdowns.
• Make a comfort kit: Include loveys, snacks, and favorite books for the car and first night.
• Offer tiny jobs: Give one-step tasks like placing blocks in a box to build your child’s confidence.
• Expect regression: Tantrums and clinginess are normal. Have a little extra patience throughout the move

• Answer honestly: Invite questions, acknowledge worries, and share realistic timelines.
• Give ownership: Let them pack and label their boxes and choose decor for their room.
• Explore together: Research parks or after-school clubs to build anticipation.
• Plan a special goodbye: Host a small party, make a memory book, or schedule video calls with friends.
• Keep connections alive: Exchange parent contact info and set a first “catch-up” date.

• Share information upfront: Include them in conversations about timelines, schools, and travel plans.
• Invite real decisions: From room setup to class selection, giving your teens responsibility builds buy-in.
• Validate big feelings: Leaving close friends is tough; brainstorm ways for them to stay connected.
• Connect before arrival: Encourage your kids to join school or community social groups to meet peers early.
• Encourage activities: Clubs, sports, and part-time jobs can speed up the adjustment process.

• Special needs: Keep routines steady, preview changes with social stories, and coordinate with new schools and therapists in advance.
• Long-distance or international: Build longer transition timelines, organize travel activities, and keep passports and medical records handy. See our international moving guide for next steps.
• Co-parenting & custody: Communicate with all caregivers, document agreements, and prioritize stability in schedules.

• Acknowledge your feelings: Moving is hard. Naming it helps you manage the stress.
• Lean on your village: Ask friends and family for rides, childcare, or a packing buddy.
• Schedule breaks: Short walks, stretching, or meditation can reset everyone’s mood.
• Model coping skills: Share how you handle stress and invite your kids to try your strategies.
• Find community: Parent groups (online or in person) can offer tips and encouragement.