Moving With Kids? Turn Stress Into Adventure with This Guide

Moving is consistently ranked as one of life’s most stressful events. Packing, paperwork, logistics—it’s a lot to handle! But add kids to the mix, and the stress level can skyrocket. For children, leaving behind their familiar world—their home, friends, school, and routines—can trigger a wave of emotions. As parents, we want to make this transition as smooth as possible for our little ones. This guide is here to help you turn moving day anxieties into an exciting adventure the whole family can embrace.

Table of Contents

Seeing the World Through Your Child’s Eyes

Before we dive into the how-to of moving, let’s pause and imagine the move from your child’s perspective. Their world is about to be turned upside down! To understand their reactions and offer the right support, it’s essential to recognize the emotions they might be experiencing:

Sadness and Grief: Leaving behind beloved friends, teachers, and familiar places can trigger genuine sadness and a sense of loss.
Anxiety and Fear: The unknown can be scary for children. They may worry about making new friends, fitting in at a new school, or simply navigating an unfamiliar environment.
Excitement and Curiosity: Amidst the anxieties, there’s often a spark of excitement. A new home, a new adventure—it can feel like a grand, uncharted territory waiting to be explored!

Keep in mind that these emotions can vary greatly depending on your child’s age and personality.

Toddlers and preschoolers thrive on routine and may struggle with the disruption of moving. They need clear, simple explanations and the reassurance of familiar objects and activities. Visual aids like photos of the new house or playing pretend moving games can help them grasp the concept of moving.
School-aged children may have the most pronounced anxieties about leaving friends and adjusting to a new school. Open communication and opportunities to stay connected with old friends are crucial. Involving them in age-appropriate decisions about the move can help them feel more in control.
Teenagers, though striving for independence, can also experience significant stress. Acknowledge their need for autonomy by involving them in decision-making and encouraging them to maintain their social connections.

Open Communication: The Foundation of a Smooth Move

Moving shouldn’t be a surprise announcement sprung on your kids the day the packing boxes arrive. Open and honest communication throughout the entire process is key to easing their anxiety and building excitement for the new adventure ahead.

Here’s how to make communication your moving superpower:

Be upfront and honest: As soon as you know you’re moving, share the news with your children. Explain why you’re moving, where you’re going, and when it will happen. Don’t sugarcoat it or downplay their concerns.
Speak their language: Tailor your communication to your child’s age and developmental stage. Younger children may need simple explanations and concrete visuals, while older children can handle more details and abstract concepts.
Listen actively and validate their feelings: Create space for them to express their questions, worries, and excitement. Avoid dismissing their concerns. Instead, acknowledge their feelings and offer reassurance: “It’s normal to feel sad about leaving your friends. I’ll miss them too, but we’ll find ways to stay connected.”
Focus on the positives: Highlight the exciting aspects of the move—a bigger backyard, a new park nearby, opportunities to make new friends. Frame the move as a family adventure and encourage them to think about all the new and exciting things they’ll experience.

From Packing Nightmares to Packing Parties: Making the Prep Less Stressful

Packing is often the most dreaded part of moving, for both parents and kids. But here’s the secret: Turn packing into a family activity! Not only will it make the process less daunting, but it will also give your children a sense of ownership and control during a time when their lives feel out of control.

Here are some expert-approved tips to turn packing into a fun family affair:

The “Keep, Donate, Toss” Game: Turn decluttering into a game. Create three piles or boxes labeled “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Toss.” Make it fun by setting a timer or having a friendly competition to see who can declutter the fastest.
Packing Party with Pizza: Blast some music, order pizza, and turn packing into a party! Assign each child a specific area or type of item to pack. Make it a challenge—who can pack the most boxes? Who can be the most creative with their packing techniques?
The “Special Box” Ceremony: Let each child have a special box or suitcase they can pack with their most treasured items—favorite toys, books, blankets, photos. This will provide a sense of comfort and familiarity during the move and will give them something to look forward to unpacking first in the new home.

Saying Farewell: Honoring the Memories and Looking Forward

Saying goodbye to the only home they’ve ever known can be difficult for children. Here are some heartwarming ways to honor the memories and create a sense of closure:

The Goodbye Party: Host a casual get-together with close friends and neighbors. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—a backyard barbecue, a pizza night, or a simple ice cream social. Encourage your children to exchange contact information and make plans to stay in touch.
The Memory Book: Create a scrapbook or photo album filled with pictures of their favorite places in the house and neighborhood, special events, and time spent with friends. This will be a tangible reminder of the happy times and a way to keep those memories alive.
The “What I’ll Miss” and “What I’m Excited For” List: Encourage your children to make two lists—one listing the things they’ll miss about their old home and another listing the things they’re looking forward to in their new home. This can help them process their feelings and focus on the positive aspects of the move.

Hello, New Home! Making the Transition Smooth and Exciting

You’ve arrived! The moving truck is unpacked, the boxes are scattered around, and a sense of “newness” fills the air. Here’s how to make the transition to your new home as smooth as possible for your kids:

Unpack Their Room First: Make your children’s rooms a top priority when unpacking. Set up their beds, unpack their “Special Boxes,” and arrange their belongings as closely as possible to their old room. This will create a sense of familiarity and comfort in their new space.
Explore the New Neighborhood: Take walks, bike rides, or drives to familiarize yourselves with your surroundings. Visit parks, playgrounds, libraries, and local attractions. The sooner your children feel connected to their new community, the easier the transition will be.
Establish New Routines: Moving can disrupt children’s sense of normalcy. As soon as possible, re-establish familiar routines—mealtimes, bedtimes, bath times, story times. This will provide a sense of structure and predictability during a time of change.
Encourage Social Connections: Help your children make new friends. Sign them up for activities, sports teams, or clubs based on their interests. Reach out to neighbors and invite other children over for playdates.
Be Patient and Supportive: It takes time to adjust to a new home. Be patient with your children as they adapt. Validate their feelings, offer reassurance, and create a loving and supportive environment.

Addressing Special Needs: Tailoring Your Approach for a Smooth Move

Moving can be especially challenging for children with special needs. They may thrive on routine and predictability, and the disruption of moving can trigger anxiety, meltdowns, or regression.

If you have a child with special needs, here are some expert tips to ease the transition:

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare: Advance preparation is key for children with special needs. Talk to them about the move well in advance, use visual aids to explain what will happen, and visit the new home or school multiple times before the move if possible.
Focus on Maintaining Routine: Routines provide a sense of security and comfort for children with special needs. Strive to maintain familiar routines as much as possible during and after the move—mealtimes, bedtimes, therapy sessions, and daily activities.
Create a “Sensory Safe Space” in the New Home: Designate a quiet, calming area in the new home where your child can go to de-stress and feel safe. This could be their bedroom, a corner of the living room, or even a small tent set up indoors. Include sensory items that they find soothing—weighted blankets, soft textures, calming music, or fidget toys.
Communicate with the New School: Work closely with your child’s new school to create a smooth transition. Share their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan, discuss any specific needs or accommodations, and arrange for a visit to meet the teacher and familiarize themselves with the classroom.

Moving: A Catalyst for Family Growth

While moving undoubtedly presents challenges, it’s also a powerful opportunity for growth. Here’s how to shift your perspective and embrace the positive aspects of relocation:

Strengthened Family Bonds: Moving requires families to work together, communicate effectively, and support each other. It’s a chance to create shared memories, learn new skills, and strengthen your bond as a family unit.
Expanded Horizons: Moving exposes children to new cultures, environments, and perspectives. It broadens their horizons, fosters adaptability, and builds resilience.
Personal Growth and Self-Discovery: Stepping outside of their comfort zone can help children develop independence, problem-solving skills, and a sense of adventure. Moving can be a catalyst for self-discovery and personal growth.

Remember, you’re not just moving houses; you’re embarking on a new chapter in your family’s story. With the right mindset, planning, and a sprinkle of fun, you can turn moving day stress into an adventure that brings your family closer together.