Moving to a new home is a significant milestone for any family and comes with a unique blend of excitement and stress. When you add children into the equation, the process requires even more thoughtful planning and careful consideration to ensure a smooth transition.

Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, preparing your children for the move can make all the difference.

We’ve put together the ultimate checklist for moving with children, covering what to do before you move, on moving day, and after you’ve moved in. By following these tips, you can help your family navigate the moving process with confidence and ease.

Laredo Floor Plan, Laurel Collection, Blossom Rock Community, Apache Junction, Arizona

Before You Move

The groundwork for a smooth transition should begin well before you start packing your belongings and the moving truck arrives. Preparing your children for the move involves thoughtful communication, strategic planning, and involving them in the process to ease their worries.

1. Talk about the move

The most important way to prepare your kids for a big move is to be honest with them. As soon as you know you’re moving, tell them. Don’t wait until the last minute; they need time to process the news and think about what it means for them.

Explain the “why” and “when” of your move. Be upfront about why the move is taking place and give them an estimated timeframe for when it will happen. Try to speak positively about moving, as your kids will pick up on your emotions. If they see you’re excited for what’s to come, it may be easier for them to feel comfortable with the idea, too.

2. Show them where you’re moving

If you’re moving somewhere within a reasonable driving distance, take them by the new home. Let them see the neighborhood where you’ll be living. Explore local parks and playgrounds, show them their new school, check out the nearest library, and find the closest ice cream shop.

If your new home isn’t nearby, let your kids check out the new house and neighborhood electronically. Scroll through the listing photos, explore what’s nearby on the map, and research fun things to do in your new city.

3. Do your research and get organized

Kids notoriously have many questions, so prepare yourself and get informed. Research the local schools and start the transfer process so you can show them where they’ll attend after the move.

Find a reputable moving company and schedule your moving day so you know how much time you have to pack. Create a moving checklist to stay on top of essential tasks like notifying utility services and changing your address. Come up with a packing plan so your kids can help you clear out the clutter before you move and pack their essentials for the first few days after moving in.

4. Get the kids involved

You’ll be having a lot of conversations about your move. If you’re still house hunting, ask them what things they’d like to have at the new house. Do they want a big yard for a future dog? Do they want their own play or hangout space? Help them with a realistic wish list – if a pool isn’t in your budget, you don’t want them to be disappointed.   

Hold family meetings to keep the kids updated on the latest happenings so they feel included in the process. Use this time to give them age-appropriate tasks to help with moving, like creating an inventory of their toys or packing their overnight “essentials” bag.

Get them excited about their space and have them plan out the layout of their new room. Let them pick out something new and fun, like wall art or décor, to make it feel more like “theirs” on day one.

Most importantly, take the time to listen when they want to talk about the move. Give them time and space to come to you with their thoughts and feelings, or check in to see how they’re doing. While you may feel swamped with all the details of coordinating a move, you’re never too busy to help your kids process their emotions.

5. Take time to say goodbye

Depending on how far away your new house will be, plan time to say goodbye (or “see you soon” if that feels easier) to any friends and family you may not be able to see easily after you move. Chances are, you all may be feeling sad about leaving people behind, so organizing some time together before you go can be beneficial for everybody.

Artisan Four Floor Plan, Artisan Portfolio, Barefoot Lakes Community, Firestone, Colorado

Moving Day

Moving day has arrived, and a flurry of activity and excitement comes with it. Keeping your children safe, comfortable, and engaged is key to ensuring a smooth and (relatively) stress-free experience.

1. Explain the plan for the day

Start by explaining the plan to your children to help them understand what to expect. Let them know when the movers will arrive and outline the key events for the day. Mention that there will be a lunch break to rest and refuel, and describe what the overall schedule will look like, including when you’ll start packing up and when you expect to arrive at the new home. Having a clear timeline can make the day feel more manageable for everyone.

2. Introduce the movers

Having people in and out of your house to move all of your belongings is stressful for anyone, but especially for kids. Introduce them to the movers who will be helping you to help ease their minds with the process.

3. Arrange childcare

If your kids are young, arrange childcare to help keep them safe and out of the way. If you or your movers are moving heavy objects from the house to the truck, having little ones running underfoot can be dangerous.

Even if you have older children, it may be helpful for them to hang out at a friend or family member’s house for a few hours on a moving day. They enjoy some last-minute quality time, and you can be completely focused on what needs to be done.

4. Say goodbye to your old house

You may be running on adrenaline and eager to get settled into your new home, but take a moment to say goodbye to your empty house. Moving day can be emotional, so taking that time together to thank your home for all the good memories and for being a safe space to raise your kids can give your children a sense of closure—and maybe you as well.

Purcell 26 Floor Plan, Front Garage Conventional Collection, Livingston Community, Calgary, Alberta

After You’ve Moved In

Once the moving truck has gone and the boxes are inside, the real work of settling into your new home begins. This is a crucial time for helping your children adapt to their new environment and establishing a sense of normalcy.

1. Prioritize setting up your children’s rooms

Yes, your to-do list will feel like it’s a mile long, but try to make setting up their rooms a priority. Having their familiar furniture and toys in their new space will help them feel grounded, stable, and ultimately adjust more quickly to the new home. If you have older children, encourage them to decorate and arrange their space however they like to feel more connected to their room.

2. Keep your routines

If it was part of your routine in your old house, make it part of the routine at the new one. Consistency with familiar activities fosters a sense of normalcy as there is comfort in the predictability of daily rituals.

Do you eat family dinner together each night? Do that the first night you move in, even if it’s as simple as ordering pizza and having a picnic on the floor in your dining space. If there’s a specific bedtime and evening routine, stay as close to it as possible to reinforce the idea that, despite the changes, home is wherever your family is together.

3. Meet your neighbors

Take a break from unpacking and go meet your neighbors. Introducing your children and family to your new neighbors is a great way to make your new neighborhood feel more like home. Your neighbors can be a valuable resource for community insights and you may find other children who could be future new friends for yours!

4. Have some family fun

You may be anxious to get unpacked and settled quickly, but taking some time to have fun as a family can be rejuvenating. Simple activities that don’t require a ton of time or preparation can provide much-needed relief for everyone.

Have a picnic at a nearby park, walk to the local ice cream shop, or take a night off unpacking and spend the evening watching a movie together. These small moments offer a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of moving and create cherished memories to help your family feel more connected to each other in your new home.

Lennox Floor Plan, Townhomes Collection, Wendell Falls Community, Wendell, North Carolina

Throughout the entire moving process, check in with your kids. Keep the lines of communication open and give them time and space to express how they’re doing and how they’re feeling. Even if everything seems fine, setting aside time to check in is a good way to get them to open up.

Moving with children presents challenges, but with careful planning, open communication, and a focus on maintaining stability and positivity, it can also be a rewarding experience for the entire family.

Find the Best Place to Call Home

We understand the importance of finding the best place to call home and are committed to helping you every step of the way.

Check out the Brookfield Residential blog for design advice, homebuying insights, mortgage tips, and more, including how to decide where to live and whether to rent or buy.

You can also explore where we build and connect with our sales team when you’re ready to learn more. We’ll be expecting you!