Moving with Children
Tips for moving house with kids—make it stress-free. Preparing children, packing their room, moving day & new school transitions.
Sam Movers 4U
Published: March 26, 2026 | 9 min read
Moving house is challenging enough without the added complexity of children. Kids thrive on routine and familiarity, so the upheaval of moving can be particularly stressful for them. But with thoughtful preparation and the right approach, moving with children can become an exciting family adventure rather than a source of anxiety. This guide draws on our experience helping hundreds of families move home across London, with practical strategies for every age group.
Table of Contents
Preparing Children for the Move
The key to a successful move with children is communication and involvement. Children who feel included in the process adapt more quickly and positively.
Tell Them Early
Give children plenty of notice—at least a month for younger children and several months for teenagers. This allows time to process the change and say proper goodbyes. Be honest about reasons for moving while focusing on positive aspects.
Involve Them in Decisions
Let children make age-appropriate choices: which colour to paint their new room, arranging furniture, or researching local attractions. This gives them a sense of control and ownership over the transition.
Visit the New Area Together
If possible, visit the new neighbourhood as a family before moving. Explore local parks, shops, and amenities. If distance prevents visits, use Google Street View and virtual tours to familiarise children with their new surroundings.
Acknowledge Their Feelings
Don't dismiss concerns or sadness about leaving friends and familiar places. Validate their feelings: "I understand you're sad about leaving your friends. It's okay to feel that way." Share your own mixed feelings to normalise their experience.
Recommended Books About Moving
- • "The Berenstain Bears' Moving Day" (ages 3-7)
- • "Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move" (ages 5-8)
- • "A House for Hermit Crab" (ages 4-8)
- • "The Good-Pie Party" (ages 5-9)
- • "Moving House" by Anne Civardi (ages 3-6)
- • "My Very Exciting, Sorta Scary, Big Move" (ages 5-11)
Age-Specific Advice
Different age groups have different concerns and capabilities. Tailor your approach to your child's developmental stage.
Toddlers (1-3 years)
- • Keep routines as consistent as possible
- • Pack their room last and unpack it first
- • Have familiar toys and comfort items accessible
- • Use simple language: "We're going to a new house"
- • Expect some regression (thumb-sucking, sleep issues)
- • Maintain nap schedules even on moving day
Pre-Schoolers (3-5 years)
- • Explain using concrete examples they understand
- • Let them pack a special box of favourite things
- • Use play to process emotions—role-play with toys
- • Create a "goodbye" ritual for the old house
- • Show them photos of their new room
- • Arrange childcare for moving day
Primary School (5-11 years)
- • Give them real responsibilities in the move
- • Help them stay connected with old friends
- • Research new hobbies and clubs in the area
- • Involve them in choosing new school items
- • Create a scrapbook of memories from the old house
- • Discuss any worries about making new friends
Teenagers (12+ years)
- • Respect their need for independence and input
- • Be honest about reasons for the move
- • Help them research the new area independently
- • Support maintaining long-distance friendships
- • Give them privacy and space to process
- • Consider timing around important school years (GCSEs/A-levels)
Packing Your Child's Room
A child's room is their sanctuary. How you pack it can significantly impact their emotional experience of the move.
The Essentials Box
Pack a special box that travels with you, not in the removal van. This should contain everything your child needs for the first 24-48 hours:
- ☐ Favourite teddy or comfort item
- ☐ Pyjamas and change of clothes
- ☐ Toiletries and toothbrush
- ☐ Special blanket
- ☐ Nightlight
- ☐ Favourite books
- ☐ Tablet or handheld games
- ☐ Snacks and water bottle
- ☐ School uniform (if moving mid-week)
- ☐ Medications if needed
Pack Their Room Last
Keep their space familiar for as long as possible. Pack non-essential toys and decorations first, leaving favourites until moving day. This maintains their sense of security during the transition period.
Let Them Help
Even young children can help pack soft toys or sort items into categories. Older children can pack their own belongings with supervision. This gives them ownership and reduces anxiety about their possessions.
Label Clearly
Use colour-coded labels or stickers for children's boxes so they're easy to identify on arrival. Let children decorate their boxes with drawings or stickers to make them special.
Unpack Their Room First
Make setting up your child's room a priority at the new house. Having their own familiar space established helps them feel at home while the rest of the house is in chaos.
Moving Day with Children
Moving day can be chaotic and potentially dangerous with children underfoot. Plan ahead to keep them safe and occupied.
Safety First
Moving day presents real hazards for children: heavy furniture being carried, doors left open, tools and cleaning chemicals accessible, and strangers coming in and out. Consider having children stay with family or friends if possible.
If Children Stay Elsewhere
- • Drop them off the night before if possible
- • Leave clear instructions for caregivers
- • Pack their essentials bag to go with them
- • Pick them up once their room is set up
- • Video call to show progress during the day
If They Stay With You
- • Designate a safe room away from the action
- • Assign a dedicated adult to supervise
- • Prepare a "moving day kit" with activities
- • Set clear boundaries about where they can go
- • Have snacks and drinks readily available
Moving Day Activity Kit Ideas
Ages 2-5
- • Colouring books and crayons
- • Favourite DVDs or tablet
- • Small toys (cars, dolls)
- • Snacks in easy containers
Ages 6-10
- • Puzzle books
- • Handheld games
- • Books to read
- • Simple craft kit
Ages 11+
- • Phone/tablet + charger
- • Books or e-reader
- • Headphones
- • Small responsibilities to help
Starting a New School
Changing schools is often the most challenging part of moving for children. Careful preparation can ease this significant transition.
Before the First Day
- • Visit the school together for a tour if possible
- • Meet the teacher or form tutor
- • Arrange a buddy system with an existing student
- • Walk or drive the route together
- • Buy new uniform and supplies together
- • Ask the school about transition support programmes
The First Week
- • Be available for pick-up—don't arrange after-school clubs initially
- • Ask open-ended questions about their day
- • Watch for signs of bullying or exclusion
- • Keep in touch with the class teacher about progress
- • Arrange playdates to help form friendships
- • Be patient with mood swings or behaviour changes
Maintaining Old Friendships
Help your child stay connected with old friends while building new relationships. This provides emotional security during the transition.
- • Arrange video calls with old friends
- • Plan visits back to the old area if geographically possible
- • Encourage letter writing or messaging
- • Invite old friends to visit your new home
- • Acknowledge that missing friends is normal
When to Seek Help
Most children adjust to a new school within 4-6 weeks. Contact the school or your GP if you notice:
- • Persistent refusal to attend school after 2 weeks
- • Significant changes in sleep or appetite
- • Withdrawal from activities they previously enjoyed
- • Ongoing sadness or anxiety that doesn't improve
- • Reports of bullying that aren't being addressed
Settling Into Your New Home
The first weeks in a new home set the tone for your family's adjustment. Focus on creating positive associations and maintaining stability.
First Night Rituals
Create a special first night tradition. This might be a favourite takeaway in your new living room, a family movie night with mattresses on the floor, or a treasure hunt to explore the new house. Make it memorable and fun.
Re-establish Routines
Children find comfort in predictability. As quickly as possible, reinstate familiar routines: bedtime rituals, meal times, and family traditions. This creates a sense of normalcy amid change.
Explore Together
Discover your new neighbourhood as a family. Find the local playground, ice cream shop, library, and park. Creating shared experiences in your new area builds positive associations.
Be Patient
Adjustment takes time. Some children bounce back quickly; others need months. Continue to check in with your child about their feelings and reassure them that it's okay to miss the old house while liking the new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare my child for moving house?
Start talking about the move early, involve them in decisions where appropriate, and visit the new area together. Read children's books about moving, let them pack a special box of favourite items, and maintain routines as much as possible. Be honest about feelings and validate their concerns while focusing on positive aspects of the new home.
Should children be present on moving day?
It's usually better for young children to stay with grandparents or friends on moving day. If they must be present, designate a safe room with activities, snacks, and a responsible adult. Older children can help with light tasks. Ensure dangerous items (tools, cleaning chemicals) are inaccessible and establish clear boundaries around removal activities.
How do I help my child settle into a new school?
Visit the new school together before the first day, meet teachers, and arrange playdates with future classmates. Maintain open communication about their experiences, establish new routines quickly, and be patient with adjustment periods. Contact the school about buddy systems or transition support. Keep extracurricular activities consistent where possible.
What age is most difficult for children to move?
Adolescents (12-16 years) often find moving most challenging due to established friendships and identity formation. However, moves during any major transition (starting primary school, GCSE years) can be difficult. Toddlers and pre-schoolers often adapt quickest, while primary-aged children benefit from making new friends easily.
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