Moving house with children can be an exciting and challenging experience. With careful planning and understanding, parents can ensure everyone has a smooth process – and even have some fun along the way!
In this article, we’ll provide you with 10 essential tips for making a house move as seamless as possible, from talking to your children about the move, to organising their belongings, to asking friends for help. We’ll also cover how to maintain routines, keep stress levels under control, enlist the help of professionals, create a cheerful atmosphere in your new house, and make the house move process enjoyable for kids.
Now let’s get started!
Talk to Them

It’s important to talk to your children during the moving process to keep them informed, involved and reassured. By having these conversations, you can give them a better understanding of the move and help them feel more secure and excited about the transition. This can be done as soon as possible to ensure your children have time to adjust, process and get excited about the move.
Your children may have a range of questions about the house move, like if they can bring their beloved toys along, how will the new house be, and if there are other local children that they might be able to meet.
Talking to children about the move is a great way to ensure they feel included and understand the exciting changes ahead and their fresh outlook can provide invaluable insights that could make the transition smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
It’s essential to take their feelings into account and provide them with honest, comprehensive answers to their questions.
Reassure them
It’s important to reassure your children that the move will bring exciting new opportunities. Moving to a new house can be an exciting adventure! It can open up new possibilities and provide a fresh start. To make the moving process an exciting experience for children, involve them in the process by encouraging them to pack their own toys and belongings and make lists.
This can be a great way to help them feel more in control and empowered. Reassure them that they will still be able to stay connected with their friends and family. Help them express their thoughts and emotions about the move in a positive and constructive way.
Encourage them to express their enthusiasm and excitement about the move. All these steps will help ensure a smooth transition for your children during the move.
Involve them in decisions
It’s important to include children in the moving process to empower them and help them feel more secure during this exciting transition. Involve them in the move by giving them control over certain aspects, like picking out paint colours and décor.
For preschoolers, make packing up their books and games a fun game. For older children, take them along when you’re viewing houses so they can have a say in where they’d like to live.
Letting them plan and design their own bedrooms can also be a great way to get them excited about the move. It’s important to make sure your children feel heard and understood. You can explain why their requests may not be possible, but also try to find a way to meet them halfway or come up with an alternative that will make them feel appreciated.
By involving your children in the moving process and providing them with support and understanding, you can help ensure a smooth transition for your family.
Plan Ahead

The ideal time to start planning ahead for a move is when you first list your home for sale. This will give you plenty of time to get organized, book services such as a removals company, and start packing non-essential items.
If you haven’t yet found an estate agent to sell your house, please consider Frank Modern Estate Agents.
It’s also important to plan meals for the move and consider preparing a first night box with essentials needed on the first night spent in the new home. Meal planning for the move should involve creating simple meals and snacks that can be enjoyed on the go or require minimal effort.
It’s a great idea to get the children involved in the packing process and let them know that they can be part of the process and make it their own by personalising their boxes. This way, the whole family can make the move an exciting adventure!
Label Everything

Labelling is a fantastic way to make unpacking a breeze when moving with children, helping to make the transition smoother and more enjoyable for everyone! Labelling items clearly is a great way to make the move smoother and less stressful. Make sure to label who the items belong to, what room they need to be in, and what is in each box.
Designating one room for the majority of boxes is also an excellent way to keep things organized. Grouping similar items together, such as books, toiletries, and toys, can be incredibly helpful when unpacking. Keeping an eye on the essentials is even more important, as these are the items your children will need right away.
Keep an eye on those essentials
Keeping a close eye on essential items when relocating is a great way to ensure that all of your important belongings make it to your new home safely and securely. When moving house, there are some great strategies to make sure you don’t misplace any of your essential items. Numbering each box, keeping a detailed inventory list in a small notebook, creating a master key, taking photos, labelling everything clearly, utilizing helpful moving apps, and making an inventory of all your items are all great ways to stay organized and ensure you don’t lose track of your essential items.
Technology can be a great asset when it comes to moving house, as there are many helpful apps and tools available to make the process more efficient and organized. Creating an inventory of all your items is a great way to keep track of essential items and ensure nothing is left behind.
Staying organized when relocating is a great way to ensure that all of your essential items make it to your new home safely and securely. Make sure to pack essential items in a dedicated bag or box for your children, including their favourite items, toys, games, pyjamas, a blanket or pillow, and even a special memento from the old home. This way, your little ones will have all their favourite things close at hand during the move!
Ask friends for help

Enlisting the support of friends when it comes to packing and unpacking can be incredibly beneficial. Not only can it make the process faster, easier and more enjoyable, but it can also provide a great source of emotional support during a potentially stressful time.
When it comes to enlisting the help of friends when relocating with kids, giving them plenty of advance notice, being clear about what you need assistance with, offering incentives, and expressing your appreciation with food and drinks throughout the day are all great strategies.
Consider a house moving company
Engaging the services of a house moving company is a great idea if you need assistance with packing and unpacking, or if you don’t have friends or family available to help. When relocating with children, enlisting the help of a professional house moving company can be a great way to reduce stress and make the process smoother.
Finding a reliable house moving company when relocating with children can be made easier with a few helpful suggestions. Ask friends and family who have already moved with children for their recommendations, read online reviews and ratings of local moving companies, and make sure the company is properly licensed and insured. You can also ask your estate agent, as they might know someone they can recommend.
With these tips, you can be sure to find the perfect house moving company for your needs. Researching moving companies can be a great way for parents with young children to save money and make their move as stress-free as possible. By taking the time to compare prices and services offered by different companies, parents can find the perfect fit for their budget and needs. Plus, researching moving companies can help parents avoid any potential scams and ensure they are hiring a reliable and trustworthy company.
Moving with children can be a breeze when you use a house moving company! To make the process smoother, consider packing a bag of essentials for each child, labeling boxes clearly, and involving the kids in the move by letting them help pack and decorate their new room.
Planning ahead and scheduling the move during a time when children are less likely to be stressed, such as during summer vacation, can also help ensure a successful and happy move.
Get them involved

Involving children in the moving process can be incredibly beneficial for parents. It not only helps them feel more in control of the situation, but it also provides a great opportunity for children to express their thoughts and feelings about the transition.
Getting children excited about planning their new room is a great way to get them involved in the process. Ask them what color they’d like the walls to be. What type of bedspread should they choose and where would they like their toys to be stored? Depending on their age, they could even draw out their own plans for the room and make it their own! Encourage their creativity and enthusiasm with a few helpful tips.
Make sure to provide some guidance and direction, but also allow them to express themselves and have fun with it.
Make the moving process fun for the children by giving them small tasks like packing their own toys or helping them choose colors for their new rooms. This will not only make the process more exciting for them, but also help ensure their happiness in the new home. Let their imaginations run wild and transform the moving boxes into something they can have fun with, like a fort or a spaceship. It’s a great way to make the process an exciting adventure for them!
Plan some easy meals

Planning easy meals for the moving day and first few days in your new home is essential for a smooth transition. Making sure you have quick, tasty meals ready to go will help reduce stress and provide a sense of comfort during the moving process.
Preparing meals ahead of time is a great way to make the transition easier. Consider cooking and freezing meals ahead of time, stocking up on non-perishable items, or pre-booking a food shop for your first day in the new house. Pre-booking a food shop can help you get acquainted with the local stores and save you time.
Alternatively, you can also get creative with your meals and plan something a little more special. With a little bit of planning, you can make sure you have delicious meals ready to enjoy in your new home.
Take Their Belongings Last

Prioritising children’s belongings during a move is a great way to ensure a smooth transition for the whole family. Packing children’s bedroom last and unpacking it first can be incredibly beneficial for the whole family. Saving packing toys for last is advantageous because it allows children to jump right in and get excited about organizing their new space.
When relocating with toddlers, make sure to bring all the essentials – their favorite toys, snacks, and cozy comforters.
Keep a special box for your little one that includes their beloved toys, snacks and any other items that can bring joy and coziness. To guarantee children’s toys stay in pristine condition and everyone stays safe, we can encourage them to keep their toys organized and neat when they’re unpacking them, and to be mindful of the mess they make.
Consider childcare

Relocating with children can be a big undertaking and it is important to factor in childcare when making the move. Enlisting childcare can help keep the little ones safe and taken care of while parents focus on the move without any distractions.
Parents have a range of great options when it comes to childcare when relocating with kids. They can explore local childcare providers such as registered childminders or nurseries, or even hire a babysitter or nanny for the day. It is also important for parents to include their children in the moving process and make them feel part of the transition. Involvement can be done by engaging them in conversations about the move, sharing pictures of the new house and allowing them to help with packing and unpacking. This can help the child feel more connected and excited about the upcoming transition.
Having childcare on a completion day is a great way for parents to stay focused on the move and make sure everything is packed and unpacked in an organized manner. It also gives parents the peace of mind that their child is safe and taken care of while the move is taking place.
To make the transition easier, parents can turn to the support of their friends, siblings, or grandparents to help make their children’s moving day a success!
Control Your Stress

Keeping a positive attitude during a move is essential for maintaining stress levels. It can be beneficial for the whole family, as children often take their cues from their parents. Having a stress-free move is an achievable goal with a little bit of planning and preparation.
One of the best ways to keep stress levels low is to maintain routines throughout the move. Keeping routines in place can help provide a sense of security and stability during a chaotic time. Additionally, it is important to stay organized and focus on the most important tasks first. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and plan ahead to make the transition smoother.
Getting enough sleep is also key for keeping stress levels in check. Make sure to take time for yourself, and if necessary, consider childcare options so you can get some rest. Lastly, don’t forget to have some fun. Moving can be a stressful process, but it can also be an exciting adventure.
Have Fun

Making moving an enjoyable experience for children can help to keep them engaged and excited about the process, while also helping you to stay relaxed and take pleasure in the experience. It is important to create a positive and fun atmosphere when transitioning to a new home, as this will help ease the stress of the moving process.
There are many ways to make moving an enjoyable experience for kids. From constructing creative forts and castles out of cardboard boxes, to hosting a movie night or game night with family and friends in the new house, there are a lot of great ideas to get children excited about the move. Additionally, it’s a good idea to let the children bring their own toys to the new home and decorate their own rooms, as this will help them feel more at home and make them feel like they have a sense of control during the move.
By taking the time to make the transition to a new home an exciting event for the children, you can help to create memories that will last a lifetime and reduce the stress associated with such a big life change. Moving to a new home can be an overwhelming experience, but it doesn’t have to be a negative one. With the right attitude and a bit of creativity, moving can be a time for fun, excitement, and wonderful memories.
Summary
Moving house with children can be a stressful experience for all parties involved, but it also has the potential to be a great time of bonding and adventure. By following these 10 essential tips, you can create an enjoyable and stress-free experience for everyone in the family. Start by talking to your kids about the move, making sure to stay positive and reassuring. Involve them in decisions that you make along the way, such as packing and unpacking their bedroom, and embrace their excitement.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on those essential items when relocating and don’t underestimate the power of friends and loved ones helping out during a move – they could make all the difference! Consider hiring a reliable house moving company to further reduce stress levels, and plan some easy meals to make sure everyone is kept fed and happy.
Finally, keep any stress at bay while focusing on the fun side of things by getting the whole family involved and treating the experience like an adventure. Take this opportunity to reconnect on another level, use the power of good organization, and most of all, have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving house can cause disruption and stress for children, as it forces them to leave behind a familiar environment and start again in a new one. Additionally, multiple moves may mean that a child is unable to form resilient long-term relationships or achieve academic excellence due to the lack of continuity in their education.
However, with parental support and guidance, a child can make a smooth transition to the new environment and thrive.
Moving with school age children can be an exciting and rewarding experience for the whole family. At this age, kids are old enough to understand why the family is relocating, while still being young enough to adapt to the change in lifestyle.
Thus, making the transition easier for them, and creating a great opportunity for growth and exploration.
Moving house can be a big change for children, but it does not have to be stressful. With the right help and support, kids can adjust to their new home in no time. Parents can provide reassurance and assistance every step of the way to make it as smooth a transition as possible.
Moving house can even open up opportunities for your children to enjoy! They can explore new places, make new friends, and discover new activities. With the right guidance, children can make the most of their new home and have a positive experience.
Moving to a new house with kids can be made easier by involving them in the process, preparing for their needs, and creating continuity through preserving regular routines. Give your children some control, like helping pack or choose their new room, and make sure to give them a space of their own where they can unpack from their box of tricks.
Additionally, ensure that you book a food shop prior so you can keep providing familiar meals.
Moving house with children doesn't have to be stressful! Try involving them in the process, enlisting childcare, packing an 'easy access' box of essential items and pre-planning meals.
With a little extra preparation, you can make it an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.