Moving with Kids: A Parent’s Guide to a Smoother Move

Moving house is a big change for anyone — but for children, it can be especially disruptive. Kids thrive on routine, and moving can mean saying goodbye to familiar bedrooms, schools, and neighbourhoods. The good news? With the right approach, moving with kids can be less stressful and even a positive adventure for the whole family.

At Truckabout, we’ve helped countless families relocate across Christchurch, the South Island, and the lower North Island. Here are our best tips to make moving easier for your little ones — and for you.

Preparing Kids for the Move

Children cope better with change when they feel informed and involved.

Talk Early and Honestly:
Let them know about the move as soon as possible. Use age-appropriate language to explain why you’re moving and what to expect.
Highlight the Positives:
Focus on the exciting aspects — a bigger backyard, closer to the beach, or new friends at school.
Visit the New Neighbourhood (if possible):
Take the kids to see their new school, playgrounds, or local sports club. Familiarity reduces anxiety.
Let Them Have a Say:
Involve children in small decisions like choosing paint colours for their new room, or which toys to pack first.

Packing and Moving Day Strategies

Moving day can feel chaotic, so a bit of planning goes a long way.

Create a Kids’ Essentials Bag:
Pack a backpack with snacks, favourite toys, comfort items, and a change of clothes. This avoids panicked searching on the day.
Keep Routines Where You Can:
Stick to familiar meal times and bedtimes as much as possible to give children stability.
Organise Childcare (if needed):
Younger children might find move day overwhelming. Consider leaving them with grandparents, friends, or childcare to reduce stress.
Involve Older Kids:
Teens can help pack, label boxes, or guide movers on where items belong.

Helping Kids Settle into the New Home

The move doesn’t end when the truck unloads. Helping children feel at home quickly will ease the transition.

Unpack Kids’ Rooms First:
Set up beds, bedding, and favourite toys early so kids have a safe, familiar space.
Explore Together:
Walk or drive around the neighbourhood. Find the local dairy, parks, and playgrounds.
Stick to Familiar Routines:
Bedtime stories, family dinners, and weekend rituals help children feel grounded.
Stay Positive:
Children will take cues from your attitude. Frame the move as a fresh start, even if you’re feeling tired.

Supporting School-Age Children

School changes can be the toughest part of a move.

Transfer Records Early

Contact schools well before moving to ensure a smooth handover of records.

Checklist: Moving with Kids

A short tick-off list to keep handy:

Talk to kids early and positively about the move
Visit the new area together (school, parks, shops)
Involve kids in small moving decisions
Pack an essentials bag (snacks, toys, comfort items)
Arrange childcare for moving day if needed
Unpack kids’ rooms first in the new home
Maintain routines where possible
Support school transition (records, visits, social opportunities)

Final Thoughts

Moving with kids isn’t always easy, but it can be a chance to teach resilience and make great new memories. By preparing early, involving children in the process, and helping them settle into their new home, you can turn moving into a family adventure.

Planning your next move? Let Truckabout handle the logistics so you can focus on your family.