Moving House with Children: A Stress-Free Guide to Family Moves
29th January 2025

Moving House with Children: A Stress-Free Guide to Family Moves

Are you preparing to start moving house with children and are feeling a little uncertain about where to begin?

You’re not alone—many parents find relocating one of life’s most daunting challenges.

In fact, a poll of 2,000 UK adults who moved house revealed that 61% ranked it as their top stressor, even comparing it to the strain of divorce.

And while adults often focus on logistics, children’s needs can easily get overlooked.

From toddlers clinging to familiar routines to teens mourning lost friendships, moving house with children requires careful planning and plenty of patience.

But don’t panic! With the right approach, you can turn chaos into calm.

Here are our top 10 tips on how to keep your family happy and stress-free during the big move.

1. Why Moving House Affects Kids Differently

Why Moving House Affects Kids Differently
Moving to a new home is often one of the biggest events in a child’s life.

Most children have only ever known one home.

Their school, friends, and even the local park are deeply tied to their sense of security.

Uprooting them—even to a better area—can feel unsettling.

Younger kids might struggle to grasp why their toys are suddenly in boxes, while teens may resent leaving their social circles.

The key to a successful move?

Tailor your approach to their age and involve them in the process.

2. Start the Conversation Early

Open conversations are your best tool.

Sit down as a family and explain why you’re moving—whether it’s for a bigger garden, a new job, or a fresh start.

Answer their questions honestly, even if it’s just, “Will I have to share a room?”

Being open and honest should not only help your child understand the reasons for moving but also go a long way to making them feel part of the process.

3. Build Excitement with Pre-Move Activities

Build Excitement with Pre-Move Activities
Make sure that your kids feel involved with the move.

Building on the idea of feeling included in the move, you can help to turn anxiety into anticipation by involving kids in the planning:

  • Visit the new area together. Explore parks, cafes, or their future school to build excitement.
  • Read child-friendly books about moving. Titles like ‘Moving House’ by Mark Siegel work wonders for younger kids.
  • Let them “own” tasks. Ask toddlers to pack stuffed animals or let teens design their new bedroom.

4. Make Moving Day Less Scary

Make Moving Day Less Scary
Follow these tips to make the day feel less daunting.

Let’s be honest—watching strangers haul away their bed or favourite chair can upset even the most easygoing child.

To avoid a moving day meltdown consider the following:

  1. Arrange childcare. A grandparent or trusted friend can take younger kids out for the day. Plan a fun activity like a cinema trip or picnic to distract them.
  2. Pack a “comfort kit” with snacks, toys, and their favourite blanket. For teens, ensure chargers and headphones are handy.

5. Say Goodbye Properly

Say Goodbye Properly
Give your old home a proper send-off.

Children often need closure when it comes to moving home.

There are a number of things you can do as a parent to help with this.

Walk through each room together, take photos of their old home, or create a memory box with old house keys or garden leaves.

This helps them process the transition emotionally and feel ready to enjoy their life in a new home.

6. Unpack Their Room First

Unpack Their Room First
Create a safe space for your children by unpacking their room first.

Children thrive on routine, so prioritise their space when it comes to unpacking.

Unpack their bedroom immediately, even if the rest of the house is chaotic.

This will help create a haven for them to feel relaxed.

Keep bedding, nightlights, and toys easily accessible to make them feel as comfortable as possible.

7. Create Familiarity in the New Space

Create Familiarity in the New Space
Keeping certain items from your old home will help your kids to feel at home.

Whilst you may be in a new property with new furnishings, keeping some feeling of familiarity can help to make a child feel at home.

  • Reuse old décor. Keep curtains or bedsheets from their old room for instant comfort.
  • Host a “housewarming” pizza night in their bedroom (messy but memorable!).
  • Explore the neighbourhood together. Find the nearest playground or ice cream shop to spark excitement.

8. Avoid These Common Moving Mistakes

As an experienced removal company, GoodMove have seen it all!

Here are some of the most common mistakes you should try to avoid.

  • Moving during term time. Summer or half-term breaks give kids time to adjust before facing a new school.
  • Dismissing teen emotions. Phrases like “You’ll make new friends” can backfire. Instead, listen and acknowledge their feelings.
  • Forgetting the snacks. Hungry kids = grumpy kids. Pack biscuits, crisps, and juice boxes for moving day.

9. Handling Teen Resistance

Handling Teen Resistance
Teenagers can struggle with moving home so make sure to keep an open dialogue with them.

Teens may struggle most with a big move!

Leaving friends, changing schools and feeling a little isolated can all really take a toll.

But what can you do to help them with this big change?

We would always recommend offering compromises, such as:

  • Letting them stay in touch with friends via social media or weekend visits.
  • Involve them in choosing their new room’s layout or paint colour.
  • Vistiting new schools before the move.

10. How GoodMove Can Help Your Family Move Happily

How GoodMove Can Help Your Family Move Happily

Relocating with children doesn’t have to feel like climbing Everest.

At GoodMove, we specialise in stress-free family moves across Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk.

Our team handles the heavy lifting (literally!), while you focus on what matters: your kids.

Why choose GoodMove?

  • We have decades of experience moving families across the UK, Europe and worldwide.
  • Parent-approved packing: Label boxes by child or room for instant unpacking.
  • Flexible storage solutions: Need time to decorate? Store furniture safely until you’re ready.
  • Free video surveys: Plan your move remotely with our hassle-free virtual consultations.

Ready for a Fresh Start?

Choose GoodMove for Your Storage Requirements

Whether you’re moving across town or the county, GoodMove makes it easy.

Our friendly estimators will create a tailored plan for your family—no drama, no delays.

Call us today for a quote or complete our quick and easy contact form.

Let’s turn your new house into a happy home!

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