Parents can sometimes be so consumed with other aspects of moving to a new house, that their children’s emotions might be put on the backburner. Even if the reason for the move is for the children to be in a better neighborhood or school, it can still be difficult and this guide will help parents before and after moving so their children have a smooth transition.

1. • Stick to routines. Even though you have a lot of unpacking to do, stick to
routines such as meal times and bedtime.
• Set up the kids’ rooms first. Children have the hardest time getting used
to a new surrounding; help them by getting their rooms unpacked before
you do anything else. Try to keep the layout of their new rooms as close as
possible to their old ones, unless they want it different.
• Go exploring. Take time during the first few days to take walks or drives
around the new neighborhood. This will help your kids know where all the
important spots in their lives are, such as their new school or the baseball field.
• Create new rituals. A move is a good opportunity to add a family ritual to
your regular routines, such as evening walks or weekends at the park.
• Help your kids make new friends. Losing friends is one of the most difficult
parts about moving for kids. Help your kids make new friends by spending more
time playing outdoors so other kids in the neighborhood get to know them.
After the Move
• Don’t keep secrets. Let your kids know about a move as soon as possible,
giving them time to get used to the idea. Withholding information to shield
them may only increase anxiety.
• Involve your kids in the planning. Giving kids a part in planning the move
will help them feel more in control and make the process less frightening.
Let them choose the color of their new room, or create a calendar of all the
important events such as packing and moving day.
• Keep things as normal as possible. Maintaining family routines is very
important leading up to a move. This includes holding off on other big
changes, such as toilet training or introducing new foods until things are
settled. Let your kids hold onto their favorite possessions to help them feel
at ease.
• Make the move a celebration. Rather than moving as quickly as possible,
give your kids a chance to say goodbye to the old home with a going-away
party. Or start a scrapbook that can help them find closure.
• Get them excited about their new home. Letting children learn about their
new neighborhood, either by visiting or looking it up online, can help them
get used to new surroundings. Knowing where the library or neighborhood
park is will help kids feel more comfortable.
Before the Move
How To Help Your Kids
Before And After A Move
Moving into a new home can be stressful, especially for young children.
Follow this family moving guide to help your kids make a smooth transition
from your old home to your new one.
• Separation anxiety. Anxiety about the move can lead to lack of sleep,
clinginess, changes in eating habits and an overall sense of dread in
children. Conversely, giving them opportunities to express their worries can
help alleviate these fears.
• Problems in school. Changes in schooling can make children anxious if
they are behind their new classmates, or cause boredom if they are ahead
of them. Being involved in parent-teacher conferences can help get kids on
track faster. What’s more, letting kids see their new schools in advance can
help them feel more comfortable with the transition.
• Emotional development. Moving can disrupt kids’ emotional development
because they may feel angry or sad about changes to their routines. Being
attentive to their feelings and listening to what they have to say can help
them get over their anxiety or anger faster.
• Confidence and self-esteem. Moving can change everything children know
about their lives, prompting them to feel unsure of themselves. Keeping the
family involved in activities in your new community can help your kids feel
more like they belong and restore their confidence and self-esteem.
Effects of Moving on Kids