Make Moving Day Easier With Kids
A Moving Marketplace, LLC (Movingful)
MiniMoves Inc.
JK Moving Services Inc.
A Practical Guide to Moving With Kids
Moving to a new home is often one of the most demanding and disruptive experiences families will go through. As an established residential moving company, we’ve seen the many stressful situations children and their parents experience during local and long-distance relocations. To prepare you for an upcoming move, we gathered the best advice and recommendations for a streamlined, worry-free relocation in Chicago or throughout the country.
Preparing Children for a Residential Move
Preparation is important for reducing children’s uncertainty about the move. By planning weeks or months ahead and keeping all family members informed, there will be fewer surprises when moving day arrives.
How to Talk to Kids About an Upcoming Move
Talking to kids in an age-appropriate way will help them understand what is happening. You can explain that there will be some disruption to their lives, and that it’s fine to feel emotional about moving away from the old family home, neighborhood friends and their school. You may emphasize that moving to a new place to live is an adventure, with new experiences and opportunities awaiting them.
Helping Kids Feel Involved in the Moving Process
Importantly, letting children take part in the moving process can also reduce anxiety. If you’re decluttering or packing some items yourself, encourage them to help out—they can label boxes, sort through items and so on. Also, creating a moving calendar can also promote positive anticipation, and planning how to set up their new room makes the process more fun.
Managing the Challenges of Moving as a Parent
As a parent, feeling like you must be responsible for every aspect of a move can weigh heavily on you. From hiring a moving company to sorting out the utilities, parents have a lot to do while also looking after their children.
Establishing Realistic Expectations During a Move
Even with the most disciplined planning, there will inevitably be some interruptions and unforeseen problems. By accepting that some temporary disruption is normal, you can reduce anxiety about the move. For some parents, this may require lowering housekeeping standards or reducing recreational time until the process is complete.
Staying Organized to Reduce Moving Stress
A good rule of thumb for moving is to start everything before you think it’s necessary. For example, completing the sorting and decluttering process as early-on as possible will make packing far more manageable. A reliable strategy is to follow a moving checklist and relocation guide and stick closely to the plan.
Moving Day Planning for Parents and Children
Moving day can be busy for any family, but keep in mind that it’s simply a matter of completing each step. While your moving partners deal with the heavy lifting and logistics, you can focus on keeping your children calm and entertained using the following suggestions.

Pack a dedicated bag for the kids with snacks and favorite toys.

Create essentials boxes for the first night at your new home.

Charge devices and keep important documents with you.

Consider arranging childcare for young children during the busiest period.

Keep kids in a quiet space, away from busy loading areas.
If you feel overwhelmed at times during the day, know that your movers will have completed thousands of successful relocations between them. When you have questions or concerns, you can always raise them with your moving team.
Age-Specific Guidance for Moving With Kids
A child’s age will affect how they respond to a move, and direct the approach that parents should take. Taking into account how children at different developmental stages process change can reduce stress for both kids and parents during the move.
Moving With Toddlers and Preschoolers
Young children rely heavily on routine and need more care and support. For a child at this age, make sure they have their favorite comfort items close by, and that you follow their regular meal and nap times as much as possible. Try to keep explanations about the move clear and simple, while making the new experience fun and exciting.
Moving With School-Age Children
School-age children may need time to process the changes and upheaval of a relocation, particularly if they will be moving away from friends. Acknowledge the difficulty of leaving the family home, and support them through this emotional time. At this age children can contribute more to the move, including researching the new area and planning the layout of their new room.
Moving With Teenagers
Teenagers are often reluctant to leave friends, school, and their established social connections. When a move breaks these attachments, resistance is natural. Provide as much notice as possible and acknowledge their emotions about the relocation. Involving teens in planning and preparation can help them feel more in control and lessen initial hesitation.
Keeping Families Safe During a Residential Relocation
Simple steps help protect children, parents and moving professionals during the move. To prevent falls and injuries, all walkways should be clear and free from tripping hazards. Children and pets should stay a safe distance from moving trucks and lifting equipment throughout the loading process. While your movers are packing and unpacking for the relocation, keep potentially hazardous items such as tools and box cutters securely out of reach.
Top Local and Long-Distance Moving for Chicago Families
New City Moving makes moving with children easy, providing a range of services to support a relocation. From expert packing and unpacking to loading and storage, we cover everything you need for a comfortable move. Call 872-314-2148 or schedule your free quote online.