Moving with kids isn’t easy, whether you have toddlers or teenagers. Keeping them safe, calm, and in good spirits during the entire moving process can be overwhelming — especially if you’re a single parent.

That’s why we’ve created this guide — to help you plan ahead, prepare your kids, and make your moving day as smooth as possible. With the right approach, you can ensure a stress-free transition where everyone feels safe, comfortable, and ready for their new home.

Moving isn’t just about packing boxes—it’s a big change, especially for kids. A shift in routine can cause confusion, anxiety, or even tantrums.

That’s why it’s important to prepare your children ahead of time, helping them understand what to expect. By easing them into the idea of moving, you can make the transition smoother and help them feel more comfortable every step of the way.

Here are a few ways to help with the transition:

Talk About The Move Early

Talking to your children early about an upcoming move helps ease anxiety and gives them time to process the change. How you approach the conversation depends on their age and level of understanding.

For all ages, the key is early communication, reassurance, and involvement. The more kids feel part of the process, the easier the adjustment will be. Here’s how to prepare kids of different ages for a smoother transition:

Toddlers & Preschoolers: Keep It Simple and Reassuring

Young children thrive on routine, so even small changes can feel overwhelming. Keep the explanation clear and comforting:

• Let them know the whole family is moving together—this reassures them that they aren’t being left behind.
• Use simple language like: “We’re going to live in a new house, but all your favorite toys, books, and family will be there too.”
• If possible, show them pictures of the new home or take them on a short visit to help them feel familiar with it.
• Stick to their daily routines as much as possible to reduce stress.

School-Age Kids: Get Them Involved

Elementary-age kids may feel more excitement but still need reassurance. Including them in the process can help them feel in control:

• Involve them in planning—let them choose paint colors for their new room, help select new furniture (even if it’s just browsing online!), or assist with packing their favorite toys and books.
• If possible, visit the new home together or explore the neighborhood to help them get excited.
• Keep an open conversation about their feelings and answer any questions they may have.

Teenagers: Acknowledge Their Concerns & Keep Them Involved

Teens often have stronger attachments to friends, schools, and extracurricular activities, making a move more emotionally challenging. Instead of just announcing the move, help them understand why it’s happening and involve them in decisions where possible:

• Validate their concerns about leaving friends, activities, or other commitments.
• Work on a plan together to stay in touch with friends (e.g., planned visits, video calls, or even planning a group trip to visit their old stomping grounds).
• Research extracurricular opportunities in the new area—find new sports teams, clubs, or music lessons ahead of time so they have something to look forward to.
• If they’re resistant, be patient. Give them space to express frustration but continue reinforcing the positives of the move.

Visit the New Neighborhood (If Possible)

If possible, visit the new neighborhood before moving to help your children feel more comfortable in their new surroundings. Familiarity reduces stress and makes the change feel less intimidating.

How To Explore The New Area Or Neighborhood

• Walk around the neighborhood together to get a feel for the streets and nearby parks.
• Drive past the new house and, if possible, schedule a walkthrough to make it feel more familiar.
• Take the route to school or extracurricular activities to help them visualize their new routine.

What if the new neighborhood is too far away?

If an in-person visit isn’t possible, or you’re moving across the state, we recommend:

• Showing a virtual tour of the home (if still available online post-sale).
• Explore the area virtually using Google Maps—create a custom map highlighting key places like schools, parks, and favorite stores.

For older kids and teens, let them research local hangout spots or sports teams to help them feel connected. Even if they find it “cheesy,” taking the time to introduce them to their new environment shows that you value their feelings and want to make the transition easier.

Create a Moving Countdown Calendar

A moving countdown calendar is a great way to help young children feel in control of the moving process while also reducing last-minute stress for parents. By breaking the move into small, manageable steps, kids can track progress and feel more involved in the transition.

Benefits of a Countdown Calendar

• ✅ Gives children a sense of structure and predictability
• ✅ Helps them emotionally prepare for the move
• ✅ Reduces last-minute stress by keeping tasks organized
• ✅ Turns moving into a fun and engaging experience

How can I make the countdown more interactive or engaging for my kids?

By making the countdown visual and interactive, kids stay engaged, and the move becomes something to look forward to rather than something to worry about. Here are some tips to make it more engaging:

• Stickers: Let kids mark off each day or task with stickers featuring their favorite characters.
• Coloring Pages: Create themed pages they can color in as they complete milestones.
• Weekend Activities: Plan a fun task each weekend, like packing a specific room or donating old toys.
• Task-Based Rewards: Small incentives (extra playtime, a favorite snack) for completing a step in the process.

Packing is one of the most challenging parts of moving—it’s the moment you realize just how much stuff you actually own! As full-service movers, we know how overwhelming it can be, especially when juggling kids and responsibilities.

Children often want to be involved, but packing their favorite items too early can lead to stress, tantrums, or last-minute searches for a beloved toy. To make the process smoother, it’s important to keep them engaged with age-appropriate tasks and strategies that turn packing into a positive experience.

In this section, we’ll share practical tips for involving kids in packing, avoiding common pitfalls, and making the experience more manageable for the whole family.

Assign Age-Appropriate Packing Tasks

Getting kids involved in packing not only helps lighten the load but also gives them a sense of control over the move. By assigning age-appropriate tasks, you can make the process smoother while ensuring they feel included.

Toddlers & Preschoolers Packing Tasks: Keep It Simple and Fun

• Pack stuffed animals and small toys together.
• Help sort and group their clothes for packing. Turn it into a color-matching game or a “find the pair” activity to keep them entertained.
• Let them decorate a special “moving box” for their favorite items.

School-Age Kids Packing Tasks: Give Them More Responsibility

• Pack their own books, clothes, and toys.
• Label or decorate moving boxes for different rooms.
• Sort items into “keep,” “donate,” or “toss” piles to help declutter.
• Allow them to pack their own ‘essentials box’ with items they’ll need during the first few days in the new home.

Teenager Packing Tasks: Encourage Independence and Organization

• Pack and organize their own belongings.
• Create an inventory of specific rooms or sections of the house.
• Identify items that could be donated or sold before the move.
• Put them in charge of organizing younger siblings’ packing tasks or packing a certain section of the house.

By involving kids in a way that matches their abilities, you can reduce stress, prevent last-minute meltdowns, and make the moving process more efficient. Plus, allowing them to personalize their packing experience helps build excitement for the new home!

Pack a “Moving Day Survival Kit” for Kids

A moving day survival kit is essential for keeping kids comfortable and stress-free during the transition. Just like a first-night essentials bag for adults, this kit ensures they have everything they need while the rest of the house is being unpacked.

Let kids personalize their own moving box to make the experience exciting. Allow them to choose a special toy or item to “move with them” that day. This helps them feel a sense of responsibility while keeping their focus on something positive.

What To Include In A Moving Day Kit For Kids

• ✅ Favorite toy or stuffed animal for comfort
• ✅ Snacks and water to prevent hunger meltdowns
• ✅ Pajamas and a change of clothes
• ✅ Comfort blanket or special pillow
• ✅ Books, coloring pages, or small activities
• ✅ Toiletries (toothbrush, wipes, change of underwear etc.)

By preparing a moving day kit in advance, you’ll ensure that kids have everything they need for a smoother, more enjoyable transition into their new home.

Declutter Together

Decluttering before a move helps everyone get into the right mindset—deciding what to keep, donate, or toss makes packing easier and avoids unnecessary stress in your new home. Involving kids in the process also gives them a sense of control, reducing the chances of tantrums over missing items.

Make Decluttering A Game

Turn sorting through belongings into a fun and engaging activity with a “Keep, Donate, or Toss” challenge:

• Keep – Items that are still loved and needed in the new home.
• Donate – Things in good condition that another family could use.
• Toss – Broken or unusable items that aren’t worth keeping.

Try different scorecards or dollar-store nets over boxes and baskets for non-breakables you plan on tossing — literally!

Age-Appropriate Tips To Get Kids Involved In Decluttering

Decluttering together teaches kids organization skills while making the move feel like a fresh start. Plus, by donating items, they’ll learn the value of giving back and making space for new experiences in their new home.

• Toddlers & Preschoolers: Let them help choose which toys to bring and which they’ve outgrown. This helps you avoid a future tantrum caused from throwing away a toy you thought they no longer cared about.
• School-Age Kids: Have them sort their clothes, books, and toys while explaining the value of donating. This encourages them to think about what they need or don’t need and lets them feel like they have some control in what’s being given away.
• Teens: Teenagers have more capacity to take on larger decluttering tasks, so it’s a great opportunity to assign them larger tasks like taking inventory of shared spaces, identifying items to get rid of, and organizing donation piles.

Moving day can be one of the most stressful parts of the entire process. From waiting for the moving truck to making multiple trips and ensuring everyone is fed and comfortable, it can feel overwhelming—especially with kids in the mix.

At Einstein Moving Company, we believe moving should be as stress-free as possible. While we handle the heavy lifting, you can focus on what matters most: getting your family and essentials safely to your new home. To help make the day smoother, we’ve put together practical strategies to keep your kids happy, safe, and engaged. With a little planning, you can reduce stress, avoid unexpected hiccups, and ensure a smoother transition for the whole family.

Arrange Childcare For A Smoother Move Day (If Possible)

If you have young children or multiple kids, moving day can quickly become chaotic. One way to reduce stress is by arranging childcare for the day, if possible.

Benefits Of Arranging Childcare

• ✅ Keeps kids safe and entertained while you focus on the move
• ✅ Reduces the risk of tantrums, accidents, or stress-related meltdowns
• ✅ Gives you the freedom to manage logistics without added distractions

Childcare Options to Consider

Here are some childcare options for your next move:

• Family or Friends: If a relative or close friend can watch your child at their home, it allows for a familiar, comfortable environment.
• Daycare Services: If your child already attends daycare, see if you can schedule an extra day for convenience.
• Playdates: Arranging a playdate with a trusted friend can be a fun alternative.

If you’re moving long-distance, childcare may not be an option. In this case, plan ahead with entertainment, snacks, and a safe space for kids to minimize disruptions. While not always possible, securing childcare—even for a few hours—can make moving days significantly smoother for everyone.

Create a Kid-Friendly Moving Zone

Moving day can be hectic, and keeping kids safe and entertained is essential. Designating a kid-friendly moving zone ensures they have a comfortable space to relax while staying out of the way of heavy lifting and packing.

How to Set Up a Kid-Friendly Moving Zone

✅ Choose a Safe, Low-Traffic Area: Pick a quiet corner or an empty room where kids can play without being in the middle of the action.

✅ Stock It with Essentials: Include items from their moving day survival kit, such as:

• Coloring books and crayons
• A few favorite toys or stuffed animals
• A small snack bin and a water bottle

✅ Keep It Fun and Familiar: Let kids help set up their space so they feel comfortable and excited about it.

✅ Recreate the Zone in Your New Home: Set up a similar area in your new house to help them settle in quickly.

A kid-friendly zone provides a sense of structure and stability, making moving day smoother for both parents and children. Plus, it keeps little ones entertained while you focus on the big tasks!

“We could not be more thrilled with the experience we had with this company. Cory and Zach were absolute professionals. They were pleasant to work with, got the job done on time and on budget. Both were also friendly, great communicators and hard working. They knew exactly what they were doing and even packed our storage unit perfectly. Somehow (and I have no idea how they did this), they were consciously quiet enough to move our living room / dining room without waking up our 19 month old from his nap. If you have kids, you know how important it is to let a 19 month old finish his nap. This was incredible considering most of our furniture is large and they took care of it all seamlessly (even breaking it down and putting it back together). It was overall a great experience. Nothing was damaged- great care was taken through every phase of the move. We’ve moved a number of different times to different cities in 2 countries and this was one of the best. Please give our regards to Cory and Zach. We will use you guys again when we move next time!” — Jill E.

Keep Snacks and Comfort Items Handy

Moving day can be long and exhausting, and hungry kids can quickly turn into cranky kids. Keeping easy-to-access snacks and comfort items on hand helps prevent meltdowns and keeps everyone in a better mood.

Smart Snack Strategies for Moving Day

✅ Pack a small snack bag with healthy, mess-free options like:

• Granola bars, crackers, or fruit pouches
• Cheese sticks or trail mix
• Refillable water bottles to stay hydrated

✅ Plan for treats: A stop at a favorite fast-food spot or a small treat, like a McDonald’s cheeseburger, can be a fun way to break up the day.

✅ Don’t forget the adults! Moving is stressful for everyone, so pack a few easy snacks for yourself too.

Bring Comfort Items for a Stress-Free Experience

Familiar items help kids feel safe and settled. We recommend packing:

• A favorite stuffed animal or small toy
• A cozy blanket or favorite jacket
• Headphones for calming music or shows

By keeping snacks and comfort items handy, you can minimize stress, prevent hunger-induced tantrums, and make moving day a smoother experience for the whole family.

The movers may be gone, but your job as a parent isn’t over yet! Adjusting to a new home takes time, especially for kids who are processing big changes in their surroundings and/or routine.

To make the transition smoother, we’ve put together practical tips to help your children feel comfortable, safe, and excited about their new space. From setting up their rooms first to maintaining familiar routines, these small steps can make a big difference in helping kids adjust.

Unpack Kids’ Rooms First

It may be tempting to start unpacking the kitchen or setting up the main living areas first, but prioritizing your child’s room can make a big difference in helping them adjust.

Why It’s Important To Unpack Kids’ Rooms First

If possible, set aside time to help your child arrange their space first. Even just unpacking a few key items—like their stuffed animals, blankets, and books—can make the transition feel smoother. A comfortable, organized space from day one helps kids feel at home faster and keeps them out of the chaos of unpacking the rest of the house.

• Gives them a sense of control: Let them choose where their bed, toys, and decorations go.
• Creates a familiar and comforting space: Having their favorite things unpacked makes the new home feel safe.
• Keeps them occupied: Once their room is set up, they can settle in while you focus on the rest of the house.

“Matt, Robert, Rance, Jamorris & Austin were fantastic, and we’ll definitely be using Einstein again. The quote process was super simple, and the team took significantly less time than we budgeted, which was a nice surprise. Now that we’re unpacking, I particularly appreciate the care they took in labeling boxes. We were able to quickly identify what needed unpacking first to make sure our kids’ first night in the new house was a good one. The guys were also just lovely humans, which is great when you’re spending two days together.” – Sarah F.

Explore the New Area Together

Helping kids feel comfortable in their new home goes beyond unpacking—it’s also about getting them familiar with their surroundings. The more they explore, the more the new area will feel like home.

How To Help Kids Get Excited About Their New Neighborhood

By turning exploration into a fun experience, kids will feel more confident and excited about their new home instead of uncertain or overwhelmed. Here are some ways to help get them more excited:

• Visit local parks, schools, and attractions: Take a walk to the nearest playground or check out the local library together — this helps get everyone familiar with the nearby family-friendly attractions.
• Introduce them to neighbors: If someone stops by to say hello, encourage a friendly conversation. Having a familiar face around the neighborhood post move-in can help kids feel safer in their new space.
• Plan small adventures: Say, “tomorrow, we’ll explore the park!” or “on Friday, let’s visit the aquarium—maybe we can have your next birthday party there!” This helps get kids excited and picturing the future in a positive way.
• Get their input on decorating the house or yard: Giving kids the sense that they have a say in how their new surroundings look might help them feel more excited to live in it.

The more kids see and experience, the less the area feels unfamiliar or intimidating.

Maintain Routines for Stability

A new home may feel unfamiliar at first, but keeping your child’s daily routine as consistent as possible can help ease the transition. Kids thrive on structure, so sticking to familiar schedules for meals, bedtime, and activities can make the move feel less overwhelming.

Tips for Maintaining Routines After a Move

Consistency brings comfort—by maintaining key parts of your child’s routine, you’ll help them feel more secure in their new home.

• Stick to normal meal and bedtime schedules: Even if unpacking delays dinner prep, try to eat at the usual time. Consider preparing easy meals in advance to avoid relying on takeout.
• Keep extracurriculars going: If your child has a piano lesson every Tuesday, replace it with a visit to the library or another structured activity until lessons resume (if possible).
• Plan familiar activities: Whether it’s a family movie night, weekend walk, or bed time story, maintaining these small traditions provides a sense of normalcy.
• Help kids adjust to new routines: If schedules need to shift, introduce changes gradually while keeping some elements familiar, like designated playtime or evening wind-down routines.

A smooth, stress-free move isn’t just about planning and preparation—it also depends on choosing the right moving company. When moving with kids or pets, you need a team that understands the added challenges and treats your family with care and patience.

A great moving company does more than just transport belongings from Point A to Point B, they:

• Prioritize customer experience
• Handle unexpected situations with flexibility
• Provide a moving process that feels less overwhelming

Finding movers who are supportive, family-friendly, and genuinely invested in making your move easier can make all the difference. In this section, we’ll cover what to look for in a family-friendly moving company and how the right team can turn a stressful move into a smooth transition.

Why Hiring a Family-Friendly Moving Company Makes All the Difference

Some movers are just there to lift furniture and load a truck. But when you’re moving with children, you need more than just muscle—you need movers who are patient, understanding, and ready to handle the unexpected. Kids get excited, anxious, or even overwhelmed during a move. Maybe they want to follow the movers around, explore the truck, or help carry (light) boxes. A family-friendly moving company doesn’t just tolerate these moments—they embrace them.

Look for Movers with Flexible Scheduling

Life with kids is unpredictable. A fever, a school event, or a last-minute change of plans can throw off your entire moving timeline. That’s why it’s important to choose a moving company that offers flexibility—whether that means booking well in advance, rescheduling if needed, or adjusting your moving day plans without major hassle.

Before you book, ask:

• How far in advance can I schedule my move?
• What happens if I need to reschedule? Are there fees or restrictions?
• Do they have availability on multiple dates?

A family-friendly moving company understands that things happen and will work with you to find a solution if plans change.

Do They Care About Families? Here’s How to Tell

A truly family-friendly moving company isn’t just about logistics—they understand that moving is an emotional process, too. To find movers who care about more than just getting the job done, check:

• Website & Social Media: Do they mention families and how they make moving easier for parents?
• Customer Reviews: Are other families happy with their experience?
• Company Culture: Do they engage with the community, support local events, or have a family-friendly approach?

At Einstein Moving Company, we understand what families need because many of our movers, owners, and branch managers are parents too. We make moving easier for families by hosting Touch-a-Truck events, where kids can explore moving trucks in a fun, safe way. We also organize toy drives and other community events, reinforcing our commitment to families beyond just moving day.

“I just had the best experience with Einstein Moving Company, and I have to share it! My movers, Benji and Justin, were absolutely fantastic. Honestly, I was a bit stressed about the whole moving process, thinking it would be a huge hassle, but these guys made it feel like a walk in the park. From the moment they arrived, I could tell they were pros. They treated every piece of our furniture like it was their own, which really put my mind at ease. I was amazed at how efficiently they loaded everything onto the truck and then unloaded it at our new place. They even assembled the furniture perfectly, all while sticking to the budget we had discussed. But what really blew me away was how they interacted with my two little girls. They went above and beyond by playing with them while getting everything done. It was such a relief to see my kids having fun instead of being bored or anxious during the move. Benji and Justin found ways to keep them entertained, which made the whole experience so much more enjoyable for everyone. I can’t thank Benji and Justin enough for their hard work and positive attitudes. They truly went the extra mile, and I felt like they cared about making our move as smooth as possible. If you’re looking for a moving company, I wholeheartedly recommend Einstein Moving Company. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience—thank you, guys!” — Daniel P.

Consider Packing Services for a Stress-Free Move

Even with the best packing tips, sometimes there’s just too much to do—especially if you’re also managing kids’ emotions and routines. If you’re facing a quick turnaround or just feeling overwhelmed, hiring a moving company that offers packing services can save time and stress.

Some movers provide full-service packing, where they handle everything, while others offer partial packing, meaning they’ll help with specific items or rooms. If this sounds helpful, ask about:

• Packing Options: Do they offer full, partial, or specialty packing services
• Care For Fragile or Sentimental Items: How do they handle items like photo albums, heirlooms, or childhood keepsakes?
• Packing Materials: Do they provide high-quality packing supplies to protect your belongings?

While it’s always a good idea to personally move irreplaceable sentimental items, some movers go the extra mile to ensure that even your child’s favorite stuffed animal makes it safely to the new home.

“Wow!!! This was the smoothest move I’ve ever had! The guys came and were not only quick moving and efficient with their packing but they also made it clear that they were there to do as much as they could for me! I was moving with two little babies and they made sure to get the cribs set up in my kids’ new rooms first off the truck so they could still have their naps! There were no hidden fees or add on expenses at the end which I have had to deal with when using other moving companies! Thank you Einstein!!!” — Rahna M.

When choosing a moving company, look for one that values your family, your time, and your peace of mind. Because moving isn’t just about getting from one home to another—it’s about starting your next chapter on the right foot.

From toddler tantrums to teenage mood swings, moving with kids isn’t easy — but we’ll help make it smoother, get a free quote from us today!