Moving With Children Tips
Moving home with children doesn’t have to be stressful — it can be a fun adventure for the whole family. While it’s normal for kids to feel nervous about change, a little planning and reassurance can make a big difference. At Dan Removals, trusted house movers in London, we know how to help families transition smoothly. In this guide, we share 15 simple and effective tips to keep your move calm, organised, and even enjoyable for your children.
Why Early Conversations Matter When Moving Home with Children
Letting your children know about the move as soon as possible helps ease anxiety and builds trust. Kids need time to emotionally prepare for big changes, especially when it involves leaving their familiar home.
🕒 Tell Them Early: Share your moving plans once they’re confirmed—don’t wait until the last minute.
🏡 Create a Calm Space: Choose a quiet, cozy setting for the conversation, free from distractions.
💬 Use Simple Words: Explain why you’re moving in a way they can understand. Focus on the positives!
❤️ Encourage your children to express their feelings about moving home
Once you’ve started the conversation, invite your children to share their thoughts and feelings.
❓ Answer Their Questions: Kids may ask “Will I see my friends again?” or “What will my new room look like?”
😢 Acknowledge Their Feelings: Let them know it’s okay to feel sad, confused, or even angry.
🌈 Talk About the Exciting Parts: New friends, a bigger bedroom, or a nearby park—give them something to look forward to.
Involve Your Children in the Planning
Getting kids involved in the move helps reduce stress and builds excitement.
🎨 Let Them Pick Colours: Ask for their input on decorating their new room.
🏡 Explore Together: Show older children photos of the new house or neighbourhood online.
📝 Create a Wish List: Make a fun list of what they’d like in the new home—like a nearby park or cool room theme.
Visit the New Home and Neighbourhood
If possible, take your children to see the new house and explore the surrounding area before the move. Visit local parks, playgrounds, and other child-friendly spots to build excitement. If they’re changing schools, arrange a tour to familiarize them with their new environment. Meeting future neighbours or classmates can also ease the transition.
Moving home with children and no time to prepare? No problem, we can help you prepare and relocate stress-free and with no delays.
Keep Routines Consistent
Maintaining your children’s regular routines provides a sense of stability amid change. Stick to usual meal times, bedtimes, and daily activities as much as possible. If adjustments are necessary, introduce them gradually to give your children time to adapt.
Pack a Special Moving Kit for Each Child
Prepare a personal moving kit containing your child’s favourite toys, books, snacks, and comfort items. Having familiar objects close at hand can provide reassurance during the upheaval of moving day. Let them decorate their own boxes with stickers or drawings to make the process more engaging.
Schedule the Move Thoughtfully
Plan your move during a time that minimises disruption to your children’s schooling and activities. Moving during school holidays or weekends allows them to start fresh without interrupting the academic year. Coordinate with their new school’s schedule to ensure a smooth transition.
To avoid stressful moving days for you and your children, Dan Removals provides friendly and smooth house removal services in London. Obtain a free quote and schedule your relocation at least 4-5 weeks in advance. Last-minute booking can lead to higher prices and limited availability.
Prioritise Unpacking Children’s Rooms
Once you arrive at your new home, focus on setting up your children’s rooms first. Arranging their personal space with familiar items helps them feel more at home. Involve them in organizing their belongings to give them a sense of ownership over their new environment.
Make Moving Day Fun for the Kids
Transform moving day stress into smiles with a few creative ideas:
🔍 Scavenger Hunt: Turn unpacking into a game by hiding small surprises or essentials.
🎶 Play Music: Keep the mood upbeat with a family playlist.
🍕 Plan a Reward: Celebrate the move with a pizza night or movie in the new home.
Say Proper Goodbyes
Allow your children to say farewell to their old home and friends. Visit favourite local spots one last time or host a small goodbye party. Encourage them to exchange contact information with friends to maintain those relationships.
Stay Connected with Old Friends
Maintaining friendships can provide comfort and continuity. Schedule regular phone calls, video chats, or even plan future visits if possible. Staying connected helps ease feelings of loss and supports your children emotionally.
Explore the New Neighbourhood Together
Discovering new places can be an adventure. Take walks around the neighbourhood, visit local attractions, and find new favourite spots. Enrolling your children in local clubs, sports teams, or community activities can help them make new friends and feel more integrated.
Communicate Openly and Listen
Keep the lines of communication open throughout the moving process. Regularly check in with your children about how they’re feeling and address any concerns they may have. Validating their emotions and providing reassurance can significantly ease their anxiety.
Manage Your Own Stress
Children often pick up on their parents’ emotions. By managing your stress levels and maintaining a calm, positive attitude, you can help reduce your children’s anxiety. Practice self-care, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or professionals if needed.
Be Patient During the Adjustment
Understand that adapting to a new home and environment takes time. Your children may experience a range of emotions, and that’s okay. Offer them patience and support as they navigate this change. If you notice persistent signs of struggle, consider consulting a child psychologist for additional assistance.
Celebrate the New Beginning
Embrace the move as an opportunity for new experiences and growth. Start new family traditions, set goals, or create a memory book of the moving journey. Celebrating the new beginning can help your children view the move in a positive light.
Conclusion
Moving house with children doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. With thoughtful planning, open communication, and a positive mindset, you can turn this significant life event into a rewarding family adventure. Remember, the way you handle the move sets the tone for how your children will perceive it. At Dan Removals, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our professional moving services in London are designed to alleviate the stress of relocation, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your family’s well-being.
Are you planning a move soon? We’d love to hear your stories and any tips you’ve found helpful. Share your experiences in the comments below or contact us to find out how we can assist with your next move.
Happy moving!
📦 Need Help with Your Family Move?
Let our friendly team make your next move smooth and stress-free. Whether you’re moving with children or just need a helping hand, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
📍 Address: 89 Rugby Avenue, London, HA0 3DP
📞 Call Us: 0203 8118 664 | 07934 512 164
📧 Email: info@danremovals.com
🕒 Hours: Mon–Sat: 9 am–6 pm | Sun: 10 am–5 pm