What is the best age for a child to move?

Children of any age may find moving to a new city challenging. However, children under the age of five may be less affected long-term, especially if they have not yet started school.

How do you make moving less stressful for kids?

The most important thing you can do to make moving less stressful for kids is to be fully present so they feel seen, heard, and loved. Here are a few things to focus on: Offering age-appropriate details and choices Letting them know that it’s okay to feel sad, angry, confused, nervous, or scared Helping them see the positives Sticking to normal routines as much as possible

What should I keep in mind when moving with kids?

When moving with kids, put their needs first. Give them plenty of notice and information about what to expect. Be prepared to answer questions and make adjustments to your plans. Try to keep their environment and routine as stable as possible. Help them process their feelings and look for ways to make the experience fun.

What can I do to make my kids more open to a new environment?

New environments are intimidating because of all the unknowns. You can make your kids more open to a new environment by answering their questions, practicing new skills with them, and modeling a positive attitude. Spend some extra time talking, playing, and reassuring them of your love. Let them adjust incrementally, if possible, and balance big changes by keeping small things, like their bedtime, the same.

Moving to a New City With Children

Help your child adjust to their new home by following these tips before, during, and after your move to a new city.

Written by Shane Sentelle Updated 03/26/2024

Moving to a new city can be stressful, hectic, and overwhelming for anyone, but it’s especially hard on children. Adults, after all, are the ones making the decisions. They know why they’re moving and what to expect from the process, and they’re better equipped to handle any frustrations that arise.

Moving may be confusing to young children, while older children who understand what’s happening could resent leaving behind their friends and favorite places. But with patience and planning, parents can make long-distance moves a more positive experience for their kids. We’ve rounded up tips for moving to a new city with children, and your new house will feel like home all the sooner.

Before the Move

Preparing your children for the change early on will not only lighten the load for your future self but may also ease some of your own stress about relocating. Between choosing the best moving company and getting everything packed, your to-do list may already feel unmanageable, so don’t look at these tips as tasks. Instead, consider them an investment in your family’s happiness or a break from the craziness of organizing the move.

How To Announce the Move

Start by framing the move as a family adventure. Call a family meeting and make the announcement as exciting and transparent as possible. Talk about why, when, and where you are moving in age-appropriate detail.

Give the kids a chance to process the news and react. Be prepared to answer questions, too. That might mean researching your new city and its schools beforehand. If you have already selected a home, have photos ready to show them. If not, you can get them involved in the search by showing them listings and talking through what they would like in a new home.

Be sure to tell your kids you’re moving well before they have cause to ask what’s going on. Even young kids will pick up on the behavior shifts that precede a move. If they sense something is changing, they may begin to feel anxious without knowing why.

How To Prepare Kids Emotionally

After your announcement and throughout the move, give your kids a safe space to express their feelings. Older children may feel angry and lash out, while younger children may feel scared or confused.

Whatever your children say, remember not to take it personally. Instead, help them name and process their feelings. Here are a few tips:

Validate their feelings. Let them know it’s okay to feel how they feel. For instance, you could say something like, “It’s okay to feel [scared, sad, angry]. It’s hard to move to a new place. I feel a little [sad, nervous, scared], too.”
Share your own story. Tell them about a time when you moved. Talk about how you felt at first and how you felt a few months later.
Help toddlers feel secure. Toddlers may not be able to articulate their feelings, but that doesn’t mean they are unaffected. You can reassure them by making time for extra cuddles, one-on-one play, and your normal routines.
Explain moving to preschoolers. Look for a book or an episode of your preschooler’s favorite show that addresses moving. Sesame Street has an app called The Big Moving Adventure and printable activities for preschool kids.
Make time for goodbyes. Give kids plenty of opportunities to say goodbye to the people and places they love. Throw a going-away party, visit their favorite park, make goodbye cards, and take pictures. If your kids are old enough to keep in touch with friends, you could set up an email address for that purpose.
Model a positive attitude. Teach your kids to look on the bright side by highlighting what you are moving toward. Remind them of the things that won’t change and the things that will be different but better.

When To Pack Their Bedroom

Even in the chaos of packing, try to minimize the disruption of your children’s routines. Put off packing their bedrooms for as long as possible. When you do need to start boxing things up, save the things they love for last.

This is particularly important for toddlers, who rely on the familiarity of their favorite things to fall asleep or feel secure. Let each child pick a few items that will stay with them throughout the move. Add these things to an “essentials” bag that includes a change of clothes and whatever else they might need during the trip.

How To Include Them in Packing

Getting kids involved in the packing process can help them feel more in control. Figure out a few age-appropriate tasks for each child. For instance, toddlers and preschoolers might like to color on packed boxes or decorate them with stickers. School-age kids can help with labeling boxes, taping them closed, and even packing some of the less fragile items.

You can also let kids help sort through their belongings before packing. This is a great time to purge broken, unwanted, or outgrown items. You can give kids a little extra incentive by hosting a yard sale and letting them keep their portion of the profits.