How to Make Moving Easier for the Whole Family

Moving can be both overwhelming both emotionally and physically. If you’re moving with family, then this can be said for all family members. In the U.S. people relocate each year for a variety of reasons. Some examples include for better school districts, a new job, or for a lower cost of living. Sometimes, it’s simply just the desire for a fresh start. No matter why or where you’re moving, relocating comes with a unique set of challenges. This can be especially true when children, pets, and other family members are involved.

Fortunately, moving has become easier over the years. There are several ways to make your moving experience smoother, more organized, and less stressful for everyone. The key is to plan thoughtfully and include everyone. This can turn a potentially stressful moment into an opportunity for growth and bonding.

Preparing for the Move

Now, we’ve all heard the phrase, “too many cooks in the kitchen,” but involving your family early is important. When we say to ‘involve the whole family early,’ that doesn’t mean going to them with no plan at all. Take a moment to define a plan for yourself and the adults and then open up that plan to the rest of your family. Engaging every family member helps build a sense of excitement and ownership for the move.

When you’re house hunting through listings, pick favorites that you can bring to the family. If you have children, ask for opinions on potential bedrooms, yards, or nearby parks. Let them help you “vote” on their favorites. Even if you’re relocating due to work or financial reasons, children and teens benefit from feeling like their voices are heard. This helps reduce stress and encourages a positive attitude for the move.

Decluttering Together

Moving is the perfect time to declutter while you’re packing. Try to get every family member to go through their belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or toss. This can be gamified for smaller children and help reward them for their participation. Fun fact! The average U.S. household has 300,000 items*! That’s a lot of decluttering to do.

You can also make decluttering a fun family activity by turning on some music, setting up donation bins, and making important decisions together. Encourage everyone to donate used items to local charities and thrift stores.

Assign Packing Responsibilities

One of the best ways to reduce chaos is by dividing packing tasks by area or item type. Older children and teens can take up specific rooms like the kitchen or family room. Grab a label maker to have some fun and pass them around so that everyone can label boxes their own way. You could even use stickers for smaller children to join in on the fun as well.

Pro-tip! Don’t forget an essentials bag for everyone on move day. This should include personal items like medications, phone chargers, snacks, books, toys – anything you will want to quickly access during the move. For the little ones, stuffed animals and blankets can be a game-changer.

Moving Day

The day has arrived! Take a few minutes as a family to review the day’s agenda and responsibilities. No matter if you’re doing the move yourself or with a company, clear communication is key. It’s best to also create a moving-day checklist. Think of action items like:

• The final walkthrough of the old house
• Keeping an updated inventory of boxes
• Coordinating key drop-off or handover
• Knowing how to access the new home
• Utility transfers or meter readings

It’s also wise to prepare a moving day emergency kit with some essentials. Definitely be sure to have a first-aid supplies, bottled water, a flashlight, trash bags, and paper towels.

Assign Age-Appropriate Tasks

Even the smallest toddlers will be able to help out on moving day. Small tasks like handing out water bottles, keeping pets calm, or carrying very lightweight items can help you out tremendously. Older children can help direct movers, double check inventory, or help unpack essentials.

Don’t forget about pets! Moving can be overwhelming for you but also for them. If you’re moving locally, boarding a pet may be your best option to keep them occupied and out of your way while moving. If they’re moving with you, be sure to give them lots of walks along the way and create a safe space for them in your vehicle.

Prioritize Essentials in Your New Home

When you arrive in your new home, you’ll probably want to start unpacking everything all at once right away. If you go with a priority unpacking, you’ll find everything to be more organized and it will also allow you to use the things you need right away and leave the storage for later.

Here are some key priorities:

• Bedrooms: Set up beds first so everyone has a place to sleep after a long day.
• Bathrooms: Stock with toilet paper, towels, and toiletries.
• Kitchen: Unpack key items like plates, utensils, coffee makers, and snacks.

Take a quick tour of the new home with the family and assign rooms or areas so everyone gets familiar with the layout. Allow younger kids to choose how they want to decorate their space (within reason). This helps them feel more comfortable in the unfamiliar environment.

At the end of the day, celebrate! Whether that’s ordering pizza from your new local spot, having a backyard picnic, or watching a family movie on the floor surrounded by boxes, find a way to mark the occasion and relax together.

Settling into Your New Home

Unpacking doesn’t have to be a chore. Make it enjoyable by encouraging each family member to personalize their rooms. Let children decide where their favorite posters go or which shelf holds their toys. Teens might enjoy rearranging furniture or planning new decor.

One of the biggest adjustments after a move—especially in the U.S., where suburban sprawl is common—is getting to know your new surroundings. Take the time to explore your new neighborhood together. Locate key spots like:

• Grocery stores (Kroger, Publix, Safeway, Trader Joe’s, etc.)
• Pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens)
• Parks and recreation centers
• Schools and libraries
• Local coffee shops and restaurants

Consider attending community events, school open houses, or local festivals. Many neighborhoods have Facebook groups or apps like Nextdoor where you can connect with neighbors and learn about events.

Check In Often

Every family member will adjust at their own pace. Some may embrace the new location immediately, while others may take weeks or even months to feel truly “at home.” Encourage regular check-ins where everyone can share their thoughts and feelings about the new place.

Validate any concerns and keep communication open. Being patient and empathetic during this adjustment phase is essential. Moving isn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B. It’s about making a house feel like home and ensuring every family member feels seen, heard, and supported during the transition. Whether you’re planning a cross-country relocation or just moving across your city, the key to a successful move lies in preparation, participation, and positivity.