Moving house with children
Relocating is a mix of emotions: excitement, anxiety, anticipation and nostalgia. Those feelings get bigger when children are involved. Moving with children can be a challenge, but with the right removals company it’s much more manageable. At A to B Removals our house removals team understand what families go through, and we want the journey from one home to the next to be as smooth as it can be.
These tips cover moving house with children from the first family chat to the first week in your new home.
The challenge of moving with children
Children can find it hard to adjust to a new home and neighbourhood, and leaving the old one behind isn’t easy for them either. The logistics add to the pressure, especially when you’re coordinating several family members and keeping track of every detail. A good plan takes a lot of that weight off.
Before the move
Talk as a family
Before you even start packing, sit down as a family. It’s a chance to find out how your children feel about the move. Reassure them, answer their questions and involve them in decisions where you can.
Start early and get organised
Planning and preparation are among the most important steps, so start early. Booking early helps, and our moving checklist keeps the jobs in order. If your sale and purchase might not complete on the same day, temporary storage can cover the gap between moving out and moving in.
Research the new area
Take time to research the new location. Find out about schools, local amenities, parks and activities. It helps you settle in, and it gives children something to look forward to. If you’re heading to Liverpool, our guide to navigating a move to Liverpool is a good place to start.
Declutter together
A move is the best time to declutter, so involve your children. It can be a therapeutic way of letting go of the past and embracing the future.
Let them pack their own things
Kids can pack their own rooms and make a special box of their favourite things to take with them. Put together an essentials bag for each child too, with favourite toys, books, snacks and a change of clothes, so their comforts are close by during the move.
On moving day
Hire the right removals company
A trustworthy team can transform the moving experience. A professional crew will handle your possessions with care, which makes the move less stressful for the whole family. Not sure who to pick? Here’s how to choose a removal company.
Leave the packing and loading to us
When it comes to packing and loading, our packing service can take care of the details. It saves time and helps protect your belongings in transit. We also have experience with delicate and fragile items such as family heirlooms and artwork, and we take extra care so they arrive at your new home in good condition.
Keep children safe and busy
On the day, set up a designated play area for the children, away from the heavy lifting and the hustle. Fill it with toys, games and other activities to keep them entertained. A fun outing for the family, such as a picnic in a nearby park or a trip to the cinema, can also take the edge off a long day.
If the journey is a long one, a travel kit of games, books and activities will help the time pass.
Settling into your new home
Set up their rooms first
Once you arrive, start with your children’s rooms. Familiar surroundings comfort them and ease the adjustment to the new place. Where it’s been agreed at your survey, our crew can reassemble beds and furniture, and we offer optional unpacking, so bedtime is sorted on day one.
Explore together
Turn exploring into a family activity. Go for walks, find the local parks or try out a new eatery together.
Build new routines
Familiar routines give children a sense of security. Start regular mealtimes, bedtime routines and other daily activities as soon as you can.
Connect with the community
Join in with local activities. Sign up your children for classes or groups they’re interested in, which can help them make friends and feel part of the community.
Listen to their concerns
Stay alert to signs of anxiety or stress. Talk to your children regularly, address their concerns and consider seeking professional help if you need it.
Embracing the new start
Celebrate the small wins, whether it’s a good first week at a new school or finding a new favourite place to hang out. Those moments go a long way towards making the adjustment positive.
Keep in touch with the old too. Video calls with old friends, or the odd visit, help keep those connections alive during the transition.
Then make new memories. A weekend picnic, a trip to a local museum or a movie night at home are all things your family will remember.
Every move is a journey for children too
Every move is a journey of growth, not just for adults but for children too, and it’s the little steps that matter. For more ideas, see our tips for an easy and stress-free house move. Whenever you’re ready, get a quote and we’ll book a survey, confirm your price and talk you through what happens next.
