Moving With Children Best Practices

by Movivan | Last update October, 2025

Moving with children can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. It involves careful planning to ensure the transition is smooth for the whole family. With the right approach, you can turn this potentially stressful event into a positive adventure for your kids.

At Movivan Removals, we’ve helped hundreds of London families move safely and smoothly. Here’s how to make your move stress-free and enjoyable for both you and your children.

Talk to Your Children Early About the Move

Children often feel uncertain about big changes. To help them adjust, talk about the move as soon as it’s confirmed.

Explain why you’re moving and what’s exciting about the new home or area.
Be honest but positive — highlight parks, bigger rooms, or being closer to family.
Encourage questions and let them express their feelings.

💡 Movivan Tip: When children feel included and informed, they’re far more likely to embrace the change positively.

Affordable moving services when moving with children.

Involve Your Children In Moving Planning

Moving can make children feel uncertain, but involving them early helps reduce anxiety and builds excitement. When kids feel part of the process, the transition becomes smoother and more positive for everyone.

Start with a family meeting to discuss the move openly. Explain why it’s happening, listen to their questions, and reassure them that it’s normal to feel both excited and nervous. Keep the tone optimistic — talk about new opportunities like more space, new friends, or being closer to family.

Give your children small but meaningful choices to help them feel in control. Let them pick paint colours, bedroom decorations, or how to arrange their toys in the new home. Even toddlers can help choose which items to pack first, while older children can help create a family moving checklist or design labels for boxes.

Encourage them to take responsibility in fun ways — packing their favourite books, organizing a “kids’ essentials” box, or choosing snacks and playlists for moving day. These simple tasks help them feel capable, confident, and proud to contribute.

By involving your children in the planning, you transform moving from a stressful event into a shared family adventure, filled with excitement and teamwork.

Show Them The New Area If You Can

If possible, take a trip to your new neighbourhood before moving day. Walk around local parks, explore playgrounds, and show them where the nearest school or ice-cream shop is. This helps them picture life there and makes the move less abstract.

If visiting in person isn’t possible, explore Google Maps Street View or school websites together. Point out nearby fun spots — like libraries, sports clubs, or cinemas — to build excitement about what’s waiting.

Let Your Children Pack A Few Boxes

Engage your children in the moving process by letting them pack a few boxes themselves. This not only helps lighten your load but also empowers them to contribute to the move. Encourage them to choose items that are special to them, such as toys, books, or clothes. By involving them in this way, they’ll feel a sense of ownership and responsibility, making the transition smoother for everyone.

To make it more fun, consider turning packing into a game. Set a timer and challenge them to see how quickly they can fill a box with their chosen items. You can also label the boxes with their names or drawings to add a personal touch. This activity can be a great opportunity to bond with your children and create lasting memories during this hectic time.

Prepare ‘Open-First’ Comfort Boxes

One of the best ways to help kids feel secure during a move is to prepare special “open-first” boxes filled with their favourite belongings. These personalized comfort boxes ensure your children have familiar items close by from the moment you arrive in your new home.

🧸 What to Include

Your child’s favourite toys, books, or games
Comfort items such as a blanket, stuffed animal, or pillow
Everyday essentials like pyjamas, toothbrushes, and a change of clothes
A few snacks or drinks for quick comfort during unpacking

🏡 Why They Help

Provide immediate comfort and familiarity in an unfamiliar setting
Reduce anxiety and help kids settle into their new surroundings faster
Prevent frustration by avoiding the need to dig through boxes for essentials

📦 Packing Tips

Label each comfort box clearly with your child’s name and “Open First” in big letters.
Keep the boxes with you in your car or separate from the main moving load.
Let your child help choose what goes inside — it gives them a sense of control and involvement.

Movivan is a family-friendly moving company. Let us help you move stress-free.

Pack Food and Entertainment When Moving Long Distance With Children

Long-distance moves can be tiring for adults — and even more challenging for children. Keeping your kids comfortable, fed, and entertained during the journey makes the entire experience smoother and stress-free. Here’s how to prepare for a family-friendly trip:

🍎 Pack Plenty of Family Snacks

Bring a mix of healthy, easy-to-eat options like fruit slices, granola bars, rice cakes, and crackers.
Keep a cooler with drinks such as water, juice, or milk for younger kids.
Avoid overly sugary snacks that can lead to restlessness.
Pack wet wipes, napkins, and rubbish bags to keep the car clean and organized.

🎮 Keep Kids Entertained on the Road

Prepare activity kits with colouring books, stickers, or small travel toys.
Load tablets with movies, audiobooks, or games — don’t forget headphones!
Play interactive games like “I Spy” or a family playlist sing-along to make travel time fun.
Bring chargers and spare batteries to avoid any meltdowns from low battery devices.

🚗 Pro Tips for Parents

Schedule regular rest breaks every 2–3 hours to stretch, snack, and recharge.
Keep each child’s favourite toy or blanket within reach for comfort.
Pack a “first-day” bag with essentials — spare clothes, snacks, and wipes — for easy access.

💡 Movivan Tip: If you’re planning a long-distance move, let Movivan Removals handle your belongings safely while you focus on keeping your children relaxed and happy throughout the journey.

Why Hiring a Moving Company Makes Family Moves Easier

Moving with children can be stressful, but hiring professional house movers makes the process smoother, safer, and far less exhausting. Experienced movers handle all the packing, lifting, and transport, allowing you to focus on supporting your kids through the transition.

By letting professionals manage the logistics, you save valuable time and energy — time better spent keeping your children comfortable and reassured. Movers also help prevent injuries and ensure your belongings arrive safely at your new home.

💡 Movivan Tip: Our friendly, family-focused moving experts takes care of every detail so parents can relax and children can settle in happily.

Maintain Routine During the Move

Children thrive on routine, and major changes like moving can disrupt their sense of stability. Maintaining familiar patterns can help them adapt more quickly.

Keep mealtimes, nap times, and bedtime routines consistent.
Stick to family rituals like storytime or evening cuddles, even if surrounded by boxes.
Pack your child’s room last and unpack it first in the new home — this helps create a familiar environment right away.

🕒 Movivan Tip: Once all packing and lifting is done, you’ll have more time to maintain structure and calm for your kids.

Keep Kids Safe and Comfortable on Moving Day

Moving day can be busy, noisy, and potentially unsafe for small children. To make it easier:

Arrange childcare for toddlers or younger kids if possible.
Keep snacks, drinks, and entertainment close for older children.
Ensure your child’s comfort box travels with you, not in the moving van.
Create a small “quiet corner” where they can rest away from the chaos.

Safety and calmness are key — if kids feel secure, you’ll have a smoother moving day.

Helping Children Make New Friends After Moving

Once you’ve settled in, helping your kids build new friendships can make a world of difference in how they adjust.

Enrol them in local sports clubs, playgroups, or art classes.
Attend community events together to meet other families.
Encourage them to invite new classmates over for a playdate.
Explore nearby parks or playgrounds regularly to help them meet local kids.

🏫 Bonus Tip: Introduce yourself to teachers and parents early — a supportive community helps both you and your child settle faster.

Start Researching Schools Early

To ensure your child’s continued well-being during the move, it’s crucial to begin researching schools early on. Finding the right school that aligns with your child’s needs and values can significantly impact their transition and overall academic experience in the new location. Start by looking into the educational options available in the area you’re moving to. Check for public schools, private institutions, or any specialized programs that might cater to your child’s interests or requirements.

Researching schools early allows you to consider factors such as school ratings, curriculum offerings, extracurricular activities, and proximity to your new home. Reach out to the school administrations for information regarding enrollment procedures, important deadlines, and any documentation needed for registration. Visiting the schools in person or virtually can also provide you with a better sense of the environment and whether it would be a good fit for your child.

Let Your Children Unpack Their Boxes After The Move

After arriving, encourage your children to unpack and set up their own rooms. It helps them feel ownership and comfort in their new space.

Let them decide where toys and furniture go.
Display familiar items like posters or nightlights first.
Celebrate progress — even small things like unpacking one box can feel like an achievement.

Celebrate Your New Start as a Family

After all the hard work, take time to celebrate your fresh start together!

Host a small after-move party with pizza and games.
Explore the new neighbourhood as a family.
Take fun “first day in our new home” photos.

Celebrating turns moving into a positive, memorable milestone for your children.

Summary

Talk about the move early and stay honest and positive with your children.
Involve kids in the moving process to make them feel included and excited.
Keep routines consistent to reduce anxiety and provide comfort.
Hire Movivan Removals, a family-friendly moving company that makes relocation easy and stress-free.
Prepare comfort boxes, arrange childcare on moving day, and unpack their room first.
Support emotional well-being and help children make new friends after moving.
Celebrate your family’s new beginning together — it’s the perfect way to create happy memories.