Are you moving house with kids?
If so, you’re in the right place!
Moving house is an exciting yet daunting experience, and when children are involved, it can feel especially challenging.
Kids can experience various emotions during a move—from excitement about a new adventure to anxiety and sadness over leaving their familiar home behind.
As a parent, your role is crucial in helping your children navigate this transition smoothly.
By involving your kids in the moving process, communicating openly, and addressing their feelings, you can ensure that moving house with kids becomes a positive family experience.
With careful planning and some thoughtful preparation, the whole family can settle into your new home happily and comfortably.
Below, you’ll find our top tips for moving house with kids, as well as practical advice to help your children settle quickly and with minimal stress.
So, let’s dive in!
Planning The Move: 21 Tips To Help Children Making The Move Easier
1. Talk to your children about the move:
Clearly explain why you’re moving and what the new home will be like, and reassure them by openly addressing any fears or questions.
2. Read books about moving:
Books like The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day and Topsy and Tim: Move House can help your children understand and relate to the experience.
3. Involve your children in the process:
Encourage kids to help pack or decorate their new room.
This can make them feel excited and invested in the move.
4. Make a “new house” wish list:
Let your kids create a wish list of items or features they’d love in their new home.
This will help build excitement and anticipation.
5. Keep your children’s routine as consistent as possible:
Maintaining routines, including meal and bedtimes, provides a comforting sense of normality.
6. Pack a special bag for each child:
Fill a bag with favourite toys, books, snacks, and comfort items to keep them entertained during the move.
7. Hire a sitter for moving day:
A babysitter can keep your younger children safe and occupied on moving day, allowing you to focus on logistics.
8. Label boxes clearly:
Clearly marked boxes help you quickly locate and unpack children’s essentials, reducing stress upon arrival.
9. Arrange for childcare during the move:
If possible, arrange for your children to stay with family or friends during the actual move to minimise stress.
10. Take breaks and have fun:
Schedule breaks throughout the moving day to explore your new area or have a relaxing picnic together.
11. Have a plan for the first night:
Arrange a fun and simple first night, like ordering pizza or watching a film, to ease your family into the new home.
12. Stick to familiar foods:
Eating familiar foods helps children feel secure during the upheaval of moving.
13. Keep communication open:
Regularly check in with your children, addressing their concerns and providing reassurance.
14. Throw a goodbye party:
A farewell party lets kids properly say goodbye to their friends and old home, giving them a sense of closure.
15. Take photos of your old home:
Photograph your old house and garden, creating positive memories your children can treasure.
16. Maintain connections with old friends:
Encourage regular calls or video chats with old friends to help children transition emotionally.
17. Visit the new house and community ahead of time:
Familiarising your kids with the new area in advance helps reduce anxiety.
18. Consider a temporary housing option:
Short-term accommodation can help ease the transition, especially if your new home isn’t ready immediately.
19. Get settled in quickly:
Prioritise setting up your children’s rooms so they quickly feel secure in their new environment.
20. Get your children involved in choosing decorations:
Allow them to select colours or decorations, making their new space feel special and personalised.
21. Be patient:
Understand it might take time for your kids to adjust. Be supportive and patient throughout the process.
After The Move: 9 Tips To Help Children To Settle Into Their New Home
Now that you’ve successfully completed moving house with kids, it’s time to focus on settling them comfortably into your new home.
Moving can disrupt children’s routines and cause stress, but with the following practical advice, they’ll feel at home in no time:
22. Unpack familiar items first:
Unpacking their favourite toys, games, and belongings first helps kids feel immediately at home.
23. Set up their room first:
Quickly arranging your children’s bedrooms creates a safe, comfortable haven amid the move.
24. Explore the new neighbourhood together:
Take walks or bike rides around your new community, helping your family become familiar and excited about the area.
25. Get involved in the community:
Encourage participation in local clubs, sports, or activities, helping children form new friendships and connections.
26. Have a family night in:
Schedule family movie nights or game sessions to strengthen bonds and make the new home feel welcoming.
27. Maintain The Children’s Routines:
Stick closely to mealtimes and bedtime routines to help kids feel secure and settled quickly.
28. Meet new neighbours:
Introduce your children to neighbours early, helping them form new relationships and a sense of belonging.
29. Decorate the new home together:
Let your kids help hang artwork or arrange furniture, creating a personal and cosy environment.
30. Encourage open communication:
Continue open discussions about how your children feel, listening carefully to any worries they might have.
Ready to Move?
Moving house with kids can be challenging, but with some planning and preparation, it is possible to make the move a positive and pleasant experience for everyone.
By following these tips, you can help your children feel more comfortable and excited about moving to their new home and community.
We hope you have enjoyed reading the tips for moving house with kids.
If you are moving soon and would like a quote for your house removal service, please call Tel: 023 9298 5830 for a free, no-obligation quote.
Our friendly and professional team is here to help.
