7 Tips for Moving With Kids

Written by Greystar

Edited by Greystar

Apartments and Communities March 7, 2025

Relocating can be a challenging experience, particularly when moving with kids. It requires careful planning, sensitivity to their emotions, and a proactive approach to make the transition as smooth as possible. Whether you’re moving across the country or just to a nearby neighborhood, the following 7 moving tips for families will help you prepare!

1. Involve Your Children in the Moving Process

Involving your children early in the moving process can help them adjust more easily. When moving with children, explain why the move is happening and share exciting details about the new location. Encourage open discussions to foster understanding and inclusion. Let them pack their belongings to give them a sense of control. You can also involve them in decorating their new room, allowing them to choose colors, themes, or layouts to create a space they feel excited about! Research suggests that involving kids in relocation decisions can reduce stress and improve outcomes. By addressing their emotional needs and helping them maintain connections, you can support a smoother transition and make the experience more positive for the whole family!

A family with parents and kids packing their belongings into cardboard boxes, preparing for their move, with a clear view of the items being organized.

2. Research Your New Community

Preparing your children for the move includes researching your new community. Look into local schools, parks, and family-friendly activities. Approximately 25% of families with school-aged children move to access superior educational opportunities, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Having this information will help you introduce your kids to what they can look forward to in their new environment, making the transition more exciting. Additionally, meeting their new teachers and discussing any concerns about the transition can provide valuable insights and reassurance. This research can also guide conversations on how to talk to kids about moving and ease their apprehensions about the change.

3. Maintain Familiar Routines

Moving can significantly disrupt daily routines, but maintaining consistency in key areas can help create a sense of stability during the transition. It's important to stick to regular mealtimes, bedtime rituals, and other daily habits to provide a comforting structure. Keeping these routines intact can reassure children, making them feel more secure in the face of change. Additionally, establishing familiar activities, like family game nights or walks around the neighborhood, can offer comfort and a sense of normalcy. This familiarity not only eases the emotional adjustment but also helps children feel more in control and better able to adapt to their new environment.

A father and his son walking through a sunlit park, surrounded by trees, sharing a warm and joyful moment as they look at each other.

4. Stay Positive and Encouraging

Children often reflect their parents’ emotions. If you approach the move with enthusiasm and optimism, your kids are likely to adopt the same mindset. Emphasize the positive aspects of the move, like exploring a new neighborhood or meeting new friends. Highlight the exciting opportunities that lie ahead and reassure them about the adventure to come. By focusing on the benefits, you can help children view the change as an exciting step forward rather than a challenge.

5. Plan and Organize Early

A well-organized move reduces stress for the entire family. Begin planning weeks in advance by creating a checklist of tasks, from scheduling movers to preparing an essentials box for the first few days in your new home. If you’re moving into a Greystar community, you’ll find that our thoughtfully designed properties provide an ideal starting point for your family’s new chapter.

A person writing on a colorful checklist, using a pink pen to check off completed tasks.

6. Stay Connected to Familiar People

Helping your children maintain connections with friends and relatives from your current community can ease the emotional challenges of relocation. Thanks to modern technology, it’s easier than ever to schedule video calls or send messages. This continuity will remind them that moving doesn’t mean losing important relationships.

7. Be Patient With the Adjustment Period

Relocating is a significant change, and children may need time to adapt. Behavioral shifts or moments of resistance are natural. Encourage open communication and validate their feelings. Patience and understanding will go a long way in helping them settle in. Additionally, consider the best age to move a child, as certain developmental stages may influence their ability to cope with change.

Consider the Following Practical Tips:

Plan a Farewell: Hosting a small gathering for friends before the move can provide closure.
Arrange for Childcare on Moving Day: Ensuring your children are cared for can help reduce stress and allow you to focus on the move.
Prioritize Unpacking Your Child’s Things: Setting up their room first creates a comforting and familiar space right away.
Explore Together: After relocating, take a family outing to explore your new community and familiarize your children with their surroundings.
Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate small wins, like unpacking their room or making a new friend.

A cozy little boy's bedroom featuring a teddy bear, yellow and blue decor, pictures on the wall, and various child-friendly furnishings.

Finding the Right Home for Your Family

When moving with children, the most important of all is finding the right place to call home. Greystar offers an array of thoughtfully designed apartments in family-friendly neighborhoods, complete with amenities that cater to all ages. From proximity to schools and parks to flexible leasing options, our properties provide a foundation for a smooth transition. If you’re moving in together with kids, our properties can meet the needs of blended families and provide a welcoming environment for all.

Relocating with kids doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With proper planning, patience, and positivity, you can turn the experience into a rewarding adventure. For more tips for moving with kids and to explore cost-effective housing options, visit Greystar’s website today.

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