It’s our job to help our kids with this big transition and to explain to them that moving house can be a positive thing. It’s perfectly okay to be afraid, angry or anxious but it’s also important that we focus on the exciting parts of moving interstate or intrastate. New schools, new parks, new rooms, and a new place to call their own. 

Below are some tips on how to prepare children for a move. If you are planning a move in the future, find your best rate on house movers with Best Rated Transport. Our online comparison is completely free to use and allows you to compare house movers and self-pack moving options in the same place. 

Moving with Kids of Every Age and Stage

Moving with Infants and Toddlers

• Keep the routine as consistent as you can, prioritising naps and feeds. Avoid starting any big changes in their routine such as potty training. 

• Take plenty of breaks, especially outside to burn off that toddler energy. Explore new parks in the area and see if you can find a local bakery or ice cream shop. 

• Purchase some books about moving to read to them including The Berenstain Bears' Moving Day by Stan and Jan Berenstain

• Let them say goodbye to their house (and the garden, the rocks, the plants, the road). 
  

Moving with School-Aged Kids

• Always listen to their fears and concerns about the move.

• Try to focus on the positives such as certain clubs at their new school that they may be interested in joining. 

• Suggest watching movies with moving themes such as Inside Out and Clifford the Big Red Dog. 

• Let them check out the neighbourhood and house on Google Maps.

• Give them a floor plan of their new room so they can make a decorating plan.  

Moving with Teens and Tweens 

• Teens and tweens often struggle the most with moving, especially if moving interstate. 

• Give them plenty of time to process the move (and prepare for a few slammed doors).

• Find reasons for your teen to be excited for the move - a bigger room perhaps? A media room for their games? 

• See if your teen would like to host a party with their friends to say goodbye. 

• Set up a trip back so they have something to look forward to. 

FAQs When Moving with Children

Is there a ‘right’ age for a child to move?

Moving can be hard to every age and stage but typically teens will have the toughest time with this transition. Some research suggests moving is easiest on kids under the age of five. 

How do you prepare for moving with kids?

Honesty is the best policy. Keep them included and informed on everything about the move, especially the why and how. 

How does moving around affect a child?

Every child will experience different emotions about a move and often these emotions will come in waves. A child may be excited and delighted about the adventure but they also may feel a sense of loss, grief, sadness or anger. 

Can moving be good for kids? 

While moving can negatively impact children for a short period of time, there are also plenty of benefits of moving. Moving can assist in developing children’s resilience and adaptability. LIfe is all about change and teaching our children to see this as a positive, not a set-back, is part of developing a growth mindset. 

How can you make the move easier on children? 

There are several ways you can make the move positive

• Ensure they feel included in everything

• Let them communicate how they feel about it all

• Plan a goodbye party with their friends or purchase a Goodbye Book so their peers and teachers can sign it

• Look into activities, playgrounds, schools and attractions in your new city that would excite them

• Prioritise getting them settled into the new house first 

There's a lot to organise when moving. Start your comparison for the best rate on house movers with Best Rated Transport. Our free online comparison platform allows you to compare furniture removalists as well as self-pack options to find the best option for you. Get started today!