Moving with Kids: Tips for a Smooth Transition

Moving home can be one of the most stressful events of your life. Add kids into the mix, and it can feel like chaos. Between packing boxes, managing emotions, and keeping routines on track, many families find moving especially challenging. The good news is, with the right preparation and a few simple strategies, you can make your family move smoother and less stressful for everyone involved.

Why Moving Feels Harder with Children

Kids often thrive on routine, so any big change, like moving house, can feel unsettling. From toddlers to teenagers, children may:

• Struggle with leaving friends or familiar places
  
  
• Feel anxious about a new home, school, or neighbourhood
  
  
• Act out due to stress or disrupted routines
  
  

Recognising these challenges is the first step in offering the right support.

How to Prepare Kids Before the Move

Preparation is everything. Here are a few ways to ease the transition:

• Talk early and often: Explain the move in simple terms. Share what will change, and what won’t.
  
  
• Visit the new area (if possible): Show them the new park, school, or local café. Familiarity reduces anxiety.
  
  
• Get them involved: Let kids help pack toys or decorate moving boxes with markers and stickers.
  
  
• Read books or watch shows about moving: Great for younger children to understand the process.
  
  

Tips for Packing and Moving with Kids

From buying packing materials to finally being able to settle in, moving is a busy process. Here’s how to make it easier on your family:

Pack Smart for the Kids

• Keep an “essentials box” with clothes, pyjamas, nappies, snacks, and favourite toys.
  
  
• Label and separate children’s items clearly so they’re first to unpack.
  
  
• Use colour-coded stickers for each child’s boxes to simplify unpacking.
  
  

Stick to Routines Where You Can

• Keep mealtimes and bedtimes as close to normal as possible.
  
  
• Set up kids’ bedrooms first to create a sense of comfort.
  
  

Keep Kids Occupied on Moving Day

• Ideally, you should arrange for a babysitter, grandparent, or family friend to help look after the kids on moving day.
  
  
• If no help is available, create a “moving day activity bag” with books, games, and snacks to keep the kids occupied.
  
  
• For older children, give them small responsibilities. This can make them feel included and useful.
  
  

Supporting Children Emotionally Through a Move

A move isn’t just about boxes and furniture - it’s also about feelings. Some ideas:

• Acknowledge emotions: Let kids know it’s okay to feel sad or nervous.
  
  
• Highlight positives: Focus on new opportunities, such as new friends, a bigger room, or closer parks.
  
  
• Stay connected: Help them exchange phone numbers or social media with old friends if they haven’t done so already.
  
  

Moving with Toddlers vs. Teenagers

• Toddlers: Keep routines as consistent as possible. Pack familiar toys and comfort items.
  
  
• Primary-aged kids: Involve them in planning. Let them pick paint colours or how to arrange their room.
  
  
• Teenagers: Respect their independence. Give them space to express concerns and be part of decisions.
  
  

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Family Move Advice from Removalists

At Jim’s Removals, we’ve helped hundreds of families relocate across Melbourne. Some of the best moving support we’ve seen includes:

• Booking professional removalists who arrive on time and handle the heavy lifting, so parents can focus on kids.
  
  
• Using packing and moving services to save time and reduce stress.
  
  
• Renting moving crates instead of cardboard boxes. Our reusable Jim Boxes are sturdier, more eco friendly and time efficient than single use cardboard boxes.

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Final Checklist for Moving with Kids

• Talk to your kids about the move early
• Pack a special “essentials box” for them
• Stick to routines where possible
• Set up kids’ rooms first
• Provide emotional support and reassurance

Make Your Family Move Easier

Moving with kids doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a clear plan and the right support, you can make it a positive experience for the whole family. At Jim’s Removals, our team understands the unique challenges families face when moving – and we’re here to help.

Get a free moving quote today and let us take the stress out of your family move!

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