Moving House With Kids: How to Minimise Emotional Distress

Let’s face it, moving house is stressful enough without the added drama of a pint-sized meltdown or two. If you’re currently packing up your life and bringing your kids along for the ride, you’ll need more than a good removal van. But fear not! With the right approach, you can turn the chaos of moving house with kids, into a family adventure rather than a family feud. Here are some top Davies and Davies tips to keep the little ones happy and make your house move as smooth as possible.

Break the News Early (and Gently)

Don’t spring the “we’re moving” bombshell over breakfast the week before. Kids need time to process big changes, especially if it means saying goodbye to their home, school, and possibly friends. Breaking the news early gives you the chance to ease their worries and gradually turn any apprehension into anticipation. It also gives them the opportunity to ask questions and express their feelings, which can help you understand and address their concerns. Make it a conversation, not a lecture—talk about what they’re excited for, like a new bedroom or outside space. Early prep means you can turn this potentially overwhelming change into something exciting and manageable for everyone.

Get Them Involved

Kids love feeling like their opinion matters. Involving them in the move can help them feel like active participants rather than passengers being dragged along. Whether it’s choosing paint colours, picking out new furniture, or brainstorming ideas for their bedroom décor, giving them small decisions to make can go a long way. If they’re old enough, invite them to house viewings to get a feel for the new place and see what excites them. Even younger children can pitch in—ask what they’d like to see in the garden or let them pack their toys. Sure, they might request a unicorn slide or a chocolate fountain, but letting them dream a little makes the experience more fun for everyone.

Choose Your Moment Wisely

Timing really is everything when it comes to a big move. If your kids are in school, try to plan your move during the holidays, when there’s less disruption to their routine. This way, they won’t have to juggle schoolwork and a major life change all at once. For kids changing schools, moving over the summer is especially beneficial—it gives them a fresh start in September, rather than entering halfway through a term when friendships and routines are already established. Summer also gives them time to settle into the neighbourhood, meet local kids, and explore their surroundings. Just remember, the holidays are peak season for moving services, so book early to secure your slot. A little planning now can save you a lot of headaches later!

Toys Last On, First Off

Picture this: you’ve finally arrived at the new house, your kids are already antsy, and the one thing they want—a beloved teddy or LEGO set—is buried in the back of the moving truck. Avoid this rookie mistake by packing their favourite belongings last, so they’re the first things to come off when you arrive. This small but mighty tip can make all the difference when moving house with kids. Giving them a sense of familiarity in an unfamiliar space. Plus, it keeps them occupied while you handle the unpacking chaos. Bonus tip: Encourage them to keep their toys tidy during unpacking. Nothing derails moving day faster than stepping on a stray action figure or Barbie shoe.

Give Them Time to Say Goodbye

Leaving behind a home filled with memories can be emotional for anyone, but for kids, it can feel like the end of the world. Help them process this by giving them time to say goodbye to the house properly. Whether it’s walking through the empty rooms for a final farewell, snapping a family photo on the doorstep, or creating a memory book filled with pictures and stories from your time there, these little rituals can help them find closure. Let them talk about their favourite memories and reassure them that the best parts of your family life are coming with you—home is where the people (and pets) are, after all.

Make Moving Day Fun

Moving day has a reputation for being chaotic, stressful, and downright exhausting, but it doesn’t have to be a total drag—especially for the kids. Turn the day into an adventure by introducing games and activities to keep them engaged. Let them decorate the moving boxes with drawings and stickers or assign them the very important job of labelling what’s inside. Once you’ve arrived, use hide-and-seek or a scavenger hunt to help them explore the new house and make it feel more familiar. If the journey to the new house is long, prepare some car-friendly games, like “I Spy” or a playlist of their favourite songs, to keep spirits high on the way.

Prioritise Their Space

Once you’ve arrived at your new house, it’s tempting to tackle the unpacking chaos head-on. But trust us—prioritising your kids’ space will save you time and tantrums later. Start by setting up their bedroom with their bedding, toys, and favourite decorations. Familiar surroundings help kids feel more at home, even in an unfamiliar setting. If your new home has a garden, getting outdoor equipment like swings or trampolines up and running can provide an instant play area to keep them happy while you get on with unpacking. When kids feel settled, the whole family benefits—because let’s face it, a happy child equals a happier move for everyone.

Stick to Your Routine

Routines are the unsung heroes of family life, providing structure and stability when everything else feels uncertain. During a move, it’s easy to let the usual schedule slide, but maintaining as much normality as possible is key to keeping kids calm. Stick to regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and family rituals like movie nights or weekend walks. Familiar routines act as an anchor, helping kids adjust to their new surroundings without feeling like their entire world has been turned upside down. And don’t worry—there’s plenty of time to redecorate and reorganise once everyone’s settled in.

Stay Calm (Or Fake It)

Let’s be real: moving house is one of life’s top stressors, but if you’re visibly frazzled, your kids will pick up on it—and magnify it. While it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, try to keep your stress levels in check, especially in front of the little ones. Take deep breaths, put on your best “cool, calm, and collected” face, and remember—it’s okay to fake it until you make it. If you feel like you’re about to lose your cool, step away for a moment, regroup, and remind yourself that this too shall pass. A calm parent equals calm kids (well, mostly).

Keep Talking

Communication is your secret weapon throughout the moving process. Encourage your kids to share how they’re feeling—whether they’re excited, nervous, or downright annoyed. Answer their questions honestly and keep them in the loop about what’s happening next. Explaining the reasons behind the move and what they can expect helps make the whole experience feel less daunting. If they’re old enough, involve them in discussions about the new neighbourhood, schools, or activities. Above all, reassure them that while the house may change, your family life stays the same—just with a fresh backdrop for all the fun to come.

Moving Doesn’t Have to Be a Nightmare

We’re not saying it’ll be a walk in the park (unless that park’s part of your new neighbourhood tour), but with a little planning and a lot of patience, you can make moving with kids a positive experience for everyone. At Davies and Davies, we’re here to make your move as smooth as possible—stress-free kids included.

Contact us:

mark@daviesdavies.co.uk – Sales Director (contact for sales, lettings and new homes)

katrina@daviesdavies.co.uk – Head of Property & Block Management (contact for property and block management)

Davies & Davies Estate Agents, 85 Stroud Green Road, London, N4 3EG

Article & images by Barefaced Studios

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