How to move house with children without losing control
If you are facing a move with children, you are probably wondering how to get through it without losing your mind. Moving with children is not just a change of address. Routines are disrupted too, and if the move takes the family to another city or country, worries about changing schools, leaving friends behind and the fear of uncertainty all add up. A family in the middle of a move needs patience, warmth, planning, organisation and professional guidance to cope with the change of home. We offer some tips that, in our experience, can help make the transition as smooth as possible.
Moving with children: is it possible?
Adults get stressed about moving. It is a period of intense change, uncertainty, adjustment, financial outlay and disorder… So it is natural to worry that children will also be affected by the whole process of changing homes.
It is important to prepare for the move and explain what is going to happen in language that is appropriate for each age. Very young children will notice the change less and will find it easier to adapt. But as they grow older, they tend to experience more anxiety.
Tips for moving house with children
Above all, stay calm
If the adults show a positive, 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 away from children's ears.
Imagine your new life together
Use stories and games to explain what the move will be like and what they can expect from their new home, new school and the possibility of making new friends — while reassuring them that they will stay in touch with their old ones.
Whenever possible, it is advisable to visit the new home or the new neighbourhood before moving. If the move is far away, you can explore the area using online tools such as Google Street View.
It is also important to let them share their concerns with you and to tell them that you have doubts and concerns too, but that you believe the change will be for the better for everyone.
A good tactic is to play with them and imagine what your new life will be like. If they are old enough to have some independence, let them make certain decisions, such as the decoration of their new bedroom.
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 bag of essentials to helping you donate or recycle items. This will give them confidence and make them feel like an active part of the move.
As far as possible, it is important to maintain certain routines, especially for younger children. For this reason, summer is often a good time to move, since schedules and routines are already more relaxed during the holidays.
Trust the professionals
To survive a move with children, the best approach is to leave the work in the hands of trusted, experienced professionals. That way, you can focus on your children and help them prepare for the big change, free from distractions and confident that your move is in good hands.
At Canarias Horizont 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 team, you can design a move tailored to your needs. We are ready to provide both the major logistics and the small details that make all the difference in such an important life event as moving with children.
Frequently asked questions about stress-free moving with children
How far in advance should you tell a child about a move?
It depends on age: for 0–3 year-olds, there is no need to "announce" the move (they do not understand anticipation). For 4–7 year-olds, 2–4 weeks ahead is enough to process the news without prolonged anticipatory anxiety. For 8–12 year-olds, 4–8 weeks works well — include them in the planning. Teenagers need several months to process the change and say proper goodbyes to their social circle.
How should you set up a child's new bedroom before moving day?
The ideal approach: set up the child's bedroom on DAY 1, before any other room. Use familiar sheets, keep favourite toys within reach, and hang posters or décor from their previous room. Familiar objects, smells and layouts reduce the shock of change. Involve them in choosing the wall colour or new decorations.
How do you know when a child has adapted well?
Positive signs: they ask to invite friends to the new home (a sign of belonging), they refer to the new house as "home" without needing to clarify, they return to normal routines (appetite, sleep), and they no longer mention the previous place as their only positive reference. Average timeframe: 2–4 months for children under 8, 6–12 months for older children.
How should you handle saying goodbye to school friends?
Organise a farewell party at home or at a nearby venue during the last week. Exchange contact details (email, parents' phone numbers) to keep the relationship going. Plan realistic get-togethers (school holidays, occasional weekends). For older children, help them set up communication tools that allow them to stay in touch (video calls, messaging apps).
What if the child wants to go back after the move?
This is very common in the first few months and usually passes. Listen to their specific reasons (missing a particular friend, teacher, park or place). Try to organise one visit to the former home during the first 3–6 months as a bridge. Do not promise a permanent return if it is not realistic. If the complaint persists strongly after 12 months, consider consulting a child psychologist. More on family wellbeing: post-move anxiety.
