Moving house is one of life’s biggest transitions. Between packing boxes, signing contracts, and coordinating the move, it’s easy to overlook just how unsettling the process can be for children.
If you’re planning a relocation with help from conveyancing solicitors Lincoln, Nottingham, or wherever you may live, a bit of thoughtful preparation can make all the difference for your family’s emotional wellbeing.
Whether it’s a local move or a complete change of scenery, maintaining a sense of comfort and familiarity is key. Here are some tried-and-tested ways to help your children feel secure, happy, and involved during your move.
1. Talk About the Move Early
Children often cope better when they have time to process changes. As soon as you know a move is happening, sit down as a family and talk about it honestly. Share why you’re moving and what it will mean for them – new bedrooms, new schools, and new adventures.
Encourage them to ask questions and share how they feel, even if their reaction isn’t what you expect. Listening without judgment helps them feel heard and reassured.
For advice on supporting children through major life changes, the NHS guide on children’s mental health offers helpful insights for parents.
2. Let Them Feel Involved
Involving children in the moving process can reduce anxiety and help them adjust. Even small choices – like picking paint colours, decorating their new room, or deciding what to pack first – can give them a sense of control.
If possible, visit the new area before moving day. Explore local parks, playgrounds, or shops together so the space starts to feel familiar. Turning the move into a shared adventure helps shift the focus from uncertainty to excitement.
3. Keep Familiar Routines
Children thrive on routine. Amid the chaos of moving, try to maintain familiar rhythms — meal times, bedtime stories, or weekend family activities. These small consistencies help provide comfort and stability.
If your child is changing schools, prepare them gently for the transition. Visit the new school, meet teachers if possible, and talk through what their first day might look like. Familiarity helps reduce the stress of change.
4. Create a Moving Day Plan
Moving day can be overwhelming for kids. Plan ahead to keep it as smooth as possible. Arrange for them to spend time with a relative or close friend during the busiest hours if needed, so they’re not caught up in the hustle.
If they’re old enough to stay involved, give them small, fun tasks – like labelling boxes or being in charge of their own “essentials” bag filled with favourite toys, snacks, and books. Having familiar items close by provides comfort.
5. Focus on Familiarity After the Move
Once you’ve arrived, try to unpack children’s rooms first. Seeing their bed, toys, and decorations set up helps make the new house feel like home. Keep their favourite comfort items – a blanket, stuffed animal, or nightlight – accessible from day one.
In the first few weeks, prioritise family time over tasks. Share meals together, explore your new neighbourhood, and find routines that feel familiar. This time helps children form positive associations with their new surroundings.
6. Stay Connected with Old Friends and Places
Leaving behind familiar faces can be tough. Encourage children to keep in touch with old friends through video calls, letters, or visits. You might even arrange a farewell get-together before you leave to give them a sense of closure.
Maintaining these connections shows them that moving doesn’t mean losing important relationships – it just means adding new ones.
The BBC’s Tiny Happy People platform includes tips for parents on helping young children navigate big emotional changes, including moves and new environments.
7. Model Positivity and Patience
Children take cues from how their parents handle change. Showing calmness and optimism, even when you’re stressed, reassures them that everything will be okay.
It’s natural for emotions to run high – moves are exhausting! But taking time to talk through worries and celebrate small milestones (like unpacking the first room or finding a new favourite park) can help your children adjust more easily.
8. Give It Time
It’s completely normal for children to take weeks or even months to feel at home after a move. Be patient and understanding. With time, routine, and plenty of reassurance, they’ll find their place in their new environment.
The move may be temporary for you, but it’s a huge change for them. Helping them feel seen, heard, and loved throughout the process is the best way to support their happiness.
Creating Calm Amid the Chaos
Moving home can feel overwhelming for the whole family, but with patience, empathy, and preparation, it can also become a positive new beginning. By keeping children informed, involved, and surrounded by familiar routines, you help them build emotional resilience and a sense of security through the transition.
Every move is a chance to create new memories together — and with a little planning and reassurance, your new house can soon feel like home for everyone.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The process of moving home can vary depending on your circumstances, especially where property ownership or conveyancing is involved. For tailored advice, seek guidance from a qualified solicitor or conveyancing professional.
