A Parent's Guide to Moving With Kids: Tips and Checklist

As a parent, you’re not just managing a move. You’re managing a major life transition for your entire family. You’re juggling boxes and big emotions. At Firehouse Movers, we’ve helped thousands of Texas families move, and we understand your dual role. Your job is to be there for your kids; our job is to handle the heavy lifting.

This guide to moving is designed to be your definitive resource for moving with kids. We will walk you through the entire moving process with practical tips for moving, a helpful checklist, and advice to help you provide the emotional support your children need.

A Note on Different Ages and Personalities

One of the best starting tips for moving with kids is assessing what will go down. Before we begin, it's important to state a simple truth: every child is different. The advice that works for a quiet teenager may not work for an outgoing toddler, and that is perfectly normal. This guide provides a strong foundation of helpful tips, but you are the expert on your child. We encourage you to adapt these ideas to fit their unique personality and needs to make moving with kids a more positive experience.

Phase 1: Before the Move (The Planning Checklist)

This section is the start of the essential moving with kids checklist, breaking down the complex process into manageable steps.

The weeks leading up to the upcoming move are important for setting a positive tone. Your goal is to replace your child’s anxiety with a sense of involvement and adventure.

1. Have an Honest and Positive Family Meeting

Tell your children about the move as soon as the decision is final. Frame the conversation around the positives of the move, but also create a safe space for them to share their worries. Acknowledging their feelings is the first step to managing them and will help ease the transition. For example, for those moving to Texas, you can focus on planning a fun family road trip and exploring local traditions, while our moving services manage the stressful parts.

2. Involve Your Kids With Age-Appropriate Tasks

Children feel more in control when they are part of the plan. Get them involved in the move with age-appropriate tasks. Younger kids can decorate moving boxes or pack their favorite toys. Older kids can help you research the new neighborhood or plan the layout of their new room. This is a great way to help them feel empowered.

3. Say a Proper Goodbye

Leaving friends, a school, and a familiar home is a real loss. A child may feel sad about this. Help your child process this by planning a "see you later" party or creating a scrapbook of memories. Taking photos of their favorite local spots can help them feel like they’re taking a piece of their old life with them when moving to a new home.

Phase 2: During the Move (The Moving Day Checklist)

Moving days are often chaotic. Your primary role is to be a source of calm and stability for your kids.

4. Pack a "First 24 Hours" Essentials Box for Each Child

This is the most important box. It doesn’t go on the moving truck; it stays with you. When moving with kids, you should let each one pack a box with their must-have items: a favorite blanket, a book, a tablet, essential medications, and pajamas. 

5. Keep Routines as Normal as Possible

Even in the midst of packing, try to stick to your regular meal times and bedtimes. If you always read a story before bed, don't skip it. These small routines provide a powerful sense of stability when everything else feels uncertain and can help ease their anxiety.

Phase 3: After the Move (The Settling-In Checklist)

Once the move is complete, your focus shifts to making the new house feel like a home.

6. Set Up Their Room First

Before you unpack a single kitchen box, assemble your child’s bed and set up their personal space with their favorite things from their essentials box. This gives them a safe, familiar space for kids to retreat to.

7. Explore Your New Community Immediately

Become a tourist in your new town. In the first week, make a point to find the local playground, walk the route to the new school, and find the best spot for ice cream. This helps to create new, positive memories right away.

How Our Moving Services Can Help

As a parent, your energy is best spent helping your children navigate the emotional side of a big move. You shouldn’t be worried about straining your back lifting furniture or the logistics of driving a rental truck.

Full-Service Moving and Packing Services

This is where our professional moving company makes all the difference. Our full-service moving options are designed to lift that entire burden from your shoulders. Let our trained and trusted moving crew handle all of the physical moving process, from expert packing services to loading and transport. We’ll manage the logistics so you can focus on what truly matters: your family.

Local and Long-Distance Moving Expertise

We provide reliable Texas moving services that will keep your belongings safe, no matter the distance.

Whether you’re just moving across town or moving across the country, our crews are ready. For a local move, our deep knowledge of the DFW area saves time and worry. 

For a long-distance move, especially when moving out of state with kids, our dedicated teams manage all the complex logistics. 

Make Your Move a Positive New Chapter

Helping your family adapt to a new home is a journey, not a destination. By following this guide, you can help your kids feel more secure and even excited about the idea of moving. 

The goal is not just to get your belongings from one place to another, but to start your family’s new chapter on a positive note. These practical tips to help when you are moving with kids should provide a solid foundation for a successful relocation.

When it comes time for the heavy lifting, trust the firefighter-owned team that has been helping Texas families for over 25 years. We are proud to be one of the top moving companies in Texas, and we can’t wait to help you out! Contact us today or give us a call and get a free moving quote!

Moving With Kids: FAQ