Follow these tips for moving with kids, covering everything from packing and keeping routines to choosing the right professional removalists.
Moving house is stressful enough on its own, but moving house with kids? That’s a whole other challenge. Not only do you have to manage the logistics, but you also need to think about how the move will affect your children.
But don’t worry. We’ve come up with 8 top tips for moving with kids, designed especially for busy parents.
1. Start Planning Early (Way Earlier Than You Think)
It’s never too soon to plan your move. Start preparing at least 4–6 weeks before your moving day. This will give you lots of breathing space to sort paperwork, book a removalist or storage, and think about what stays in the new home and what goes. These first steps become much easier the earlier you start, especially when you’re also juggling kids and daily routines.
2. Create a moving calendar
Create your own moving calendar and stick it somewhere visible, like on the fridge, and show it to the kids. Even young kids can understand simple events, like “Packing Emma’s room” or “Visit new house.” The kids will know what to expect and might even look forward to it, making the process less stressful.
3. Choose a Family-Friendly Removalist
A smooth relocation depends a lot on the people who help you move. If you’re going with a removalist, choose one that is experienced with family moves. They’ll know how to carefully handle your things and provide services that help lighten your load as much as possible.
For example, some removalists can pack and protect, transport, and even unpack your belongings (super handy if you’re moving interstate with kids). Companies like Holloway Removals can take care of the heavy lifting and logistics while you focus on the kids.
4. Keep Routines as Normal as Possible
Kids thrive on routine, so try to stick to regular meal times, naps, and bedtime rituals. Even a familiar bedtime story can give them comfort and stability. The more “normal” parts of the day you can keep, the less meltdowns your kids will have, and the smoother your move will be.
Of course, you still need to find time to pack. Try breaking it into small chunks during meals, naps, or playtime. You can keep your children’s routine while still making steady progress.
5. Pack Smart
When you’re moving house with kids, think “essentials first”. Pack a moving day bag with:
- Snacks
- Toys
- Nappies
- Clothes
- Comfort items
For everything else, label boxes clearly with the room and owner’s name or contents. For example, “Bedroom – Emma” or “Playroom – LEGO”.
6. Involve the Kids in the Packing and Unpacking
One of the best tips for moving house with your kids is to get them to participate! Here’s how to include your children in the moving process:
- Turn sorting into a game (Keep vs Give Away boxes)
- Let them stick labels on boxes
- Let older kids pack their own moving day bag
Giving them responsibility will free up your own time for planning and packing.
When you’re ready to unpack, turn it into a mini treasure hunt with the kids. This will get the job done faster while keeping your children entertained.
7. Plan Moving Day Logistics Carefully
If you can, arrange childcare for the big moving day so you can focus on the job. If that’s not an option, keep the valuables and the kids’ essentials in the car, not in the moving van, so they’re easy to access.
Pack snacks, drinks, and entertainment for the journey. It might not stop all the fuss, but it helps!
If your removalist offers unpacking services, get them to prioritise bedrooms and the kitchen. These are what makes the new house feel like home, so your kids can start settling in right away.
8. Have Open Communication
When moving house with kids, it’s not just about the chaos of moving from one place to another, it’s also about the emotional toll it has on your kids. Talk to them about the move weeks in advance. Explain why you’re moving and the fun things they can explore in the new area. Try to visit the new neighbourhood with them so they feel more excited and less anxious about the move.
Communication is even more important if you’re moving states with kids, since they face bigger changes like new schools, and leaving friends and family behind.
Moving with kids can be made a lot less stressful, and maybe even fun, when you plan ahead, involve the kids and have clear communication.
If you want to actually enjoy the move instead of stressing about boxes and bickering kids, Holloway Removals can help. They handle the packing, transport, and unpacking, so you can focus on keeping the kids happy in your new home.
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