Moving With Kids? 15 Ways To Make the Big Change Easier

Moving with kids can bring up a lot: Big feelings, big questions, and at least one stuffed animal that absolutely cannot be packed in a box. Changing schools, leaving friends, and saying goodbye to a beloved bedroom can make moving with children feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to become a family meltdown marathon.

Kids are resilient, yes, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need support. Whether you’re figuring out how to move with young children, helping a teen leave their friend group, or planning a summer move before the school year starts, the goal is the same: Keep them informed, involved, and reassured. Here are 15 tips for moving with kids and helping the whole family feel more settled on both sides of the move.

First on the list of tips for moving with kids is to be honest: Tell your kids why and when you’re moving — in age-appropriate language, of course — as soon as the plans are finalized.

1. Be Transparent

Our tips for moving with kids begin with honesty. Start with the why and when — in age-appropriate language, of course — as soon as the plans are finalized. Is this a job-related relocation? Are you moving to be closer to family? The No. 1 tip for how to talk to kids about moving is to use simple, direct language they’ll understand.

Our children have a sixth sense that can pick up on the slightest shift in the household vibe. So instead of waiting for the elusive right time, tell them on time. Add the topic to the next family meeting agenda or take a walk-and-talk break. They may need a minute to absorb the news and process it, so give them that, too. But make sure they’re informed of your plans early, and keep them up to speed every step of the way; that’ll go a long way toward an easier move for the entire family.

Keeping your kids involved in the move as part of the family team will help them adapt to changes.

2. Involve Your Kids in the Move

From picking a new house to packing up treasures, enlist your kids as part of the team — it’s a family event, after all.

Here are a few tips for moving with kids and getting them involved:

Give Your Children a Vote As You Look for a Home in Your New Town

This can be as simple as looking at photos online together as you narrow down your search or taking them along to tour new homes. Find out what their dream rooms would look like. How about the yard? Have they always wanted a treehouse? Is a swimming pool on their wishlist? When you're moving with kids, they should be part of the decision: Ask their opinions, hear their pros and cons, and consider their views when making your selection. Do keep the dream-house exercise in the realm of reality, though; you don’t want to end up disappointing your kids if you can’t deliver the hillside castle with ponies and an amusement park out back.

Help Your Kids Create Their Own Moving Checklist

When it comes to moving tips for families, working together to make a plan is a win-win: It gives your children ownership over their part of the move, helping them feel involved in all the changes. And it lays a foundation for an important life skill: Getting organized! Start with what they might want to keep with them in a backpack rather than loading up in the moving truck (favorite PJs, bedtime books, and that special plushie). For the rest, consider how many boxes they may need for their toys and how to label their belongings.

Send Them to Their Rooms — With a Few Boxes To Pack

Figuring out how to move with kids can feel huge, but letting them physically help out can be mutually beneficial. Giving your kids ownership of their part of the move — again, age-appropriately, of course — helps them feel like they’re a part of the process and can make for an easier transition. Then do the same at the other end: Have them take the lead on unpacking in their new room. Find out where they’d prefer to hang pictures and posters and how best to arrange the furniture.

Unleash Your Kids’ Inner Decorators

From paint colors to pillowcases, let them help decide the look of their new bedrooms — a key part of easing the angst of moving with children. Even the most cranky tween will crack a smile if they get to pick out new goodies. And you don’t have to break the bank — just a few simple touches can change the character of the new space. You might suggest a signature piece to build a design around, like a favorite cartoon character, movie, or their favorite sport. (This is a great opportunity for friends who may be asking about moving gift ideas for kids: Share what your child is imagining for their new room!)

Your child might want to recreate their old bedroom in the new house — which is fine, to a degree. While you’re just getting settled, it’s important to support your child and make them feel comfortable, but you do want to strike a balance that helps them accept the reality of the move, as well.

Help your kids see their new city as a place with plenty of exciting experiences and adventures ahead.

3. Take Your Kids Along on a Recon Trip to Your New Town

Looking for some tips for moving out of state with kids? If you’re moving for work, negotiate moving family with you and include a visit to your new city as part of your relocation package. Make a mini-vacation out of the trip and explore the area — particularly sites with kid-friendly activities like parks, playgrounds, and the nearest ice cream shop. When they’re familiar with places of interest in their new town, your children will feel more at home when you get there for good.

4. Join the Club

A surefire way to help your family feel at home is to get involved in a social or civic club that interests your kids (and you!). A few ideas:

Volunteer With a Nonprofit

A neighborhood clean-up crew or a food pantry is a good place to start. You’ll find like-minded people to get to know, and you’ll be doing meaningful work for your new community.

Get Creative

Check out arts organizations in your new town for opportunities to act, paint, write, or even play in a band. Expressing emotion and working through issues creatively is a cathartic, tried-and-true therapy — just ask Taylor Swift. So if your kids are having some angst about the new town, put a guitar, a paintbrush, or a blank notebook in their hands and see what they come up with.

Sporty Kids in the House?

The YMCA or local community center is a good bet for energetic little ones. If the weather’s agreeable, find (or kick off) a pickup game of soccer and let your kids unleash their inner Olympians. Older kids can find new pals pretty easily as well, particularly if you’re moving during the summer, when area swimming pools are the social hub of neighborhood activity. Bottom line: Help them keep moving! With kids, physical exertion is an important release — and a great way to improve psychological health, too.

Extra, Extra!

Help your kids explore after-school options. From sports to social clubs, extracurricular activities help students find peers with shared interests and perhaps foster a new hobby. If their particular passion isn’t offered in a club, encourage them to start their own — another terrific way to meet people with similar interests and hobbies.

5. Check In On Your Kids’ Feelings About the Move

After you’re settled in the new house, set aside time once in a while to check in with your kids and chat about how they’re doing — even if everything seems fine. It’s likely a somewhat chaotic time for everyone as the family gets settled in the new space, so you might miss distress signals you’d otherwise catch. A special lunch date for two — or even a car ride to soccer practice — is a good way to get a little one to open up.

There are certain situations that require an especially delicate touch, of course. If you’re blending families, for instance, consider your child’s relationship with your significant other in the way you choose to have the conversation. Moving in together is exciting, but it can also be stressful. And moving in together with kids adds a whole new dimension.

The same holds true for adding family members to your household — a grandparent comes to live with you, for instance. Welcoming a new person (or people!) to the family dynamic generally brings a mix of benefits and challenges, so be sure to check in with your kids during the transition — and beyond — to make sure they’re adjusting well.

When kids know their feelings are valued by their parents and caregivers, they gain a sense of trust and safety that can carry them through even the hardest times in life. And an added bonus of letting your kids know you’re really listening: You’ll gain points in the trust department — a rarity, particularly in those sometimes prickly teen years.

6. Connect With Other Parents.

This tip for moving with kids is great for you, too — not just your little ones. Tap into your social networks for connections. Somebody always knows somebody, right? Or if your situation is a job relocation, ask your new HR director to refer you to local parents’ groups. Moving with a baby? Check out the library for weekly story times or playgroups. The gatherings are an easy way to meet potential friends for both you and your children — essential to settling in and beginning to feel at home.

Turn that tearful “goodbye” into a cheerful “see you soon!” Everybody loves having something to look forward to. Apply the same anticipation to planning a trip back to your old town. Your kids will be comforted knowing there’s a visit on the calendar.

7. Party Time!

Once you’re (relatively) settled in the new house, it’s time to party! Enlist your kids’ help in planning a housewarming get-together — a great way not only to make new friends but to celebrate the accomplishment of moving. Depending on their ages, your children can help design the menu, pick out decorations, or deliver invitations to your neighbors.  

8. Plan for a Visit to the Old House To See Old Friends

Turn that tearful “goodbye” into a cheerful “see you soon!” Everybody loves having something to look forward to — it’s why we count the days until Christmas starting in July and have half-birthday celebrations in the summer. Apply the same anticipation to planning a trip back to your old town. Your kids will be comforted knowing there’s a visit on the calendar. It’s always soothing in times of stress to turn to old friends, so keeping them close in their hearts is the next best thing. And, in the meantime, encourage your kids to stay in touch via phone calls (or social media, if they’re old enough) or even old-fashioned letters. (Remember how fun it was to have a pen pal?)

9. Give Yourself Plenty of Time To Prepare for the Move

Moving with kids means everything takes longer than you think it will. Someone will need a snack. Someone will need a hug. Someone will suddenly remember a class project, birthday party, or missing library book five minutes before you planned to pack the car. Build in buffer time so the move doesn’t become one long race against the clock.

This is where PODS portable moving containers can help families move at a more kid-friendly pace. PODS delivers the container to your driveway or approved loading area, so you can pack around nap times, school pickups, sports practices, and bedtime routines instead of forcing everything into one chaotic moving day.

Because you can load over time, you can also keep kids’ essentials accessible until the end — favorite toys, bedding, school supplies, comfort items, and the all-important box of things that prevents bedtime from going completely off the rails. At the new home, unload kids’ beds, dressers, and familiar items first so their rooms feel settled before you tackle the rest of the house.

10. Don’t Be Shy About Asking for Help

Moving with kids takes a lot of time and energy, so there’s no shame in enlisting support from friends and family — or even a babysitter for hire — to spend time with your kids on moving day or in the run-up while you take care of the more mundane tasks.

Need to run out for more boxes and packing tape? Have one final room to organize in the new house before the first day of school? Don’t be afraid to ask for help (“Hello, Mom? Want to play with your adorable granddaughter for an hour?”)

An extra adult gives you the flexibility you need to get things done. And if your child is feeling stressed about the move, the familiarity of a beloved relative or babysitter can provide the extra support they may need to calm any fears.

Moving with kids is easier when they feel at home faster. Help your kids decorate their new rooms first to help that along.

11. Make the Kids’ Rooms a Priority

Last and first: That’s how you should think about packing and unpacking your kids’ rooms — the last to pack up and the first to unpack. That way, your kids have the most time possible in their old room, and they can begin getting settled and feeling comfortable right away in the new house.

12. Check Out the Library

The best first stop you can make after moving with kids is your local library. Get your kids a library card — nothing like their very own IDs with their names on them! — and then get down to research. Make a fun project out of learning about the new community. The librarian can help you discover the history: Who founded the town? What are its main businesses? How many people have moved there in the past decade? If it’s summer and school’s out, turn the lesson into a creative art project: Have your child design a picture book or write a poem or short story about the town. Not the project type? There’s likely a book club or summer reading program (with prizes!) in full swing!

If your child is having a tough time with the transition, ask your friendly librarian to recommend children’s books about moving. Sometimes just knowing they’re not the first kid to feel anxious about a move can make all the difference. And if you’re finding the new road a little bumpy, you might just find a good book with even more tips for moving with kids.

13. Remember: There’s No “Worst Age” to Move a Child

And if you’re wondering, “What is the best age to relocate kids?” there’s not one perfect number for that, either. There are distinctive challenges at every age when it comes to moving with kids — especially if it’s away from the only home a child has ever known. For teens and tweens, there’s the sadness of losing lifelong friends (more on that in a minute). Being the new kid in town can be nerve-wracking — and if the school year has already started, doubly so. For toddlers just beginning to gain their footing in the world, there’s the daunting task of navigating a new home and the loss of leaving familiar faces. Finding new friends will be key, so get involved with your local toddler network as soon as you can.

And as for older kids, talk with them about the chance to expand their horizons. Maybe celebrate the move with a new video game or a mini-makeover. A must: Help them find the best coffee shop in town (or another favorite eatery) and splurge for a gift card.

Remember that these moving challenges can also represent opportunities, and it’s your role as their caregiver to help put a positive — even exciting! — spin on the process. Acknowledge the sadness of leaving and the anxiety of starting over. But just as importantly, emphasize the good things that await in the new town. What a treat it can be to explore a whole new environment: Fresh shops and restaurants to try, new parks to explore and friends to find, and the potential for interesting clubs and activities at school. With those fun possibilities on the horizon, you may be able to help your kids turn the blues around.

A mother smiles while embracing her happy daughter after moving with kids.

14. And Finally, Trust Your Instincts

Moving is stressful at any age. In fact, experts consider it to be among the top five most stressful life events. But for kids, disruption lands differently. You know your children better than anyone, so pay attention to their moods and behaviors. Your goal is to reassure them and help keep angsty moments at bay. Even the most insightful parents can miss a signal, though, so be sure to check in often with your children to make sure they’re rolling with all the changes.

If new behaviors emerge that you find worrisome — spending a lot of time alone or exhibiting mood swings, for instance — it might be time for a heart-to-heart or a wellness break. Go outside and take a walk, start a new project, or just snuggle up on the couch for a movie or storytime. Sometimes a hug is all it takes to feel better in a time of disruption and change. And that’s true for kids of all ages.

15. Take a Different Approach, Depending on Their Age

Before you start labeling boxes and negotiating who gets which bedroom, it helps to think about how your child’s age may affect the move. A toddler, a third grader, and a teenager are all moving to the same new home — but emotionally? Different planets.

Toddlers and Young Children Under 5

Toddlers and preschoolers are usually too young to fully understand the abstract idea of moving. Keep the explanation simple: “We’re going to live in a new house, and we’re all going together.” Reassure them often, keep favorite items accessible, and consider acting out the move with toys, drawings, or a simple storybook so it feels less mysterious.

Elementary-Age Kids, Ages 5–10

Elementary-age kids can understand what’s happening, but they may still need help feeling in control. Let them pack a small box of their own things, choose labels or stickers, and help pick something special for the new house — like bedding, wall art, or a reading corner. Small choices can make a big change feel less like something happening to them.

Tweens and Teens, Ages 11+

Moving with a teen or tween can be especially tricky because friendships, activities, and social status matter a lot at this age. Don’t brush off their sadness with “You’ll make new friends.” Instead, acknowledge that leaving is hard, then give them real input where you can — room décor, extracurriculars, visits back, and how they’ll stay in touch with old friends.

Moving With Kids in Summer

A summer move can be easier because it avoids a mid-year school switch, but it also removes the built-in social structure of school. Look for camps, sports leagues, library programs, youth groups, or community activities before the first day of school. That way, your kids can start the year with at least a few familiar faces — and you can stop pretending “new beginnings” magically come with instant best friends.

Moving With Kids — FAQs

Q: How do I tell my kids we’re moving?
A: Tell your kids as soon as the move is definite, using simple and age-appropriate language. Explain why you’re moving, when it will happen, and what will stay the same — especially that the family is moving together. Then give them space to ask questions, react, and bring it up again later.

Q: How do I help my child adjust to a new home?
A: Set up your child’s room first, keep familiar items visible, and return to normal routines as quickly as possible. Help them explore the new neighborhood, join activities, and stay connected with old friends. Regular check-ins matter, even if they seem fine on the outside.

Q: How do I move with a toddler or young child?
A: When moving with a toddler or young child, use simple explanations, keep routines steady, and pack comfort items last. Let them keep a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, book, or toy with them during the move. At the new home, set up their sleep space early so bedtime feels familiar.

Q: What are the best tips for moving with kids in summer?
A: For a summer move, sign kids up for camps, sports, library programs, or community activities before school starts. Summer gives you more flexibility, but kids may miss the automatic social structure of school. Getting them involved early helps them meet people before the first day.

Q: How do I help my teenager deal with moving?
A: Acknowledge that moving with a teen can feel like a real loss, especially if they’re leaving close friends or important activities. Give them choices where possible, like room décor, extracurriculars, visits back, or ways to stay connected. Avoid minimizing their feelings — “you’ll be fine” is not the comfort adults think it is.

Q: How long does it take for kids to adjust after moving?
A: Some kids adjust within a few weeks, while others may need several months to feel fully settled. Routines, friendships, school adjustment, and the reason for the move all play a role. Keep checking in, encourage new activities, and watch for changes in sleep, mood, appetite, or behavior.

Q: How do I keep kids’ routines intact during a move?
A: Keep meals, bedtime, schoolwork, and comfort rituals as consistent as possible, even while the house is full of boxes. Pack a kid's essentials bag with pajamas, toiletries, favorite books, chargers, school items, snacks, and comfort objects. The more familiar the daily rhythm feels, the less overwhelming the move will be.

PODS is all about flexibility. Pack on your own schedule and have full access to your belongings throughout the moving process.

Moving With Kids? PODS Can Help Keep Things Flexible

Moving with kids usually means working around school schedules, nap times, activities, meals, and approximately 47 snack requests. With PODS, your portable moving container is delivered to your driveway, so you can pack and load on your own schedule instead of squeezing everything into one stressful moving day.

If you need extra time between homes, PODS can store your container at a secure PODS Storage Center until you’re ready. Need help with the heavy stuff? PODS can also connect you with local packing and loading assistance, so you can focus on helping your kids through the transition — and maybe finding the one stuffed animal that somehow became essential at bedtime.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Shannon Jacobs is a Tampa-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to the PODS Blog. She has lived in Atlanta, the Berkshires, and Nashville, but always returns to the warmth of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

_{*This content was refreshed with the assistance of artificial intelligence. It was then fact-checked, proofread, and edited by the real-life intelligence of the PODS Blog team. PODS however does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this publication and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}