Moving Home With Children

Moving home is exciting, but when you have children, it comes with extra challenges. For parents, it’s not just about packing boxes and hiring a removal company — it’s about managing your kids’ emotions, routines, and comfort during a major life change. Children may feel uncertain, anxious, or sad about leaving behind familiar surroundings, so preparing them properly is key.

In this guide, we’ll share practical tips for moving house with children in the UK. From how to talk to kids about the move, to involving them in the process, and helping them settle into their new home, this article will give you the tools to make moving less stressful for the whole family.

Why Moving House Can Be Difficult for Children?

Moving house is often listed as one of the most stressful life events — and children feel the effects just as much as adults. For them, the change is not just physical but emotional. They leave behind a world of friends, schools, and routines they know well.

Common feelings children experience during a move:

• Sadness – saying goodbye to friends, teachers, and their old home.

• Anxiety – worrying about a new school, making friends, or fitting in.

• Loss of control – decisions are made by adults, which can cause frustration.

• Excitement mixed with fear – new bedrooms and opportunities, but uncertainty about the unknown.

👉 Tip: Talking openly about these feelings helps children adjust better and feel reassured.

👉 “Make moving day easier for your children — compare removal companies now.”

How to Talk to Children About Moving Home

Open and honest communication is one of the most effective ways to prepare your children for a house move. The earlier you start the conversation, the easier it will be for them to adapt.

Practical ways to talk about the move:

• Start early – as soon as the decision is made, explain what’s happening.

• Keep it positive – highlight exciting aspects, like a bigger room or a nearby park.

• Acknowledge their feelings – let them know it’s normal to feel sad, nervous, or even angry.

• Give them information – share details about the new home, area, and school.

• Visit the new area if possible – showing children their new home and surroundings can make the move less intimidating.

👉 Framing the move as a family adventure can turn uncertainty into curiosity.

Tips for Moving House with Toddlers, Children, and Teenagers

Different age groups react differently to moving. Tailoring your approach based on your child’s stage of development can make the process smoother.

👶 Moving with Toddlers (Ages 2–5)

Toddlers thrive on routine and familiarity. Disruptions like moving can make them feel unsettled.

• Pack their toys and comfort items last, and unpack them first.

• Read children’s books about moving to help them understand.

• Keep nap and meal routines as consistent as possible.

• Let them “help” by packing small, safe items in a box.

🎒 Moving with School-Age Children (Ages 6–12)

Primary school children may struggle with leaving friends and adjusting to a new school.

• Encourage them to make a memory box with photos, drawings, or keepsakes.

• Let them help pack and label their belongings.

• Organise a farewell playdate or party with friends.

• Share information about their new school and get them involved in choosing uniforms or supplies.

👩‍🦱 Moving with Teenagers (Ages 13–18)

Teenagers often have the hardest time adjusting due to social ties and independence.

• Be patient if they resist the move — listen to their concerns.

• Allow them to help with big tasks like dismantling furniture or updating online accounts.

• Involve them in decorating their new room to give them control.

• Help them stay connected to old friends while encouraging new social opportunities.

Fun Ways to Involve Children in the Moving Process

Turning moving into a family project makes it less stressful and more enjoyable for kids. Involvement helps them feel important and valued during the transition.

Ideas to make moving engaging:

• Create a “Moving Day Playlist” – let each family member choose songs to play while packing or unpacking.

• Turn packing into a game – use timers, stickers, or challenges for kids to enjoy sorting their belongings.

• Share memories while packing – talk about the history of items and rooms as you prepare.

• Have a family photo session – capture moments in your old home before saying goodbye.

• Celebrate with a special meal – pizza on the floor or a picnic in the new garden creates lasting memories.

How to Help Children Settle Into a New Home

Adjusting doesn’t end once the boxes are unpacked — helping children feel “at home” is the final step in the moving journey.

Ways to ease the transition:

• Set up their bedroom first – having a familiar space reduces stress.

• Keep routines consistent – mealtimes, bedtime, and family activities should continue as normal.

• Add homely touches quickly – photos, favourite blankets, or familiar furniture.

• Encourage involvement – let kids help decorate and arrange communal spaces.

• Explore the area together – visit parks, schools, and community centres early on to build comfort.

👉 The quicker a child feels secure in the new environment, the faster they’ll adapt emotionally.

“Enjoy a smoother move with your family — get free quotes today.”

DIY vs Hiring a Professional Removal Company

When moving with children, one of the biggest decisions is whether to handle the move yourself or hire professionals. Both options have pros and cons:

🚚 DIY Moving

Pros:

• Cheaper overall.

• Flexible timing.

• Full control over your belongings.

Cons:

• Physically exhausting and time-consuming.

• Risk of damage without professional packing.

• More stress for parents who also need to look after children.

📦 Hiring a Professional Removal Company

Pros:

• Quicker, more efficient process.

• Expert handling of fragile items and large furniture.

• Insurance options for peace of mind.

• Frees parents to focus on supporting their children.

Cons:

• Higher cost.

• Less direct control over the process.

• Must be booked in advance, especially during peak moving seasons.

👉 For families with young children, hiring a removal company can reduce stress and ensure a smoother transition.

Final Checklist for Moving House with Children in the UK

To make moving as stress-free as possible, keep this checklist in mind:

• Talk to children about the move early.

• Involve them in age-appropriate tasks.

• Keep routines consistent during packing and unpacking.

• Pack children’s essentials separately (snacks, toys, school supplies).

• Prepare their bedroom first in the new home.

• Celebrate the move together as a family.

FAQs About Moving House with Children

How do I prepare my child emotionally for moving house?
Talk about the move early, acknowledge their feelings, and involve them in decisions where possible.

What age is hardest for children to move house?
Teenagers often struggle the most due to friendships and independence, but younger children may feel anxious if they don’t understand the changes.

How do I make moving fun for kids?
Turn packing into games, create a moving playlist, and plan a celebration after moving day.

Should I hire a removal company when moving with children?
Yes, many parents find it reduces stress, saves time, and provides insurance protection.

How long does it take for kids to adjust to a new home?
Every child is different, but most start to feel comfortable within a few weeks once routines are re-established.