How to Prepare Your Family for a Move

Moving to a new home—especially in a brand-new city—is a huge milestone in life. It’s exciting, full of opportunities, and often necessary for growth, whether personal, professional, or both. But it also comes with a fair amount of stress and upheaval, especially when your move includes not just yourself, but your family, children, and pets.

Transitioning into a new environment involves more than just packing boxes and scheduling a moving truck. It means preparing your loved ones emotionally and practically for change. In this post, we’ll cover the most effective strategies to help your entire household—including the furry members—settle in smoothly.

 

Start with Communication

Talk Early and Often

As soon as your move is confirmed, talk to your family. Don’t spring it on them at the last minute. Children, in particular, need time to process the idea of change.

• For kids, explain why you’re moving. Use age-appropriate language and emphasize the positives (a bigger yard, better school, new friends).
• For your partner, make sure the decision feels collaborative, even if circumstances (like a job transfer) dictate the move.
• For yourself, don’t ignore your own emotional needs. This is a big shift. You’re allowed to feel overwhelmed too.

How to Prepare Your Family for a Move

Involve Everyone in Planning

Plan Together

When you include your family in planning and decision-making, they feel more in control.

• Let kids help choose their new room’s color scheme or decor. Even small choices go a long way in making them feel empowered.
• Make a family moving checklist. Include tasks for each person, like sorting clothes, labeling boxes, or picking toys for a “first-night” bag.
• Get creative: Make a countdown calendar to help young children understand the timeline.

How to Prepare Your Family for a Move

Research the New Area Together

Discover Things Together

Help ease anxiety by making the unknown feel familiar.

• Look at maps and photos online.
• Use Google Street View to “walk” through the neighborhood.
• Show kids their new school or nearby playgrounds.
• Talk about local highlights—cool restaurants, museums, or sports teams.
• For teens, research local clubs or groups they can join.

This helps everyone feel more connected to where they’re going and less like they’re leaving everything behind.

How to Prepare Your Family for a Move

Take Care of Practical Stuff Early

Stay on Top of Important Matters

Some things you can’t leave until the last minute:

School Transfers

• Contact the new school as early as possible.
• Gather academic records, immunization forms, and special education documents if needed.
• Schedule a visit, if possible, before the first day.

Medical Needs

• Refill prescriptions in advance.
• Request copies of medical, dental, and vet records.
• Find new providers near your new home.

Utilities and Services

• Schedule shutoff dates for your old home and start dates for the new one.
• Update addresses for banks, subscriptions, insurance, and any delivery services.

How to Prepare Your Family for a Move

Help Kids Say Goodbye Properly

Quality Time with Friends

Closure is key, especially for younger children.

• Plan a going-away party or playdate.
• Take photos of your old home and neighborhood.
• Create a memory book or keepsake box with pictures, drawings, or notes from friends.
• Reassure them it’s okay to miss what they’re leaving behind—and that they can stay in touch.

How to Prepare Your Family for a Move

Prepare Your Pets for the Transition

Pets Are Family Members

Pets are creatures of habit. A move can throw them into confusion or anxiety.

Before the Move

• Start packing gradually so your pets get used to changes in their environment.
• Keep feeding and walking schedules consistent with the existing schedule.
• Visit the vet for a checkup and ensure all vaccinations and microchip info are up to date.
• Get a copy of your pet’s medical records and any needed travel documentation.

Moving Day Tips

• Keep pets in a quiet, secure room away from movers.
• Use carriers or crates for transport.
• Pack a pet travel bag with food, water, treats, toys, bedding, and medication.

Arriving at the New Home

• Set up a “safe room” with familiar items while the rest of the house is in chaos.
• Gradually introduce them to new areas.
• Stick to routines—same feeding times, walks, and bedtime rituals.

How to Prepare Your Family for a Move

Create a “First Night Kit” for Everyone

Easy Access to Essentials

Unpacking can take days, so pack essentials separately for the first 24–48 hours.

Include:

• Toiletries
• Medications
• Chargers
• Snacks and basic kitchen tools
• Favorite toys or comfort items for kids and pets
• Pajamas and clothes for a couple of days
• Bedding and towels

Having these on hand can make your first night more comfortable and less chaotic.

How to Prepare Your Family for a Move

Keep Routines as Normal as Possible

Feeling Grounded

Routines help everyone feel grounded during times of upheaval.

• Eat meals at regular times—even if it’s takeout on the floor.
• Stick to bedtime and routines.
• Keep family traditions alive: Friday movie night, bedtime stories, or weekend pancakes.

Even in a new setting, these familiar rituals send a powerful message: “We’re okay.”

How to Prepare Your Family for a Move

Get Involved in The New Community

Create New Friends

Once you’re somewhat settled, start integrating into your new environment.

• Visit local parks, libraries, and community centers.
• Attend neighborhood events.
• Sign up kids for local sports or clubs.
• Say hello to neighbors—small interactions build a sense of belonging.

For your pets, find nearby dog parks or walking routes. Routine walks can also be a great way for you to meet people!

How to Prepare Your Family for a Move

Be Patient with the Emotional Side

Things Take Time

Not every adjustment happens overnight. Kids may act out or seem withdrawn. Pets may hide or regress in behavior.

• Keep communication open.
• Validate feelings without judgment.
• Celebrate small wins—first sleepover invites, learning a new street name, finding a favorite hangout spot.

Remember: It can take months to truly feel at home in a new place. Give yourself and your family grace.

How to Prepare Your Family for a Move

Create a Sense of Home Right Away

Feeling Safe is Important

Once you’re moved in, help your new place feel like home.

• Hang family photos or favorite art early on.
• Let kids decorate their rooms how they like.
• Cook a favorite meal or order from a new local restaurant together.
• Light familiar candles or play favorite music to trigger positive associations.

Little things can spark a big emotional connection to the new space.

How to Prepare Your Family for a Move

Bonus Tips by Age Group

Toddlers and Preschoolers

• Keep explanations simple.
• Read books about moving.
• Offer plenty of comfort and attention.

School-Age Kids

• Focus on making new friends and staying in touch with old ones.
• Encourage journaling or art to express feelings.

Tweens and Teens

• Respect their need for privacy and autonomy.
• Involve them in bigger decisions, like choosing schools or activities.
• Be understanding if they grieve old friendships deeply.

How to Prepare Your Family for a Move

Don’t Forget About Yourself

Self Care Matters

It’s easy to get so caught up in managing everyone else’s emotions and logistics that you forget to take care of your own well-being.

• Give yourself downtime.
• Talk to friends or a counselor if needed.
• Celebrate your courage—it’s no small thing to uproot and start fresh.

Moving is a family journey, but it starts with you. The more calm, prepared, and open you are, the more your family and pets will follow your lead.

How to Prepare Your Family for a Move

Final Thoughts

A move is more than a change of address—it’s a significant life event that can impact every member of your household in unique ways. But with thoughtful planning, clear communication, and emotional support, you can help your children and pets adapt and even thrive in a new environment.

Remember: this transition is also an opportunity to strengthen your family bond, embrace new experiences, and build a life together in a brand-new setting.

Here’s to making your new house a home!