Moving with Kids: How to Help Children Transition
Jun 10, 2025
A parent’s guide to long-distance moves
Imagine life a few months from now: the boxes are unpacked, your kids are adjusting to their new routines and your house is beginning to feel like home. That’s the dream for any family moving long distance, but making it happen can seem impossible while you’re in the thick of planning and packing.
If you’re nodding along, take a deep breath. We’ve pulled together practical, family-friendly tips to make moving easier on you and your kids.
12 ways to make moving with kids less stressful
Here are some ideas to help keep everyone calm and excited for the journey ahead:
1. Choose a family-friendly moving service
Not all moving options work for people with kids. For example, rental trucks don’t have room for car seats, and full-service companies can be hard for families on a budget.
U-Pack® lets you focus on your family instead of worrying about driving a big moving truck. You handle the packing and loading at your pace, and we take care of the transportation. This means you’re free to spend more time helping kids prepare for the change — for a price comparable to truck rental.
2. Talk to them early (and often)
Most people need time to process changes, and kids are no exception. Start talking to them about the move as soon as you can so they know what to expect. Answer their questions honestly and keep the conversation open so they feel comfortable expressing their thoughts. It can also help to share exciting things about the new place, like parks, schools or fun activities to look forward to.
Not sure how to start the conversation? Books can help! Here are some suggestions to read with your child or have them read on their own to help them better understand what’s happening:
Little Critter: We Are Moving by Mercer Mayer
The Good-Pie Party by Liz Garton Scanlon and Kady MacDonald Denton
One Kid’s Trash by Jamie Sumner
The Kid in the Red Jacket by Barbara Park
My Very Exciting, Sorta Scary, Big Move: A Workbook for Children Moving to a New Home by Lori Attanasio Woodring
The Essential Moving Guided Journal for Pre-teens: All About Me, All About My Move by Sara Elizabeth Boehm
10 DOs & DON'Ts When You're the New Kid: A Survival Guide for Teens Starting at a New School by J.C. Tilton
3. Involve children in decisions
Letting kids be part of the process can help them feel more comfortable. Give them choices as often as possible, like picking their room in the new house or deciding how to arrange their space. Making decisions like this can give them a sense of control during a big change.
4. Assign age-appropriate jobs
Give kids tasks they can easily handle to keep them busy and help them feel like an important part of the process. For toddlers, this might mean gathering stuffed animals into a box. Elementary-age kids can help label boxes or pack their favorite books. Teens can do more, like organizing kitchen items or helping pack electronics.
5. Keep their routine as much as possible
As much as you can, stick to regular mealtimes, bedtime routines and favorite activities, even as you pack and prepare. Maintaining a sense of normal can help children feel more secure throughout the process.
6. Delay optional changes
It’s usually best to give kids time to adjust to one major transition at a time. Because of this, try to avoid things like potty training, taking a pacifier away, switching out of a crib or starting new activities during the move. If something is unavoidable, try to be extra patient and allow more time for them to get the hang of a new process or routine.
7. Help them say goodbye
Consider holding a small goodbye party, creating a memory book with photos or exchanging contact information with close friends. It can also help to make plans for a future visit or start traditions like video calls with people they won’t see in person as often. Get more tips on saying goodbye.
8. Make plans for moving day or other busy times
Moving day can be hectic, and kids may feel bored or stressed if they don’t have something to do. If you have friends or family nearby, ask if they can take your kids for the day, or consider hiring a babysitter for a few hours. If that’s not an option, set up a cozy corner with their favorite toys or an activity to keep them entertained while you focus on packing and loading.
9. Turn the drive into an adventure
If the move involves a long drive, make it part of the experience. Use this road-trip planning guide to help map out the best route, choose fun stops along the way and keep long days in the car fun for all ages. This list of road trip games is especially helpful!
10. Prioritize kids’ rooms when unpacking
Give kids a familiar place to relax by setting up their beds, hanging their favorite posters and arranging toys as quickly as possible. Seeing familiar items in a new place can help them feel more at home.
11. Explore the new city
Getting familiar with a new area is one of the fastest ways to feel comfortable there. To create happy memories, let your kids choose some of the first places you visit, like a local pool or museum. Consider making a list of family-friendly spots and planning to visit one each weekend.
12. Give everyone time to adjust
It’s perfectly understandable if your family doesn’t feel settled right away. Everyone will be dealing with new things, and it can take some time to catch up emotionally after all the work is done.
Let kids talk about what they miss about the old place, and be patient with any mood swings. Ask them about their favorite and least favorite things so far and share your feelings, too. Being honest can help everyone stay connected.
Concerned about how children are adjusting? Reach out to their school counselor or pediatrician for recommendations.
Start your family’s new chapter with confidence
Even the most easy-going child can struggle with leaving friends and family behind, starting a new school or daycare and getting used to a new place. The good news is that kids are incredibly resilient. With the right approach, you can help make it a positive experience.
Still looking for a moving service? Get a quote from U-Pack! We’re here to help your move go smoothly, so you can focus on keeping your kids happy and creating new family memories.
Moving with an infant? Check out our complete guide to moving with a baby.
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