Before the move
- Tell them early and calmly. Acknowledge the change, and stress what stays the same—family, routines, favorite things.
- Visit the new neighborhood if you can: parks, the library, the new school.
- Let them choose small things, like what goes in their own essentials bag or a color for their new room.
- Make a memory of the old home—photos of their room, a goodbye walk.
- Request school and medical records early and contact the new school before the first day.
On moving day
- Keep meals, naps and bedtime as normal as you can.
- Arrange a sitter or a quiet, safe space away from the crew and the open doors.
- Pack a kids’ bag: favorite toy, blanket, snacks, a tablet or book, a change of clothes.
- Keep little ones away from ramps, stairs and the truck.
After the move
- Set up their room first, with familiar bedding and toys.
- Explore the new neighborhood together in the first week.
- Expect a few rough days—and keep talking about what they miss and what they like.
Moving with pets too? See moving with pets and plants. For the day itself, the first-night box checklist helps.