Moving is a very physical experience — you’re literally relocating all your worldly goods from the place you currently call home to a new living space. But it’s also an emotional experience, especially for kids. For some children, the home they’re leaving is the only one they’ve ever known. If your move is a significant one, your kids may also be leaving behind their school, their friends, their favorite parks, and their sense of security.
The best way to navigate this transition and support kids during a move is to give them empathy and the strategic preparation they need most. That’s why we put together this comprehensive, expert-backed guide filled with advice from authorities like family therapists, parenting coaches, and lifestyle bloggers.
You can’t erase the emotional weight of moving, but expert-backed strategies can help you and your kids handle it with more clarity and calm.
Sindi Webster is the Senior Sales Manager for Moving at Porch Moving Group, where she leads the team that helps customers find the right help for their move. Her focus is the quote-to-booking stretch — making sure customers get accurate pricing up front and get matched with the providers best suited to the job.
Sindi has spent seven years in the moving industry and has supported more than 200,000 moves, with deep experience coordinating local labor — loading, unloading, and transportation services nationwide. She brings that perspective to HireAHelper content, helping make sure what readers find here reflects how quoting and booking actually work.
Susan & Steve, Owners of Thinking Outside The Sandbox Family
Susan Wetmore is the co‑owner of TOTS Family, a parenting and lifestyle blog she runs with her husband, Steve. Drawing on her experience as a mother of two and aunt to six—spanning toddlers to adults—Susan offers real‑life tips that help families thrive, especially during big transitions. Read more.
Linda Russel, CEO of Family Orbit
Linda Russel is the CEO of AppOBIT LLC, a leading innovator in family safety and digital well-being solutions. With a passion for technology and a heart for protecting families, Linda oversees the development of trusted apps like Family Orbit®. She is committed to helping parents navigate the digital world with confidence and peace of mind. Read more.
Nina Spears, Founder & CEO of Baby Chick
Nina Spears is the Founder & CEO of Baby Chick®, a nationally recognized baby planner, birth & postpartum doula, maternal wellness expert, and mother of two. With over 14 years of experience supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood, she provides evidence-based education and personalized support to help women feel informed, empowered, and confident as they navigate motherhood. Read more.
Diane Dempster, CPC, PCC Parent Coach & Co-Founder of Impact Parents
Diane Dempster is a professional coach, speaker, author, and educator. Co-host of the Parenting with Impact podcast, and co-founder of ImpactParents.com, Diane teaches the neurodiversity-informed coach-approach to parenting that blends behavior management with change management, so that parents and concerned adults can empower kids, teens, and young adults to become independent and successful. Read more.
Janice Robinson-Celeste, Publisher & CEO of Successful Black Parenting
Janice Robinson-Celeste is the founder of Successful Black Parenting Magazine, a multi-award-winning publication dedicated to supporting Black families. With a degree in early childhood education and an MBA, Janice has expertise in early childhood education, nonprofit leadership, and media. She is an author, including Miles Stuffy Nose, winner of the Gold Seal, Moms Choice Award, and the executive producer of Ethnic Animations. Read more.
Elia Garrison, Latina Social Media Influencer & Brand Ambassador, Conservamom Blog
Elia Garrison is the wife, mom of six, and the voice behind Conservamom. Born and raised in Miami to a Cuban father and Mexican mother, she brings a vibrant Hispanic flair to everything she does. With a background in Special Education and a passion for family, faith, and fun, Elia is dedicated to helping moms conserve their time, money, and sanity. Through Conservamom, she shares her family’s adventures, product finds, parenting wins (and the occasional fails!), and the beautiful chaos of raising six amazing kids. Read more.
Penelope Trunk, Education Writer and Startup Founder
Penelope Trunk is an education writer and founder of four startups. She’s best known for her work on parenting, child development, and emotional intelligence in learning environments. Read more. [
Scarlet Paolicchi, Owner of Family Focus
Scarlet Paolicchi is a writer, mother, and advocate for mindful living and family wellness. She shares practical tips on natural living, parenting, and everyday inspiration through Family Focus Blog and social media platforms. Read more.
Moving is stressful for everyone involved, and it can be difficult to manage emotions. As you contend with the pressure of juggling logistics before and after your move, use these tips to help everyone get centered.
Kids thrive on familiarity, so anything that challenges the familiar can bring on anxiety. According to blogger and brand ambassador Elia Garrison:
“One of the toughest parts about moving for kids is saying goodbye to their friends. Children thrive on routine and predictability, so a move — no matter how necessary or positive — can feel like their whole world is being turned upside down.”
When talking to children about an upcoming move, use clear and simple language. As Baby Chick founder and CEO Nina Spears explains:
“[M]oving is a big transition for the whole family, especially for our little ones. To prepare your child emotionally for this big change, talk to them about the move in advance using age-appropriate language. For example, when talking to a young child (a toddler to an early elementary-aged kid) about a move, I recommend using language that is simple, clear, and positive.”
Here are some examples of the ready-to-use language favored by Nina:
Remember to leave space for your children’s responses, too!. “It’s also important to normalize and validate [your kids’] emotions — whatever they may be,” says Nina. “Let them know you’re there for them and in it together.”
Children absorb emotional cues from their parents. If you’re struggling to regulate, chances are you’re unintentionally passing on stress to your kids. Being self-aware and transparent about your emotions and why you're feeling them can be universally helpful.
Diane Dempster, parent coach and cofounder of Impact Parents, recommends acknowledging your feelings instead of ignoring them:
“Be sure to check in — both with ourselves as parents and with our kids — early and often throughout the process. We can model this vulnerability by being conscious and transparent — in front of our children — about our own feelings around a move (or any big transition). Demonstrating healthy emotional management can be a great gift.”
Moving can challenge a child’s sense of normal, especially when decisions are made without their input. Even small disruptions to routine or environment can feel big to kids who are still building emotional resilience.
Involving your kids in age-appropriate tasks can help them feel empowered. This gives them a sense of control when so many choices are out of their hands and can serve as a healthy distraction during a disruptive time.
Susan and Steve Wetmore of Thinking Outside the Sandbox Family have advice on moving with kids drawn from their own moving experience.
“We sat down as a family and discussed why we were moving, what to expect, and how they felt. I let them take ownership where they could — choosing their new rooms, brainstorming how they’d like to set them up. They also packed their own things, which sounds simple but gives them a sense of control.”
Packing can be a slog, but with the right attitude, it can also be an adventure. This is especially true of frequent moves, when packing (yet again) feels a little less exciting than it used to. Consider gamifying packing by having your kids take part. They can be in charge of taping and labeling boxes or concentrate on boxing up their own goodies.
Janice Robinson-Celeste, Publisher and CEO of Successful Black Parenting, has another fun suggestion that also helps you declutter.
“Together, create three piles: Trash, Keep, and Donate. This can be especially tricky for kids since rediscovered toys often feel new again. To help them make decisions, give them a limit. For example, say, ‘We can keep three items from this closet today.’ If they want to keep more than three, they’ll need to swap something out, helping them prioritize what matters.”
Amid the packing, loading, and checklists, it’s easy to forget that kids experience moving day differently. But making space for comfort and closure can ease the transition and help them feel safe through it all.
As your children are sorting and packing, encourage them to identify the items they still need or want for everyday use between now and the move. You can be responsible for items like toiletries and school uniforms, so let your kids choose the items that give them joy and keep them grounded.
Our expert Nina suggests that each child help pack their own comfort box:
“Have them fill it with their favorite toys, books, or comfort items. Keep this box close by throughout the move so they can always go to it for comfort and reassurance.”
This box can travel with you rather than in the back of a moving truck, so you’ll have comfort items handy on the road and immediately upon arrival at the new house.
You’re never too young or too old to get closure. Saying goodbye to friends, teachers, and even your own bedroom can make it easier to move on.
Diane suggests an approach to closure that also gives your child a keepsake:
“Write a goodbye note to your neighborhood. Take pictures and create a digital journal of what you loved that must be left behind.”
For Susan and Steve, getting closure included hosting a small bon voyage party: “We made time to say goodbye to their old friends with a small hangout. A bit of closure helped them feel more ready for what’s next.”
Chances are, you and your kids will fall in love with your new neighborhood and home and find lots of new favorite things. But it may not be love at first sight.
Settling in is a journey, not a destination. It takes time to come to terms with lingering feelings that may include sadness, grief, or even resentment. All those feelings are worthy of attention, and patience and understanding could be all your child needs to regulate and adapt.
But, as Diane cautions, in certain situations, it may be best to reach out for additional help:
“If emotions seem to persist and/or your child demonstrates distress or regression … check in with your child’s mental health or medical provider.”
Whether you’re moving for a happy reason or due to difficult circumstances, there are ways you can help your kids navigate the change. The key to healthy adjustment is minimizing disruption and stress while still making space for everyone’s feelings.
It’s easy for parents to get so wrapped up in caring for their kids that they neglect their own emotional health. Taking time out to care for your own mental well-being is like putting on your own oxygen mask first. You’ll be better prepared to help others while also modeling what it looks like to invest in self-care.
When moving, we want to believe that our new home will be as good or even better than wherever we currently live. You can help make the dream a reality by being strategic when choosing your new neighborhood.
Linda Russell, CEO of Family Orbit, recommends evaluating neighborhoods according to three key factors: safety, convenience, and long-term suitability.
“Safety is paramount—research crime rates, speak with residents, and assess street lighting and security measures. School quality is another critical factor; check ratings, proximity, and transportation options for children. Healthcare access is essential, so look for nearby hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.”
Recreation, location, and transportation are all important considerations too.
“A family-friendly environment includes parks, playgrounds, and community centers that promote outdoor activities. Consider the neighborhood atmosphere by visiting at different times of the day to observe traffic, noise levels, and social interactions. Commute times and transportation options should align with work and school needs, ensuring easy access to highways or public transit.”
Finally, Linda stresses that all families should keep the cost of living in mind, including:
Think ahead to the future, too. Research to see if any upcoming development plans might impact property values and neighborhood dynamics.
“By carefully analyzing these factors,” explains Linda, “families can make informed decisions, choosing a neighborhood that fosters security, accessibility, and a high quality of life for both parents and children.”
Susan & Steve, Owners of Thinking Outside The Sandbox Family
Susan Wetmore is the co‑owner of TOTS Family, a parenting and lifestyle blog she runs with her husband, Steve. Drawing on her experience as a mother of two and aunt to six—spanning toddlers to adults—Susan offers real‑life tips that help families thrive, especially during big transitions.
As a mom of two—ages 12 and 14—I’ve learned that involving my kids in our moving process makes a huge difference. Let’s be honest: Moving is a big change, and it can feel overwhelming for everyone, especially tweens and teens who are already navigating so much.
What helped us was starting with an open conversation. We sat down as a family and discussed why we were moving, what to expect, and how they felt. Just giving them space to share made them feel seen. From there, I let them take ownership where they could—choosing their new rooms, brainstorming how they’d like to set them up, even helping pick out paint colors. It gave them something to look forward to.
They also packed their own things, which sounds simple but gives them a sense of control. We explored the new neighborhood online together, checking out nearby parks, schools, and even the closest bubble tea shop (a must!).
Most importantly, we made time to say goodbye to their old friends with a small hangout. A bit of closure helped them feel more ready for what’s next. Moving is a big deal, but it becomes more of an adventure than a disruption when kids feel included.
Linda Russel, CEO of AppOBIT LLC
Linda Russell is the CEO of AppOBIT LLC, a leading innovator in family safety and digital well-being solutions. With a passion for technology and a heart for protecting families, Linda oversees the development of trusted apps like Family Orbit®. She is committed to helping parents navigate the digital world with confidence and peace of mind. Learn more at FamilyOrbit.com
When selecting a new neighborhood, families must evaluate key factors to ensure safety, convenience, and long-term suitability. Safety is paramount—research crime rates, speak with residents, and assess street lighting and security measures. School quality is another critical factor; check ratings, proximity, and transportation options for children. Healthcare access is essential, so look for nearby hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.
A family-friendly environment includes parks, playgrounds, and community centers that promote outdoor activities. Consider the neighborhood atmosphere by visiting at different times of the day to observe traffic, noise levels, and social interactions. Commute times and transportation options should align with work and school needs, ensuring easy access to highways or public transit.
Financially, families should assess the cost of living, including property values, rental prices, and taxes. Proximity to essential services like grocery stores, banks, and shopping centers also enhances convenience. Additionally, research future development plans—upcoming projects may impact property values and neighborhood dynamics.
By carefully analyzing these factors, families can make informed decisions, choosing a neighborhood that fosters security, accessibility, and a high quality of life for both parents and children.
Nina Spears, Founder & CEO of Baby Chick
Nina Spears is the Founder & CEO of Baby Chick®, a nationally recognized baby planner, birth & postpartum doula, maternal wellness expert, and mother of two. With over 14 years of experience supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood, she provides evidence-based education and personalized support to help women feel informed, empowered, and confident as they navigate motherhood.
"As we all know, moving is a big transition for the whole family, especially for our little ones. To prepare your child emotionally for this big change, it’s important to talk to them about the move in advance using age-appropriate language. For example, when talking to a young child (a toddler to an early elementary-aged kid) about a move, I recommend using language that is simple, clear, and positive. Some examples of age-appropriate phrases that you can say are:
This keeps it simple and clear. I recommend avoiding vague language like “We’re going away” or “We’re leaving,” which might cause anxiety.
This reassures your child that the people they love and trust most will be there with them too.
Remind them that familiar things that they have and use are coming with them too. This reinforces security and helps ease their potential fears of losing their things.
This invites them into the moving process and helps give them a sense of control and involvement.
Help them visualize positive things they can look forward to and get excited about with the new move.
It’s also important to normalize and validate their emotions — whatever they may be. Let them know you’re there for them and in it together.
As you approach your moving day, I recommend walking them through what they can expect. Explain when packing will begin and what that might look like, how you’re going to move (by yourselves or with professional movers), and any details that you can share. This gives them more confidence on the packing and moving days when there is a lot of change and movement going on in the home.
We all know that kids thrive on familiarity, so keep their routines as consistent as possible and involve them in the process. One great way to get them involved is having them help pack their own “comfort box.” Have them fill it with their favorite toys, books, or comfort items. Keep this box close by throughout the move so they can always go to it for comfort and reassurance. When children feel seen, supported, and included, they’re more likely to feel safer even through big life changes like a move. A little intentional, clear communication goes a long way in helping your child process this transition with trust and ease."
Diane Dempster, CPC, PCC Parent Coach & Co-Founder of Impact Parents
Diane Dempster is a professional coach, speaker, author, and educator. Co-host of the Parenting with Impact podcast, and co-founder of ImpactParents.com, Diane teaches the neurodiversity-informed coach-approach to parenting that blends behavior management with change management, so that parents and concerned adults can empower kids, teens, and young adults to become independent and successful.
Your family is moving to a new home, city, state, or even country! That’s both exciting and challenging. Lots of emotions can come before, during, and after a move: thrill, grief, fear, sadness, worry, and anticipation.
When emotions come up, it’s important to acknowledge and sit with them. Be sure to check in – both with ourselves as parents and with our kids – early and often throughout the process. Doing so can make it easier for every family member.
As parents, we want our kids to be OK. We may default to saying, “Don’t worry, you’ll have new friends,” or, “Our new place is going to be even better.” These statements can backfire, making our kiddos feel dismissed rather than heard.
Instead, acknowledge your kids’ feelings; give them space to feel them; and validate them. We can model this vulnerability by being conscious and transparent – in front of our children – about our own feelings around a move (or any big transition).
Demonstrating healthy emotional management can be a great gift. Perhaps especially if your child is neurodiverse. They tend to be more empathic, have bigger feelings, and process them less effectively than their neurotypical peers. If emotions seem to persist and/or your child demonstrates distress or regression (say, bedwetting reappears), please check in with your child’s mental-health or medical provider.
Here are a few quick tips for all kiddos, maybe more so for the neurodivergent among those boxing up and heading to a new locale:
-Write a good-bye note to your neighborhood
-Take pictures and create a digital journal of what you loved that must be left behind
-Ask your child’s teacher to present to their peers about their new place, if the child wants to do so
Janice Robinson-Celeste, Publisher & CEO of Successful Black Parenting
Janice Robinson-Celeste is the founder of Successful Black Parenting Magazine, a multi-award-winning publication dedicated to supporting Black families. With a degree in early childhood education and an MBA, Janice has expertise in early childhood education, nonprofit leadership, and media. She is an author, including Miles Stuffy Nose, winner of the Gold Seal, Moms Choice Award, and the executive producer of Ethnic Animations.
If you have the luxury to start early, take advantage of it, especially if you've lived in your home for many years. Begin the process months before the move by tackling just one closet or storage space each weekend. Involve your children by turning it into a game. Together, create three piles: Trash, Keep, and Donate. This can be especially tricky for kids since rediscovered toys often feel new again. To help them make decisions, give them a limit. For example, say, “We can keep three items from this closet today.” If they want to keep more than three, they’ll need to swap something out, helping them prioritize what matters.
Continue this process weekly with different areas of the home, closets, drawers, storage bins, until everything is sorted and packed. This slower pace allows time to reflect, reminisce, and adjust emotionally to the transition.
Be sure to keep daily essentials unpacked until the final days. Label one box per room as “[Room] Essentials” and “Unpack First” to ensure a smoother landing in your new space. Knowing where key items are—like toothbrushes, favorite stuffed animals, or kitchen basics can ease the first few days of settling in.
By involving your children in age-appropriate ways, you’re not only organizing more effectively, you’re helping them feel empowered and emotionally prepared for the big change. Moving becomes less overwhelming and more of a family adventure.
Elia Garrison, Latina Social Media Influencer & Brand Ambassador, Conservamom Blog
Elia is the wife, mom of six, and the voice behind Conservamom. Born and raised in Miami to a Cuban father and Mexican mother, she brings a vibrant Hispanic flair to everything she does. With a background in Special Education and a passion for family, faith, and fun, Elia is dedicated to helping moms conserve their time, money, and sanity. Through Conservamom, she shares her family’s adventures, product finds, parenting wins (and the occasional fails!), and the beautiful chaos of raising six amazing kids. Life in her world is loud, messy, and full of love—and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
One of the toughest parts about moving for kids is saying goodbye to their friends. Leaving behind familiar faces, a well-loved school, and the comfort of a known neighborhood can be incredibly emotional. Children thrive on routine and predictability, so a move—no matter how necessary or positive—can feel like their whole world is being turned upside down. They may also struggle with the uncertainty of making new friends or fitting into a new environment.
Beyond the emotional impact, the adjustment to a new house, unfamiliar school, and shifting daily routines can feel overwhelming. Kids may experience a mix of excitement, anxiety, and confusion as they try to make sense of their new surroundings. It’s important to validate these feelings while helping them build new connections.
To ease the transition, keep certain elements of their routine consistent, like mealtimes and bedtime rituals. Encourage open conversations about the move, using simple, reassuring language that helps them understand what’s ahead. Give them small roles in the moving process—like helping pack their toys or decorating their new room—which can empower them and offer a sense of control. With time, patience, and steady support, kids can begin to feel settled and even excited about this new chapter.
Penelope Trunk, Education Writer and Startup Founder
Penelope Trunk is an education writer and founder of four startups. She’s best known for her work on parenting, child development, and emotional intelligence in learning environments.
The most effective way to help kids settle into a new environment is to give them a sense of control and predictability right away. That means introducing a daily rhythm they can count on — even if it’s simple, like “wake up, eat breakfast, play outside, then read.” Kids don’t need a full schedule, they just need a few repeating beats.
Second, don’t overload them with introductions. Meeting too many people too fast — even with good intentions — can be overwhelming. Instead, focus on helping them connect with one consistent adult and one peer they can rely on.
Third, let the child bring something from their old environment into the new one — even something small, like a pillowcase, a cup, or a ritual. It helps bridge the gap.
Finally, model calm. Kids adjust faster when the adults around them are visibly confident and emotionally steady. It tells the child: “This place is safe. We can do this.”
Scarlet Paolicchi, Owner of Family Focus
Scarlet Paolicchi is a writer, mother, and advocate for mindful living and family wellness. She shares practical tips on natural living, parenting, and everyday inspiration through Family Focus Blog and social media platforms.
When I was young, I moved across the country and I was able to stay in touch with my best friend as a pen pal. It was a lot of fun and always a special experience to receive and write letters. I know that today kids have so many options from video calls to social media and depending on the age of the child that can be an appropriate addition. Certainly help your child get started with letter writing by ensuring that he or she exchange mailing addresses with their best pals. You may also want to buy some fun stationary for your child to help them get excited about letter writing. As far as nurturing new social connections, it is very important to role play with your child and help them be proactive in making friends. Sure your child may be nervous and unsure about starting school in a new place, but when it comes to making friends, a smile and a friendly "Hello" go a long way. Help them role a few questions they can ask to engage potential new friends. Also, help them get involved in some extracurricular activities where they can meet kids with similar interests.
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