There’s no way around it — moving house is a lot. From sorting a removal van to boxing up everything you own, finding a new school, and scouting out your new neighbourhood, a house move can be stressful for the whole family. If you have kids, that stress is often doubled. Not only are you managing all the logistics, you’re also thinking about how they’ll cope with such a big change.
If you’re planning a move soon and want to make the process a little easier on your little ones, here are some tips and strategies worth keeping in mind.
#1. Let Them Have a Say
Whether you’re moving for financial reasons or a job change, a move can leave children feeling powerless. That’s why it’s worth making the effort to listen to their concerns and let them feel they have a say in what’s happening.
As you begin looking at homes, ask your children what they’d like in the new house. You may get some wishful suggestions (an indoor trampoline or a swimming pool are likely contenders), but your kids will also give you some genuinely useful insight into what would make them happy in a new home.
If you’re using property listing sites with filter options, turn the search into a game — plug in the features your kids suggest and see what comes up. From a garden trampoline to a bigger back garden, your children will start to feel a sense of excitement instead of fear.
Recommended Reading: The Mykidstime Guide to Moving House with Children
#2. Get Them to Pick Activities
Is your son interested in drama? Has your daughter talked about trying karate? Before the move, look into local activities and give your children something new to look forward to.
If your child loves to stay active or enjoys a bit of competition, sign them up for a local sports team. This can mean built-in friends before they even start their new school, helping them feel settled much faster.
It’s not just about making the move more exciting — joining a class or team also helps kids fit into the new community sooner, which speeds up the whole process of making new friends.
From local drama groups to swim clubs, there’s usually no shortage of activities to choose from, so ask your kids which ones appeal to them. Having something to look forward to makes the whole transition feel a lot lighter.
Recommended Reading: Moving Overseas with Children
#3. Make Sure Your Family Is Protected
It’s not usually top of mind when you’re planning a move, but there are a few ways this situation can leave you exposed — and keeping the kids safe is always the priority.
Once the house is full of boxes, make sure your children know to stay clear of anything heavy or stacked up, as boxes can topple.
Beyond physical safety, there are also things to watch for when it comes to trusting strangers with your belongings, a new landlord, or an unfamiliar seller.
- When renting a moving truck or hiring removal help, ask for referrals from people you know and check reviews online. You’re trusting these people with your valuables, so it’s worth making sure they’re reputable and properly insured.
- If you’re renting a new home, be cautious of landlords who seem too eager, especially if you haven’t met in person or seen the property. You’ll be sharing personal information, so it’s worth being careful, particularly if you’re arranging things remotely. If a landlord doesn’t ask for any credit check or proof of financial standing, that can be a red flag — trust your instincts.
- If you’re buying, and dealing directly with a seller, ask them to put you in touch with people who can vouch for who they are. Using an escrow account for money transfers adds an extra layer of protection too.
#4. Don’t Forget the Past
Your kids are probably nervous about somewhere new, but don’t forget they may also be genuinely sad to leave their old home behind, especially if you’re moving to a new town or city.
To help them say goodbye, consider setting aside a day to visit your favourite family spots one last time — that restaurant you always went to, the park where you had picnics. Letting your little ones say farewell properly can be more comforting than you’d expect, for them and for you.
Take photos at each spot and put them together in a special album to bring with you. It’s a lovely keepsake, and one that can become a favourite thing to look back on together in your new home.
Hopefully these tips make moving with kids feel a little more manageable — best of luck with the move!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I help my child feel less anxious about moving house?
Involve them early. Ask what they’d like in a new home, listen to their concerns, and give them a genuine say where you can. Feeling included goes a long way toward easing anxiety about a big change.
Should I let my kids help choose the new house?
It’s worth asking for their input, even if some suggestions are unrealistic. Their preferences can highlight what matters to them, and involving them in the search helps them feel excited rather than powerless about the move.
How do I keep my family safe during a house move?
Keep children away from heavy or stacked boxes, and take care when dealing with removal companies, landlords, or sellers — check reviews, ask for referrals, and watch for red flags like a landlord who skips a credit check.
How can we say goodbye to our old home properly?
Set aside time to revisit favourite family spots before you go, and take photos to put together in a keepsake album. It gives everyone a proper send-off and something nice to look back on afterwards.
Related Articles
- The Mykidstime Guide to Moving House with Children
- Moving Overseas with Children
- Helping Kids Settle Into a New School
Before You Go
Moving house is a big change for the whole family, but a little preparation and involving your kids in the process can make it much smoother. Browse more of our family life ideas for settling into new routines, new schools, and new homes.
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