Moving with Kids and Pets: Making Relocation Easier for Your Whole Family

Moving to a new home is a significant life event that affects every member of your household—including the furry, four-legged ones. At Motivated Movers, we understand that relocating with children and pets adds unique challenges to the moving process. While adults can comprehend and prepare for a move, children and pets often struggle with the changes and disruptions to their routines.

This comprehensive guide provides practical advice for preparing your children and pets for moving day, managing the transition, and helping them settle into your new home. With proper planning and sensitivity to their needs, you can make the moving experience less stressful and even exciting for the whole family.

Table of Contents

Preparing Children for a Move

Children of different ages will react differently to the news of a move. The key is to provide age-appropriate information, involve them in the process, and maintain open communication.

Breaking the News

How and when you tell your children about the move can significantly impact their reaction:

  • Timing matters: Tell your children about the move once it's definite, but with enough advance notice for them to process the information—generally 2-4 weeks for preschoolers and 4-6 weeks for school-age children and teens.

  • Family meeting: Gather everyone together for a family discussion. Choose a time when everyone is calm and there are no immediate distractions.

  • Be positive but honest: Emphasize the positive aspects of the move while acknowledging that change can be difficult. Avoid dismissing their concerns or worries.

  • Tailor information to age: Younger children need simple explanations and reassurance, while older children and teenagers appreciate more details about the reasons for the move and what to expect.

  • Visual aids: For younger children, consider using picture books about moving, or show them photos or videos of your new home and neighborhood if possible.

Addressing Concerns and Emotions

Children may experience a range of emotions about moving, from excitement to fear or anger:

  • Validate feelings: Let your children know that it's okay to feel sad, angry, or worried about moving. Remind them that you have similar feelings sometimes too.

  • Encourage questions: Create an atmosphere where children feel comfortable asking questions, and be prepared to answer them honestly.

  • Focus on continuity: Emphasize what won't change—family relationships, beloved toys, family traditions, and the ability to stay in touch with friends.

  • Problem-solve together: If a child expresses a specific concern, work together to find solutions. For example, if they're worried about making new friends, discuss strategies for meeting people.

Involving Children in the Moving Process

Giving children age-appropriate tasks helps them feel included and provides a sense of control:

  • Preschoolers (ages 2-5): Let them decorate their moving boxes with stickers or crayons. Have them sort toys into "keep," "donate," and "pack" piles with your help.

  • School-age children (ages 6-12): Involve them in planning their new room layout. Let them pack a special box of their favorite items. Research the new area together to find parks, libraries, or activities they might enjoy.

  • Teenagers (ages 13-18): Give them responsibility for packing their own rooms. Involve them in some decision-making, such as choosing paint colors for their new room or selecting a new piece of furniture.

Maintaining Routines

Consistency provides security during times of change:

  • Keep daily schedules: Maintain normal mealtimes, bedtimes, and other routine activities as much as possible.

  • Continue special traditions: If you have Friday movie nights or Sunday pancake breakfasts, keep these traditions going during the moving process.

  • Familiar spaces: Try to keep children's spaces intact until the last possible moment. Pack children's rooms last if possible.

School Transitions

If your move involves changing schools, additional preparation can help:

  • Research schools early: Involve older children in researching or even visiting potential new schools.

  • Meet the teacher: Arrange for your child to meet their new teacher before the first day if possible.

  • Gather records: Ensure you have all necessary academic and medical records for enrollment.

  • Connect ahead of time: Look for ways to connect with other families from the new school before you move, perhaps through social media or parent groups.

Moving Day with Kids

Moving day itself is often chaotic, with movers coming and going, furniture being disassembled, and boxes being loaded. Planning specifically for your children's needs on this day will make the experience smoother for everyone.

Childcare Options

Consider these options for moving day childcare:

  • Arrange care elsewhere: If possible, having children stay with relatives, friends, or a trusted babysitter on moving day can be the easiest solution, especially for younger children.

  • Tag-team parenting: If both parents are involved, consider having one parent primarily responsible for the children while the other oversees the move.

  • Hire help: Consider hiring a babysitter to watch your children at the old or new home, or even at a neutral location like a park or library.

  • Moving company childcare: Some moving companies offer childcare services specifically for moving day—ask if this is an option.

Keeping Kids Occupied During the Move

If children will be present during moving day:

  • Create a "moving day kit": Pack a bag with favorite toys, games, books, snacks, and comfort items to keep children entertained.

  • Designate a safe zone: Set up a room or area that will be packed last where kids can play away from the action. Make sure this area has supervision.

  • Age-appropriate tasks: Give children simple jobs to help them feel involved, such as carrying light items to the car or being the "box marker" with colorful stickers.

  • Use technology strategically: Moving day might be a good time to relax screen time rules. Load up a tablet with movies or games to keep kids occupied during hectic periods.

Safety Considerations

Moving days come with unique safety concerns:

  • Hazard awareness: Point out potential dangers to children, such as stacked boxes that could fall, moving equipment, or propped-open doors.

  • Clear pathways: Ensure there are clear, safe pathways through the house, free of packing materials, tools, or other tripping hazards.

  • Check-in system: For older children, establish a check-in system so you always know where they are amid the chaos.

  • Identification: Make sure young children know their full names, your name, and a contact phone number. Consider an ID bracelet for very young children.

  • First aid kit: Keep a first aid kit easily accessible rather than packed away.

Saying Goodbye

Leaving a familiar home can be emotional for children:

  • Goodbye ritual: Consider having a small ceremony or ritual to say goodbye to your old home. This might include taking a family photo in front of the house or having each family member share a favorite memory.

  • Visit special places: If there's time in the days before the move, visit favorite parks, restaurants, or other special places one last time.

  • Neighborhood farewell: Encourage children to say goodbye to neighbors and friends. Consider having a small gathering or playdate for this purpose.

Preparing Pets for a Move

Like children, pets thrive on routine and can become stressed by major changes. Preparation is key to making the transition as smooth as possible for your animal companions.

General Preparation

These steps will help any pet prepare for a move:

  • Maintain routines: Keep feeding, walking, and playtime schedules as normal as possible leading up to the move.

  • Update identification: Ensure your pet's microchip information is current and their ID tags have your new address and phone number.

  • Vet visit: Schedule a check-up before moving to ensure your pet is healthy and to get copies of veterinary records. If moving to a new city, ask for recommendations for vets in your new area.

  • Research pet regulations: If moving to a new community, research any pet regulations, licensing requirements, or breed restrictions that might apply.

  • Find pet-friendly accommodations: If your move involves temporary housing, make sure pets are allowed and accommodated.

Introducing Moving Equipment

The unusual sights and sounds of packing can be stressful for pets:

  • Gradual introduction: Bring moving boxes, packing tape, and other supplies into your home gradually so pets can adjust to their presence.

  • Create positive associations: Place treats, toys, or bedding near packing materials so pets associate them with positive experiences.

  • Safe spaces: Maintain a designated area with your pet's bed, toys, and water that will remain unpacked until the last moment.

Acclimating to Carriers and Travel

If your pet will need to travel in a carrier or crate:

  • Positive reinforcement: Place treats inside the carrier and allow your pet to explore it freely in the weeks leading up to the move.

  • Gradual training: For longer trips, have your pet spend increasingly longer periods in the carrier, always with positive reinforcement.

  • Comfort items: Place familiar bedding or toys in the carrier to make it more comfortable and familiar.

  • Test drives: For pets that aren't used to car travel, take short practice drives with them in their carrier to help them adjust.

Specific Tips for Dogs

Dogs have unique needs when preparing for a move:

  • Exercise: Increase exercise in the days leading up to the move to help reduce anxiety and burn off excess energy.

  • Walking tour: If possible, take your dog for walks in your new neighborhood before moving day to familiarize them with the sights and smells.

  • Training reinforcement: Review basic commands that will be helpful during the move, such as "stay" or "place."

  • Anxiety management: For dogs prone to anxiety, discuss calming aids with your veterinarian, such as pheromone diffusers, anxiety wraps, or in some cases, medication.

Specific Tips for Cats

Cats are particularly sensitive to environmental changes:

  • Gradual packing: Pack your home gradually to minimize disruption to your cat's environment.

  • Familiar scents: Preserve your cat's scent in the home by waiting to wash their bedding until after the move.

  • Safe room: On packing and moving days, consider keeping your cat in a quiet, closed room with their essentials to reduce stress and prevent escape.

  • Feliway products: Consider using synthetic feline pheromone products, which can help reduce stress in cats during transitions.

Moving Day with Pets

Moving day can be particularly stressful for pets with unfamiliar people in the home, doors left open, and their environment being dismantled. Careful planning is essential for their safety and comfort.

Pet Safety During Loading and Unloading

Keep pets secure amid the chaos:

  • Secure confinement: Keep pets in a closed, quiet room with their essentials (food, water, litter box, bed, toys) until everything else is packed and loaded.

  • Clear identification: Ensure pets are wearing collars with ID tags in case they manage to escape during the confusion.

  • Inform the moving crew: Let movers know there are pets in the home and which rooms should be kept closed.

  • Designated pet guardian: Assign one family member the sole responsibility of monitoring pets throughout the day.

Transportation Options

Choose the best method for transporting your pets to your new home:

  • Personal vehicle: When possible, transporting pets in your own vehicle is typically the least stressful option.

  • Pet shipping services: For long-distance moves where driving isn't practical, professional pet shipping services can be a safe alternative.

  • Air travel: If flying is necessary, research airline pet policies well in advance and consult with your vet about making air travel as safe and comfortable as possible.

  • Never in moving trucks: Pets should never travel in moving vans or the back of moving trucks due to safety concerns, including temperature fluctuations and shifting cargo.

During the Journey

Make the journey as comfortable as possible:

  • Secure restraint: Use appropriate carriers for small pets. For dogs in cars, use crash-tested harnesses or secured crates.

  • Comfort items: Include familiar bedding, toys, and treats to provide comfort during transit.

  • Regular breaks: For car travel, plan for regular stops to allow dogs to relieve themselves, drink water, and stretch their legs. Never leave pets alone in a parked vehicle.

  • Temperature control: Ensure proper ventilation and temperature control in the vehicle at all times.

  • Motion sickness: Some pets experience motion sickness. Consult your veterinarian about potential preventative medications if needed.

  • Hydration and food: Maintain access to water, but consider feeding a lighter meal before travel to prevent stomach upset.

Arrival at the New Home

Take specific steps when introducing pets to their new environment:

  • Pet-proof first: Before bringing pets into the new home, do a quick inspection to ensure there are no hazards, openings where they could escape, or pest control products left by previous owners.

  • Gradual introduction: Bring pets into one quiet room first with their familiar items before allowing them to explore the entire house.

  • Supervision: Closely supervise initial explorations of the new home to prevent stress behaviors or escape attempts.

  • Establish pet areas: Set up feeding stations, beds, and litter boxes immediately, placing them in locations similar to where they were in your previous home if possible.

The First Night in Your New Home

The first night in a new home can be disorienting for both children and pets. Planning ahead for this transition is essential for helping everyone feel secure and beginning to establish new routines.

Setting Up Children's Bedrooms First

Prioritize creating a familiar sleeping environment:

  • Familiar bedding: Make their beds with the same sheets, blankets, and pillows from your previous home to provide comfort and familiarity.

  • Favorite toys: Unpack a selection of favorite toys and comfort items immediately.

  • Similar arrangement: Try to arrange furniture in a similar layout to their previous room if possible.

  • Nightlights: Set up nightlights in bedrooms and hallways to help children navigate the unfamiliar space in the dark.

  • Normal bedtime routine: Stick to your usual bedtime routine, including stories, songs, or other rituals that signal it's time to sleep.

Creating Pet Comfort Zones

Help pets feel secure in their new environment:

  • Familiar items: Set up your pet's bed, toys, food and water dishes, and litter boxes in a quiet area where they can retreat.

  • Scent familiarity: Use unwashed bedding and toys that carry the scent of your previous home to provide comfort and continuity.

  • Limited space initially: Consider confining pets to one room on the first night rather than giving them free run of the house, which can be overwhelming.

  • Stick to routines: Feed and walk pets at their usual times to maintain a sense of normalcy.

  • Extra attention: Spend additional time playing with and reassuring your pets to help them feel secure.

Essential Supplies for the First Night

Have these items easily accessible:

  • For children: Pajamas, toothbrushes, favorite stuffed animals or blankets, a few books, nightlights, any necessary medications, and a change of clothes for the next day.

  • For pets: Food, water, bowls, medications, litter box and litter for cats, leash and poop bags for dogs, familiar bedding, and a few favorite toys.

  • For everyone: Basic toiletries, toilet paper, hand soap, shower curtain (if not already installed), towels, phone chargers, and a basic first aid kit.

  • Food and drinks: Easy meals or takeout, paper plates and plastic utensils, bottled water, and simple breakfast items for the morning.

Managing Expectations and Emotions

The first night may bring up unexpected feelings:

  • Open communication: Create space for family members to share how they're feeling about the new home.

  • Acknowledge feelings: Validate any emotions children express, whether excitement, anxiety, or sadness.

  • Focus on the positive: Point out special features of the new home or neighborhood that you're looking forward to exploring.

  • Be patient with pets: Understand that pets may exhibit stress behaviors such as hiding, decreased appetite, or accidents. Respond with patience rather than punishment.

  • Self-care: Remember that children and pets will pick up on your stress levels—take moments to breathe and remain calm even amid the chaos.

Helping Kids and Pets Adjust to a New Home

The adjustment period after a move can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Intentional strategies can help both children and pets settle into their new environment more quickly and comfortably.

Establishing New Routines

Routines provide security during times of change:

  • Consistent schedules: Reestablish regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and other daily routines as quickly as possible.

  • New traditions: Create new family traditions specific to your new home, such as a special weekend breakfast or a weekly exploration of a new neighborhood spot.

  • Familiar activities: Continue activities that were important at your old home, like family game nights or weekend walks.

  • Visual schedules: For younger children and some pets, visual schedules or cues can help them understand what to expect each day.

Exploring Together

Familiarize everyone with the new environment:

  • Neighborhood walks: Take regular walks with children and dogs to explore the neighborhood, allowing everyone to become familiar with the new surroundings.

  • Local amenities: Visit nearby parks, libraries, ice cream shops, or other family-friendly locations to build positive associations with the new area.

  • Meet neighbors: Introduce yourselves to neighbors, especially those with children or pets similar to yours.

  • Mapping exercise: With older children, create a simple map of the neighborhood, marking favorite spots as you discover them.

Building New Social Connections

Help children establish new friendships:

  • School involvement: Encourage children to join clubs, sports teams, or other activities at their new school.

  • Community programs: Research community centers, houses of worship, or local organizations that offer programs where children can meet peers with similar interests.

  • Host a gathering: Consider hosting a small get-together and inviting neighborhood families once you're settled.

  • Stay connected to old friends: While building new relationships, maintain connections to old friends through video calls, letters, or visits when possible.

Addressing Behavioral Changes

Both children and pets may exhibit stress-related behaviors:

  • Regression in children: Younger children might temporarily regress to behaviors they had outgrown, such as bedwetting, baby talk, or tantrums. Respond with patience and reassurance rather than criticism.

  • Academic challenges: School-age children might experience a temporary dip in academic performance as they adjust. Maintain communication with teachers and provide extra support if needed.

  • Pet behavior issues: Pets might display anxiety through behaviors like house soiling, excessive vocalization, destructive behavior, or changes in appetite. Maintain consistent rules and routines while providing extra reassurance.

  • Professional support: If behavioral issues persist or worsen, don't hesitate to consult professionals—a child psychologist or counselor for children, or a veterinarian or animal behaviorist for pets.

Creating New Spaces

Help everyone feel ownership of the new home:

  • Decorating input: Allow children to have input in decorating their bedrooms, choosing paint colors, posters, or arrangement of furniture.

  • Pet territories: Create designated spaces for pets with their beds, toys, and feeding stations in quiet, low-traffic areas.

  • Memory corner: Consider creating a small space with photos or mementos from your previous home to honor those memories while building new ones.

  • Family project: Undertake a simple home improvement or decoration project together, giving everyone a sense of investment in the new space.

Special Circumstances

Some moving situations present additional challenges for children and pets. Here are strategies for managing several common special circumstances.

Long-Distance Moves

When relocating far away:

  • Road trip planning: If driving a long distance, research pet-friendly accommodations in advance and plan frequent stops for everyone to stretch.

  • Flight preparations: If flying with children or pets, thoroughly research airline policies and prepare everyone for security procedures and flight experiences.

  • Gradual goodbye: For children, plan a gradual transition from the old community with special goodbye events spread over time rather than one emotional farewell.

  • Digital connections: Set up video chat capabilities before leaving so children can maintain virtual contact with friends from the former location.

  • New area research: Research activities, parks, and attractions in your new location that align with your children's and pets' interests and share exciting options with them.

Temporary Housing

If your move involves a temporary living situation:

  • Explain the timeline: Help children understand the temporary nature of the situation with appropriate visual aids such as calendars or countdowns.

  • Consistent items: Keep certain toys, books, and comfort items consistent throughout all housing transitions.

  • Pet-friendly accommodations: Carefully research pet policies for temporary housing, including any breed or size restrictions, additional deposits, or designated pet areas.

  • Minimize transitions: If possible, try to limit the number of moves, as each transition can be stressful for children and pets.

  • Create routines quickly: Establish routines in the temporary housing as if it were permanent to provide stability.

Moves During the School Year

When timing requires a mid-year school change:

  • Communication with teachers: Establish communication with both former and new teachers to facilitate the academic transition.

  • School records: Ensure all academic records are transferred promptly to the new school.

  • School tour: Arrange for a school tour before the first day if possible.

  • Extracurricular continuity: Try to maintain participation in similar extracurricular activities at the new school to provide continuity and social opportunities.

  • Homework support: Be prepared to provide extra academic support during the transition period.

Changes in Family Structure

Moves that coincide with family changes such as divorce or remarriage:

  • Clear communication: Provide clear, age-appropriate explanations about the family changes, separate from discussions about the move itself.

  • Acknowledge feelings: Create space for children to express their feelings about both the family changes and the move.

  • Consistency between homes: For children who will be living in two households, try to maintain some consistency in routines, expectations, and even items like bedding or toys.

  • Pet custody considerations: If pets will be splitting time between homes or staying with one family member, ensure transitions are handled consistently and with minimal stress.

  • Professional support: Consider family counseling to help everyone adjust to both the family changes and the new living situation.

Moving with Special Needs Children or Elderly Pets

These groups may require additional considerations:

  • Medical providers: Research and establish relationships with new medical providers or veterinarians before the move.

  • Medication management: Ensure you have adequate supplies of all necessary medications during the transition period.

  • Environmental accommodations: Assess the new home for any needed accommodations or modifications before moving day.

  • Detailed routines: Create even more detailed routines and visual supports for children with special needs who may rely heavily on predictability.

  • Gradual introduction: Plan for an even more gradual introduction to the new environment, perhaps through multiple short visits if possible.

  • Support services: Research and arrange for continuation of any therapy, intervention, or support services in the new location.

Moving with children and pets requires extra planning, patience, and sensitivity, but with proper preparation, it can also be an adventure that brings your family closer together. By addressing the needs of every family member—including the four-legged ones—you can transform what could be a stressful experience into an opportunity for growth, exploration, and creating new memories together.

At Motivated Movers, we understand the unique challenges that come with relocating your entire family. Our experienced team is prepared to help make your move as smooth as possible so you can focus on supporting your children and pets through the transition. Contact us today to learn how we can assist with your family's upcoming move.