As soon as you've decided to move, talk to your kids about it. Explain where you're moving and why, and do your best to help them understand. Time is the biggest factor—the more time you can give your kids the space to process this information, the better. If your children are older, consider looping them in before the move is decided so they can help with your search for a new home. Let them ask questions, be honest and transparent with your answers, but focus on the positives when possible. Moving to a new home is a big undertaking for kids of at any age, so do your best to support them as best as you can.

Involve Them in the Planning Process

Go through closets and toys before you start packing! Determining whether or not there is anything your child wants to donate will minimize how much you’ll need to pack. This is especially relevant if they recently hit a growth spurt—you can use this time to donate clothes that no longer fit. Sorting through and organizing their belongings will also give your kids a better understanding of how they can help pack.

Next, set deadlines for packing to make it feel less overwhelming. This can help you just as much as it helps your kids! Work backward from the day you'll need to have all of your boxes packed and ready to go. From there, go room by room. As you're packing, try letting your kids decorate their moving boxes with markers or stickers. That way, the boxes will be labeled, and your kids will feel involved in the packing process while also expressing themselves.

Work Together When Packing and on Moving Day

Put together a moving essentials kit with your kids. This should be different than your adult moving essentials that you’ll leave out of the movers’ truck (like medication or important paperwork). Instead, they should be kid-focused essentials, like comforting stuffed animals, toys, a book, and favorite snacks. Be sure to make this list together before all your boxes have been packed so you don't unintentionally pack something important!

Once you're in your new town and the moving truck has arrived, do your best to make unpacking fun. Play their favorite music or take a delicious snack break by exploring the nearest ice cream shop in your town. While you're getting settled, try letting your kids (if they're old enough) help decorate their new spaces. Whatever you can do to let them make their own decisions will help give them a better sense of control during the transition.

Maintain Your Routines

Sticking to your routines after you’ve moved can help kids feel a little more grounded in their new space. Whether it's a morning breakfast routine on Sundays with waffles or tacos on Tuesday, keep up the tradition! If you don't have any routines, starting a new tradition can help create a sense of excitement about your new home. Try starting a monthly movie or game night to get everybody relaxing together.

Stay in Touch with Friends

Technology can make it easier to keep in contact with friends, so do your best to help your kids set up virtual chats with people they’ll miss—especially if they don't have devices of their own to use. Depending on how old your kids are, consider throwing a going-away party with a memory book or scrapbook pages for friends to sign and write messages.

Explore Your New Neighborhood Together

Help your kids love their new neighborhood by showing them fun activities. This can range from a nearby playground or park to cool new restaurants or museums. Get involved in the local community, too! Visit your nearby library to find events and children's programs to help you and the kids make new friends at your new home. Your local librarian can also help teach you about the town—ask for books about local history, and go on an adventure to look for local landmarks.