Let’s be honest, moving house can be chaotic at the best of times. Add kids into the mix, and it becomes a delicate dance between logistics, emotions, and keeping everyone as happy as possible. But with a bit of planning (and a lot of snacks), moving house with kids doesn’t have to be a nightmare. This guide will walk you through how to make the move smoother for everyone involved.
Moving can stir up big feelings for kids. They're not just saying goodbye to a house, they're leaving behind friends, familiar routines, playgrounds, and the comfy corner where they always watched Bluey. It's a lot.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 12% of Australian households move each year, with families making up a large chunk of those on the move. And studies have shown that multiple moves in childhood can affect a child's emotional wellbeing and academic performance if not handled with care.
Before you even start packing boxes, it’s worth spending time helping your kids mentally and emotionally prepare for what’s ahead. For them, moving can feel big and confusing, especially if it’s their first time. A little extra reassurance now can go a long way in making the whole process smoother later. Here's how to get them on board before the moving truck arrives.
The earlier you talk to your kids about moving, the better. Obviously, the level of detail you go into will depend on their age, but be honest and positive about what they can expect.
Kids thrive on routine - it’s their anchor in a world that can feel a bit all over the place, especially during big changes like moving.
While it might be tempting to let routines slide in the chaos, sticking to familiar patterns around meals, naps, playtime, and bedtime can provide a comforting sense of normalcy.
Even if you're surrounded by half-packed boxes, making sure dinner happens at the usual time or keeping up with a bedtime story can help your child feel safe and settled. It’s a small way to create calm when everything else feels like it’s shifting.
Moving can leave kids feeling like everything is happening to them, which can be unsettling. Giving them some choices, no matter how small, can help them feel more in control and less anxious.
Encourage them to pack a “special box” of their favourite things to keep with them during the move. Let them decorate it with stickers, drawings, or labels. If they’re old enough, get their input on how they'd like their new room to look, maybe they want their bed by the window this time, or to pick a new colour for their doona cover.
These little decisions can go a long way in helping them feel seen and heard throughout the process.
Let’s be real, packing up an entire house is no small task, and doing it with kids underfoot can feel like trying to fold washing in a windstorm. Between snack requests and the occasional meltdown, it’s easy to feel like you're getting nowhere fast.
But with a few clever strategies (and a solid stash of patience), you can make packing a little more manageable (and maybe even fun) for everyone involved.
If you’re moving out of a rental, this guide to cleaning and moving out of a rental can help tick off those final to-dos.
Moving is the perfect excuse to finally tackle that growing mountain of toys, clothes, and mystery items living under the couch. Get the kids involved in the decluttering process by making it feel like a fun project rather than a chore.
Ask them to sort through their toys and pick out the ones they’ve outgrown or no longer play with. Framing it as an act of kindness “We’re giving these toys a new home, just like we’re getting one” can help them feel good about letting go. Not only does this reduce how much you have to pack, but it also gives kids a sense of contribution and control.
Bonus tip: Let them choose which charity or op shop the toys will go to, or visit together to drop them off.
When the last box is sealed and you finally arrive at the new house, you do not want to be digging through packing tape and bubble wrap trying to find a teddy bear or toothbrush. Create a clearly labelled “first night” box for each child with all the essentials they’ll want right away.
Think favourite comfort items, PJs, a change of clothes, snacks, water bottles, books, and toiletries. If they’re old enough, let them help pack it themselves. This little bit of forward planning makes a huge difference when everyone’s tired and the beds aren’t made yet.
Pro tip: Keep these boxes in the car with you instead of the moving truck, just in case there’s a delay.
Moving day is full-on, even for adults. If there’s any way to have the kids out of the house, do it. Whether it’s time with grandparents, a playdate with friends, a visit to the local indoor play centre, or a few hours at daycare, having them cared for elsewhere allows you to focus, lift heavy stuff without worry, and get things done faster.
It also keeps them safely out of the chaos (and away from stray cords, tools, and sharp corners). Even a couple of hours can make a big difference to your stress levels, and theirs.
Moving day has a reputation for being a bit of a whirlwind, and when kids are involved, it can feel like juggling boxes, emotions, and snack breaks all at once. But with a little prep (and a lot of deep breaths), you can get through it without losing your mind. To ensure you have all essentials covered for the first night, this moving day essentials checklist might help.
This is the day where flexibility is your best friend, and calm, kid-friendly energy will go a long way. Here's how to keep things running as smoothly as possible while keeping the little ones safe, supported, and (mostly) entertained.
Kids cope better when they know what to expect, so it helps to walk them through what moving day will look like. Keep it simple and upbeat: “We’ll wake up, have brekkie, the movers will come, and then we’ll drive to the new house together.” If they’re keen to help, give them safe, manageable jobs that help them feel included, like:
Setting these small tasks gives them a role in the process and keeps little hands busy while you focus on the bigger stuff.
OK, moving might never be truly fun, but a few playful touches can help lighten the mood and keep the kids engaged. Crank up their favourite playlist, hand out “missions” like “Find all the red toys” or “Be the Box Tape Monitor,” and turn car rides into mini adventures with games or storytelling.
Older kids might enjoy documenting the move with photos or a short video diary. It’s all about finding moments of joy in the chaos, even if it’s just dancing to the Wiggles in a half-empty lounge room.
Moving is a lot, even for adults, so it’s no surprise that kids might hit a wall emotionally at some point. Whether it’s frustration, tiredness, or just the overwhelm by everything changing, a meltdown or two is totally normal.
Try to stay calm, take breaks when you can, and validate their feelings: “It’s OK to feel sad or confused, we’re all figuring it out together.” A familiar snack, a cuddle, or reading a favourite book in a quiet corner can work wonders in helping them reset. The key is to respond with compassion, not pressure. The boxes can wait.
The boxes are in, the keys are yours, and you’ve officially made it through moving day, huge win. But for kids, the adjustment doesn’t end once the furniture’s in place. Settling into a new home is a process, and it can take a little time (and patience) for them to feel truly at ease.
The good news? There are some simple, connection-focused ways to help them feel safe, settled, and even excited about this new chapter.
Start with their room. Even if the rest of the house is still a sea of boxes, setting up a familiar space just for them can work wonders. Think favourite doona, beloved toys, night light, and go-to bedtime book - all the things that make it feel like their space.
Even if you're sleeping on mattresses for a few nights, having their comfort items in place creates a much-needed sense of security. It’s a small act that helps them feel grounded in the unfamiliar.
Help them feel a sense of ownership in their new surroundings by exploring them side by side. Take walks to discover local parks, cafés, and playgrounds. Find the best banana bread or ice cream spot (critical info).
Visit the local library, sign them up for a class or group, or simply map out where school, shops, and friends’ houses are. These little adventures build positive associations with the new area, and they give you both a chance to make new memories from the start.
Even if the move seems to be going smoothly, emotions can pop up later, sometimes weeks down the track. A child might suddenly miss their old room, favourite neighbour, or the tree they used to climb. That’s completely normal. Keep the lines of communication open with regular, casual check-ins. Ask questions like:
It’s less about fixing their feelings and more about holding space for them. Just knowing you’re listening makes a world of difference.
Moving house with kids isn’t always smooth sailing, but it’s also a chance to bond as a family, build resilience, and create new memories. With a little prep, a lot of patience, and a few snacks stashed in your pocket, you’ve got this.
And if you're looking for reliable movers who understand how to make family moves less stressful, find trusted local removalists and book a family-friendly move that starts with less stress.
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