If you are facing a move with children you are probably worried about how to get through it without losing your mind. Moving with children is not just a change of address. Routines are also disrupted and if the move is to another city or country there are added worries about changing schools, friends left behind and fear of the unknown. A family in the middle of a move needs patience, care, planning, organisation and professional advice to face the house move. We offer some tips that from our experience can help make the transition as smooth as possible.
Moving with children: is it possible?
Adults find moving stressful. It is a period of intense change, doubts, adjustment, financial outlay, disorder… So it is natural to think that children will also be affected by the whole house-move process.
It is important to prepare for the move and explain what is going to happen in language appropriate to each age. Younger children will notice the change less and will find it easier to adapt. But as they grow older, they experience more anxiety.
Tips for moving house with children
Above all, stay calm
If adults show a positive and calm attitude, children will be more receptive to the new situation. It is difficult, but we must make the effort and keep worries and arguments out of young ears.
Imagine your new life
Use stories and games to explain what the move will be like and what they can expect from their new home, school, the possibility of making new friends, that they will still be able to keep in touch with their old friends…
If possible, it is advisable to visit the new home or the new neighbourhood before the move. If it is a long-distance move, you can explore the area using internet tools such as Google Street View.
It is also important to let them share their concerns with us and to tell them that we also have doubts and concerns, but that we believe the change will be for the better for everyone.
A good tactic is to play with them and imagine what the new life will be like. If they already have a degree of independence, let them decide some details such as the decoration of their new room.
Make them part of the process
Try to involve them in the process with activities and decisions suited to their age and maturity. From packing their own essential bag to helping you donate or recycle items. This will give them a sense of security and they will feel part of the house move.
Where possible, it is important to keep some routines, especially with younger children. That is why summer, during the holidays, is a good time to move, as schedules and routines are more relaxed.
Trust the professionals
To survive a move with children, the best thing is to leave the work in the hands of professionals with proven reliability and experience. That way, you can focus on your children and prepare them for the big change without distractions and with the reassurance that your move is in good hands.
At Canarias Horizon Atlantic we are experts in all types of removals, both within the Canary Islands and at national and international level. Thanks to our experience and our qualified staff you will be able to design a move tailored to your needs. We are ready to provide both the major and the small solutions that will make the difference in this important life change that is moving house with children.
Frequently asked questions about moving with children
What is the best age for a child to move?
From 0 to 3 years a child adapts very easily (no strong attachment to their surroundings). From 4 to 7 years there may be temporary regressions if the move is traumatic. From 8 to 12 years it tends to be more complicated (losing school friends). In adolescence (13–17) it is the most sensitive moment: involve the teenager in decisions to reduce resistance.
Should children be present on moving day?
It is better for them to spend the day with relatives, friends or at activities. The chaos of boxes, dismantled furniture and removal operatives moving things around stresses young children. When they return, they should find at least their room with the bed and toys already set up.
How do you handle a school change mid-term?
If it is unavoidable, contact the destination school 4–6 weeks in advance to reserve a place, transfer the academic record and the counsellor's report (if there is one). Visit the school with the child before the first day. Keep in touch with friends from the previous school (video calls, visits during holidays) for the first 6 months.
What if my child does not want to move?
It is normal, especially in children over 8. Listen to their reasons without dismissing them. Explain the positive reasons (better home, better climate, opportunity) without painting an unrealistically rosy picture. Involve them in decisions (room colour, furniture layout). Allow them proper goodbyes to friends and important places.
How long does it take a child to adjust to a new city?
Average timeframe: 3–6 months to feel comfortable, 12–18 months to feel settled. Speed up adjustment by: enrolling quickly in an after-school activity (where they can meet children their own age), visiting parks and children's areas in the neighbourhood, organising get-togethers with new friends at home. More on family adjustment: avoiding anxiety about moving.
