The Ultimate Guide to Moving With Kids: Insights From Experts

Moving is a very physical experience — you’re literally relocating all your worldly goods from the place you currently call home to a new living space. But it’s also an emotional experience, especially for kids. For some children, the home they’re leaving is the only one they’ve ever known. If your move is a significant one, your kids may also be leaving behind their school, their friends, their favorite parks, and their sense of security.

The best way to navigate this transition and support kids during a move is to give them empathy and the strategic preparation they need most. That’s why we put together this comprehensive, expert-backed guide filled with advice from authorities like family therapists, parenting coaches, and lifestyle bloggers.

You can’t erase the emotional weight of moving, but expert-backed strategies can help you and your kids handle it with more clarity and calm.

What We Cover in This Guide: 

• Embrace The Big Feelings
• Involvement Creates Confidence—So Let Your Kids Help!
• Make Comfort and Closure Part of Your Moving Day Plan
• Adjusting to a New Place Takes Time (and That’s Okay)
• Final Thoughts: Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself
• Bonus Advice: How to Choose a Kid-Friendly Neighborhood
• Full Expert Q&A

Meet the Experts

Embrace The Big Feelings

Moving is stressful for everyone involved, and it can be difficult to manage emotions. As you contend with the pressure of juggling logistics before and after your move, use these tips to help everyone get centered.

Big moves bring big feelings — especially for kids navigating loss and uncertainty.

Kids thrive on familiarity, so anything that challenges the familiar can bring on anxiety. According to blogger and brand ambassador Elia Garrison:

“One of the toughest parts about moving for kids is saying goodbye to their friends. Children thrive on routine and predictability, so a move — no matter how necessary or positive — can feel like their whole world is being turned upside down.”

Clear, honest conversations help your child feel safe and seen.

When talking to children about an upcoming move, use clear and simple language. As Baby Chick founder and CEO Nina Spears explains:

“[M]oving is a big transition for the whole family, especially for our little ones. To prepare your child emotionally for this big change, talk to them about the move in advance using age-appropriate language. For example, when talking to a young child (a toddler to an early elementary-aged kid) about a move, I recommend using language that is simple, clear, and positive.”

Here are some examples of the ready-to-use language favored by Nina:

1. “We’re going to move to a new house soon.”
2. “Our whole family will live in the new house together.”
3. “At the new house, you’ll still have all your toys, books, and clothes.”
4. “You’ll get to help choose where your toys go in your room in the new house!”
5. “The new house has a backyard/a park/a fun room just for you!”
6. “It’s okay to feel sad or have big feelings about moving. I feel that way too sometimes.”

Remember to leave space for your children’s responses, too!. “It’s also important to normalize and validate [your kids’] emotions — whatever they may be,” says Nina. “Let them know you’re there for them and in it together.”

Managing your own stress is one of the best ways to protect your child’s emotional well-being.

Children absorb emotional cues from their parents. If you’re struggling to regulate, chances are you’re unintentionally passing on stress to your kids. Being self-aware and transparent about your emotions and why you’re feeling them can be universally helpful.

Diane Dempster, parent coach and cofounder of Impact Parents, recommends acknowledging your feelings instead of ignoring them:

“Be sure to check in — both with ourselves as parents and with our kids — early and often throughout the process. We can model this vulnerability by being conscious and transparent — in front of our children — about our own feelings around a move (or any big transition). Demonstrating healthy emotional management can be a great gift.”

Involvement Creates Confidence—So Let Your Kids Help!

Moving can challenge a child’s sense of normal, especially when decisions are made without their input. Even small disruptions to routine or environment can feel big to kids who are still building emotional resilience.

Giving kids choices makes the move feel less like something that happened to them and more like something they’re part of.

Involving your kids in age-appropriate tasks can help them feel empowered. This gives them a sense of control when so many choices are out of their hands and can serve as a healthy distraction during a disruptive time.

Susan and Steve Wetmore of Thinking Outside the Sandbox Family have advice on moving with kids drawn from their own moving experience.

“We sat down as a family and discussed why we were moving, what to expect, and how they felt. I let them take ownership where they could — choosing their new rooms, brainstorming how they’d like to set them up. They also packed their own things, which sounds simple but gives them a sense of control.”

Even packing boxes can become a bonding activity if you invite your children into the process.

Packing can be a slog, but with the right attitude, it can also be an adventure. This is especially true of frequent moves, when packing (yet again) feels a little less exciting than it used to. Consider gamifying packing by having your kids take part. They can be in charge of taping and labeling boxes or concentrate on boxing up their own goodies.

Janice Robinson-Celeste, Publisher and CEO of Successful Black Parenting, has another fun suggestion that also helps you declutter.

“Together, create three piles: Trash, Keep, and Donate. This can be especially tricky for kids since rediscovered toys often feel new again. To help them make decisions, give them a limit. For example, say, ‘We can keep three items from this closet today.’ If they want to keep more than three, they’ll need to swap something out, helping them prioritize what matters.”

Make Comfort and Closure Part of Your Moving Day Plan

Amid the packing, loading, and checklists, it’s easy to forget that kids experience moving day differently. But making space for comfort and closure can ease the transition and help them feel safe through it all.

Help your children prepare for moving day by packing their own comfort boxes.

As your children are sorting and packing, encourage them to identify the items they still need or want for everyday use between now and the move. You can be responsible for items like toiletries and school uniforms, so let your kids choose the items that give them joy and keep them grounded.

Our expert Nina suggests that each child help pack their own comfort box:

“Have them fill it with their favorite toys, books, or comfort items. Keep this box close by throughout the move so they can always go to it for comfort and reassurance.”

This box can travel with you rather than in the back of a moving truck, so you’ll have comfort items handy on the road and immediately upon arrival at the new house.

Letting go is easier when kids have space to say goodbye.

You’re never too young or too old to get closure. Saying goodbye to friends, teachers, and even your own bedroom can make it easier to move on.

Diane suggests an approach to closure that also gives your child a keepsake:

“Write a goodbye note to your neighborhood. Take pictures and create a digital journal of what you loved that must be left behind.”

For Susan and Steve, getting closure included hosting a small bon voyage party: “We made time to say goodbye to their old friends with a small hangout. A bit of closure helped them feel more ready for what’s next.”

Adjusting to a New Place Takes Time (and That’s Okay)

Chances are, you and your kids will fall in love with your new neighborhood and home and find lots of new favorite things. But it may not be love at first sight.

Adjusting isn’t instant, but with support, your child will find their rhythm.

Settling in is a journey, not a destination. It takes time to come to terms with lingering feelings that may include sadness, grief, or even resentment. All those feelings are worthy of attention, and patience and understanding could be all your child needs to regulate and adapt.

But, as Diane cautions, in certain situations, it may be best to reach out for additional help:

“If emotions seem to persist and/or your child demonstrates distress or regression … check in with your child’s mental health or medical provider.”

Final Thoughts: Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself

Whether you’re moving for a happy reason or due to difficult circumstances, there are ways you can help your kids navigate the change. The key to healthy adjustment is minimizing disruption and stress while still making space for everyone’s feelings.

It’s easy for parents to get so wrapped up in caring for their kids that they neglect their own emotional health. Taking time out to care for your own mental well-being is like putting on your own oxygen mask first. You’ll be better prepared to help others while also modeling what it looks like to invest in self-care.

Bonus Advice: How to Choose a Kid-Friendly Neighborhood

When moving, we want to believe that our new home will be as good or even better than wherever we currently live. You can help make the dream a reality by being strategic when choosing your new neighborhood.

Linda Russell, CEO of Family Orbit, recommends evaluating neighborhoods according to three key factors: safety, convenience, and long-term suitability.

“Safety is paramount—research crime rates, speak with residents, and assess street lighting and security measures. School quality is another critical factor; check ratings, proximity, and transportation options for children. Healthcare access is essential, so look for nearby hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.”

Recreation, location, and transportation are all important considerations too.

“A family-friendly environment includes parks, playgrounds, and community centers that promote outdoor activities. Consider the neighborhood atmosphere by visiting at different times of the day to observe traffic, noise levels, and social interactions. Commute times and transportation options should align with work and school needs, ensuring easy access to highways or public transit.”

Finally, Linda stresses that all families should keep the cost of living in mind, including:

• Property values
• Rental prices
• Taxes
• Access to affordability grocery stores/shopping centers
• Banking options

Think ahead to the future, too. Research to see if any upcoming development plans might impact property values and neighborhood dynamics.

“By carefully analyzing these factors,” explains Linda, “families can make informed decisions, choosing a neighborhood that fosters security, accessibility, and a high quality of life for both parents and children.”

Full Expert Q&A

Susan & Steve

What are the best ways to involve kids in the moving process to make them feel more in control?

As a mom of two—ages 12 and 14—I’ve learned that involving my kids in our moving process makes a huge difference. Let’s be honest: Moving is a big change, and it can feel overwhelming for everyone, especially tweens and teens who are already navigating so much.

What helped us was starting with an open conversation. We sat down as a family and discussed why we were moving, what to expect, and how they felt. Just giving them space to share made them feel seen. From there, I let them take ownership where they could—choosing their new rooms, brainstorming how they’d like to set them up, even helping pick out paint colors. It gave them something to look forward to.

They also packed their own things, which sounds simple but gives them a sense of control. We explored the new neighborhood online together, checking out nearby parks, schools, and even the closest bubble tea shop (a must!).

Most importantly, we made time to say goodbye to their old friends with a small hangout. A bit of closure helped them feel more ready for what’s next. Moving is a big deal, but it becomes more of an adventure than a disruption when kids feel included.

Linda Russel

What factors should families consider when choosing a new neighborhood?

When selecting a new neighborhood, families must evaluate key factors to ensure safety, convenience, and long-term suitability. Safety is paramount—research crime rates, speak with residents, and assess street lighting and security measures. School quality is another critical factor; check ratings, proximity, and transportation options for children. Healthcare access is essential, so look for nearby hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.

A family-friendly environment includes parks, playgrounds, and community centers that promote outdoor activities. Consider the neighborhood atmosphere by visiting at different times of the day to observe traffic, noise levels, and social interactions. Commute times and transportation options should align with work and school needs, ensuring easy access to highways or public transit.

Financially, families should assess the cost of living, including property values, rental prices, and taxes. Proximity to essential services like grocery stores, banks, and shopping centers also enhances convenience. Additionally, research future development plans—upcoming projects may impact property values and neighborhood dynamics.

By carefully analyzing these factors, families can make informed decisions, choosing a neighborhood that fosters security, accessibility, and a high quality of life for both parents and children.

Nina Spears

How can parents prepare their child emotionally for the changes in routine and environment that a move brings?

“As we all know, moving is a big transition for the whole family, especially for our little ones. To prepare your child emotionally for this big change, it’s important to talk to them about the move in advance using age-appropriate language. For example, when talking to a young child (a toddler to an early elementary-aged kid) about a move, I recommend using language that is simple, clear, and positive. Some examples of age-appropriate phrases that you can say are:

1. “We’re going to move to a new house soon.”

This keeps it simple and clear. I recommend avoiding vague language like “We’re going away” or “We’re leaving,” which might cause anxiety.

2. “Our whole family will live in the new house together.”

This reassures your child that the people they love and trust most will be there with them too.

3. “At the new house, you’ll still have all your toys, books, and clothes.”

Remind them that familiar things that they have and use are coming with them too. This reinforces security and helps ease their potential fears of losing their things.

4. “You’ll get to help choose where your toys go in your room in the new house!”

This invites them into the moving process and helps give them a sense of control and involvement.

5. “The new house has a backyard/a park/a fun room just for you!”

Help them visualize positive things they can look forward to and get excited about with the new move.

6. “It’s okay to feel sad or have big feelings about moving. I feel that way too sometimes.”

It’s also important to normalize and validate their emotions — whatever they may be. Let them know you’re there for them and in it together.

As you approach your moving day, I recommend walking them through what they can expect. Explain when packing will begin and what that might look like, how you’re going to move (by yourselves or with professional movers), and any details that you can share. This gives them more confidence on the packing and moving days when there is a lot of change and movement going on in the home.

We all know that kids thrive on familiarity, so keep their routines as consistent as possible and involve them in the process. One great way to get them involved is having them help pack their own “comfort box.” Have them fill it with their favorite toys, books, or comfort items. Keep this box close by throughout the move so they can always go to it for comfort and reassurance. When children feel seen, supported, and included, they’re more likely to feel safer even through big life changes like a move. A little intentional, clear communication goes a long way in helping your child process this transition with trust and ease.”

Diane Dempster

What strategies can parents use to support children emotionally and behaviorally before, during, and after a move — especially when big feelings surface, goodbyes are hard, or signs of distress or regression appear? What is different if they are neurodiverse?

Your family is moving to a new home, city, state, or even country! That’s both exciting and challenging. Lots of emotions can come before, during, and after a move: thrill, grief, fear, sadness, worry, and anticipation.

When emotions come up, it’s important to acknowledge and sit with them. Be sure to check in – both with ourselves as parents and with our kids – early and often throughout the process. Doing so can make it easier for every family member.

As parents, we want our kids to be OK. We may default to saying, “Don’t worry, you’ll have new friends,” or, “Our new place is going to be even better.” These statements can backfire, making our kiddos feel dismissed rather than heard.

Instead, acknowledge your kids’ feelings; give them space to feel them; and validate them. We can model this vulnerability by being conscious and transparent – in front of our children – about our own feelings around a move (or any big transition).

Demonstrating healthy emotional management can be a great gift. Perhaps especially if your child is neurodiverse. They tend to be more empathic, have bigger feelings, and process them less effectively than their neurotypical peers. If emotions seem to persist and/or your child demonstrates distress or regression (say, bedwetting reappears), please check in with your child’s mental-health or medical provider.

Here are a few quick tips for all kiddos, maybe more so for the neurodivergent among those boxing up and heading to a new locale:

-Write a good-bye note to your neighborhood

-Take pictures and create a digital journal of what you loved that must be left behind

-Ask your child’s teacher to present to their peers about their new place, if the child wants to do so

Janice Robinson-Celeste

What advice would you give to parents to make the moving process feel like a positive experience for the whole family?

If you have the luxury to start early, take advantage of it, especially if you’ve lived in your home for many years. Begin the process months before the move by tackling just one closet or storage space each weekend. Involve your children by turning it into a game. Together, create three piles: Trash, Keep, and Donate. This can be especially tricky for kids since rediscovered toys often feel new again. To help them make decisions, give them a limit. For example, say, “We can keep three items from this closet today.” If they want to keep more than three, they’ll need to swap something out, helping them prioritize what matters.

Continue this process weekly with different areas of the home, closets, drawers, storage bins, until everything is sorted and packed. This slower pace allows time to reflect, reminisce, and adjust emotionally to the transition.

Be sure to keep daily essentials unpacked until the final days. Label one box per room as “[Room] Essentials” and “Unpack First” to ensure a smoother landing in your new space. Knowing where key items are—like toothbrushes, favorite stuffed animals, or kitchen basics can ease the first few days of settling in.

By involving your children in age-appropriate ways, you’re not only organizing more effectively, you’re helping them feel empowered and emotionally prepared for the big change. Moving becomes less overwhelming and more of a family adventure.

Elia Garrison

What are the biggest challenges kids typically face when moving to a new home?

One of the toughest parts about moving for kids is saying goodbye to their friends. Leaving behind familiar faces, a well-loved school, and the comfort of a known neighborhood can be incredibly emotional. Children thrive on routine and predictability, so a move—no matter how necessary or positive—can feel like their whole world is being turned upside down. They may also struggle with the uncertainty of making new friends or fitting into a new environment.

Beyond the emotional impact, the adjustment to a new house, unfamiliar school, and shifting daily routines can feel overwhelming. Kids may experience a mix of excitement, anxiety, and confusion as they try to make sense of their new surroundings. It’s important to validate these feelings while helping them build new connections.

To ease the transition, keep certain elements of their routine consistent, like mealtimes and bedtime rituals. Encourage open conversations about the move, using simple, reassuring language that helps them understand what’s ahead. Give them small roles in the moving process—like helping pack their toys or decorating their new room—which can empower them and offer a sense of control. With time, patience, and steady support, kids can begin to feel settled and even excited about this new chapter.

Penelope Trunk

Are there specific activities or routines that can help kids settle into a new environment faster?

The most effective way to help kids settle into a new environment is to give them a sense of control and predictability right away. That means introducing a daily rhythm they can count on — even if it’s simple, like “wake up, eat breakfast, play outside, then read.” Kids don’t need a full schedule, they just need a few repeating beats.

Second, don’t overload them with introductions. Meeting too many people too fast — even with good intentions — can be overwhelming. Instead, focus on helping them connect with one consistent adult and one peer they can rely on.

Third, let the child bring something from their old environment into the new one — even something small, like a pillowcase, a cup, or a ritual. It helps bridge the gap.

Finally, model calm. Kids adjust faster when the adults around them are visibly confident and emotionally steady. It tells the child: “This place is safe. We can do this.”

Scarlet Paolicchi

What specific strategies can parents use to help kids maintain old friendships while also nurturing new social connections in a new neighborhood—especially when the move disrupts a core friendship?

When I was young, I moved across the country and I was able to stay in touch with my best friend as a pen pal. It was a lot of fun and always a special experience to receive and write letters. I know that today kids have so many options from video calls to social media and depending on the age of the child that can be an appropriate addition.
Certainly help your child get started with letter writing by ensuring that he or she exchange mailing addresses with their best pals. You may also want to buy some fun stationary for your child to help them get excited about letter writing.
As far as nurturing new social connections, it is very important to role play with your child and help them be proactive in making friends. Sure your child may be nervous and unsure about starting school in a new place, but when it comes to making friends, a smile and a friendly “Hello” go a long way.
Help them role a few questions they can ask to engage potential new friends. Also, help them get involved in some extracurricular activities where they can meet kids with similar interests.