Whether you’re taking advantage of a new job, or you need more room for your kids to play, there are all kinds of reasons a family might move to a new home.
It goes without saying that packing and moving with kids can be a challenge, but with a well-thought-out plan and a few family-friendly strategies, the process can become a lot smoother—and even enjoyable.
With preparation, consideration for your little ones, and a few easy hacks, you’ll be able to stay organized, keep kids safe and engaged, and ensure nothing important slips through the cracks during a move.
Try these strategies to ensure that packing and moving with your kids is fun instead of frustrating!
Prepare the Family
Your kids may struggle with leaving their current home, school, and friend group. Make sure to give them time to adjust to the change.
Discuss the move, and explain why it’s necessary and what advantages moving will have for the entire family. Be sure to tell them about the new neighborhood and its attractions.
If you’re moving to another part of town, assure your kids that they can still visit their old friends and neighborhood.
However, if the new location is a different city, focus your conversation on the things you’ll do together as a family in your new area.
Helping kids feel seen and heard makes a huge difference in how they handle the change—and can turn moving into a more exciting adventure than a source of anxiety.
Create a Detailed Packing Calendar
Start your moving process by developing a packing calendar that outlines daily tasks leading up to moving day.
Break the process into manageable chunks by assigning specific rooms or categories to each day—kitchen items one day, bedrooms another.
Be sure to include rest days to avoid burnout, especially if you’re juggling packing with work or childcare.
Add deadlines for booking any needed services like moving trucks or cleaners, and mark milestones to track progress.
Designate a Safe Play Area for Young Children
Toddlers and young children are naturally curious, but during a move, that curiosity can be dangerous.
With boxes stacked and packing materials lying around, your little ones may be more likely to accidentally injure themselves.
Set aside a child-proofed room or gated-off area where your youngest kids can safely play without being exposed to hazards.
Stock it with their favorite toys, books, and snacks to keep them entertained for longer stretches.
If you have older children, encourage them to “babysit” or keep younger siblings company. It’s a great way to build bonds and help the older ones feel involved.
Stock Up on Essential Moving Supplies
Moving will be a much smoother process if you don’t have to run out to grab packing materials in the middle of the process!
Gather all the packing tools and supplies you’ll need well in advance to ensure an efficient process.
Here’s a basic checklist of moving must-haves:
- Cardboard boxes in various sizes
- Clear plastic bins for items you’ll want to identify easily
- Sealing tape, tape dispenser, and labels
- Bubble wrap or packing paper for fragile items
- Permanent markers for labeling
- Furniture sliders to move heavy items with ease
- Tool kit for disassembling furniture
- Cleaning supplies to tidy up as you go
Give Kids Age-Appropriate Responsibilities
Getting children involved in the move isn’t just helpful—it can be empowering, helping kids feel more in-control of the changes taking place in their lives.
Assign tasks based on their age and ability:
- Teens can handle more complex responsibilities like decluttering, organizing, packing clothing, and even assisting with cleaning duties.
- Kids aged 8–12 can sort books, toys, and school supplies, or help wrap non-breakable items.
- Younger kids can place labels on boxes, decorate moving boxes with stickers, or pack their own belongings with supervision.
These tasks foster a sense of control and teach valuable organizational skills, while reducing the load on the adults.
Prepare Personal Essentials Bags
Before the packing frenzy begins, create a “go-bag” for each family member that contains essential items they’ll need in the first few days after the move.
These bags should include:
- A few changes of clothing
- Toiletries and personal hygiene products
- Medications and medical supplies
- Chargers and small electronics
- Snacks, books, games, and comfort toys for kids
- Important documents and identification
Keep these bags easily accessible, either by bringing them along with you in the car, or by having them clearly labeled and loaded last into the moving truck.
Consider Hiring a Family-Friendly Moving Service
While it may be tempting to handle the move on your own, professional movers—especially those who specialize in family-friendly services—can make a big difference.
Hiring the right moving service is by far the easiest way to ensure that you can pack and move without stress.
Many moving companies even offer mobile storage containers that you can pack at your own pace. Once filled, they transport the container to your new home, eliminating the need for multiple trips.
Look for movers who offer flexible scheduling, have experience with family moves, and boast positive reviews.
Consider it an added bonus if the company provides packing assistance or tips on packing around kids to make the transition smoother!
Packing and moving with your kids without stress is all about planning, communication, and teamwork.
By preparing in advance, keeping kids involved and safe, and leaning on helpful tools or services, your next move can be less chaotic and more memorable—in a good way.