How to Move with Kids Without Losing Your Mind (or Their Favorite Stuffed Animal)

Remember moving is stressful—even for adults who understand what’s happening.

Now imagine being 5, 9, or 14 years old… and having your whole world turned upside down with little warning, few choices, and no say in what stays or goes.

At The Modern Steward, we’ve helped dozens of families move—not just their furniture, but their lives. And when kids are involved, the emotional stakes are higher. Parents often feel pulled in two directions: managing the endless logistics while trying to keep their children calm, stable, and safe.

So if you're relocating with little ones (or not-so-little ones), here’s your guide to getting through the process without losing your mind—or their most prized possession.

1. Start the Conversation Early

Even if your move is months away, kids need time to process the idea of change. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, early and honest conversations help reduce anxiety and give children a sense of control—even when they can’t control the move itself.

Start with a basic overview of:

• What’s changing (new house, new school, new room)

• What’s staying the same (family routines, favorite toys, pets)

• When it’s happening (use a calendar or countdown)

Keep explanations age-appropriate. Younger kids may need a story or picture book; older kids appreciate knowing how the move affects them socially and academically.

2. Let Them Help (a Little)

Giving your kids a sense of agency—even small—can make a big difference in how they experience the move. Involvement gives them purpose. "Involving children in the move in this way has the added benefit of making them feel in control at a time when events in their lives can seem out of their hands."- Child Mind Institute. But there’s a fine line between inclusion and overwhelm.

Ways to let them help:

• Pick the colors or theme of their new room

• Help declutter old toys or clothes (especially if you’re donating)

• Decorate moving boxes with stickers, drawings, or labels

• Choose their "first night bag" essentials

  
  

"Give them their own small moving box to pack. Let them decide what to bring on the first day. This sense of control is calming, especially in a process where they don’t have many big choices." – Kimberly of The Modern Steward

3. Stick to Routines Wherever You Can

One of the most overlooked tools in your parenting toolkit during a move? Structure.

Kids thrive on predictability, especially when everything else is changing. Regular sleep, mealtimes, and downtime routines are calming—and important for emotional regulation.

This is especially true for toddlers, school-aged children, and teens juggling transitions like new schools or college prep.

 Keep a few comfort rituals intact—bedtime stories, favorite snacks, screen-free dinners—even if the house is in chaos. Routines remind kids that your family is still your family, no matter the zip code.

4. Expect Big Feelings (and Let Them Happen)

Even the most “excited” kid will likely grieve something: a friend, a room, a school, a rhythm.

And the most composed parent? You’ll grieve too. Transitions bring a mix of anticipation and sadness. Normalize those feelings—for yourself and your kids.

What you can say:

• “I’m feeling sad about leaving, too.”

• “I know this is a lot of change all at once.”

• “We’ll get through this together.”

You don’t need to “fix” every feeling. You just need to make space for the. For older kids, try a casual car chat or shared activity (like packing a box) to open up space for conversations. Teenagers often talk more when there’s no direct eye contact or pressure.

5. Create a Kid-Friendly "Landing Zone"

While it might be tempting to unpack the kitchen or living room first, consider prioritizing your children’s spaces when you arrive at the new home.

A familiar room setup, a favorite blanket, or a stack of well-loved books can make the new place feel safe.

Pack a labeled “first night box” just for each child. Include pajamas, toothbrush, their favorite snack, a comfort item, and anything they need to fall asleep peacefully. Trust us—this one step can save your sanity on move-in day.

6. Don’t Expect Them to Be Excited (Even if You Are)

Sometimes, parents are ready for a fresh start—but kids aren’t. They didn’t choose the new city, school, or street.

And while adults might see the big picture, children feel the loss first. That doesn’t mean they won’t eventually love their new room, meet new friends, or adapt—it just means they need space to feel what they’re feeling first.

Share your excitement, but don’t force it. Let your child move at their own pace. Excitement will come—but only after they feel seen and safe.

7. Keep the Goodbye Rituals Simple and Meaningful

Don’t rush the goodbye. If your kids are leaving a home they’ve lived in for years, let them:

• Take photos in each room

• Leave a note for the new owners

• Say goodbye to neighbors or favorite places

Transitions need closure. And a little ceremony gives the heart a chance to catch up.

8. Hire Help Where It Counts

One of the best things you can do for your family during a move? Take the heavy lifting (literally and emotionally) off your plate.

Our 8-Week Move service is designed specifically for families like yours. We handle:

• Pre-move decluttering

• Donation and discard coordination

• Packing, labeling, and logistics

• Unpacking + organizing in your new home

You get to focus on your people. We’ll manage the details.

According to Harvard Health, transitions are one of the most stressful life events—and how you move can deeply impact your well-being. You don’t have to do it alone.

Final Thoughts

Moving with kids isn’t just about managing schedules and packing boxes—it’s about managing emotions, building connection, and giving your family a soft place to land.

And when you approach the process with intention, clarity, and support, you’re not just moving—you’re creating the foundation for a fresh, organized, and emotionally grounded start.

💚Need help creating a calm, child-centered move?  Book a consultation and let us help you move with ease, not overwhelm.

Chat soon-

Kimberly