Moving with children takes more planning than moving on your own or as a couple. You are not just sorting out boxes and a van, but also a child who is leaving behind their familiar room, friends and sometimes their school. A few choices made in advance make it calmer for everyone, including you.
Tell them in good time, and honestly
Children quickly notice when something is going on. So tell them as soon as it is certain, in words that suit their age. Explain why you are moving and what will change for them, and also what will stay the same: the cuddly toy is coming along, the cat is coming along, grandma and grandpa will still visit.
- Toddlers have little sense of time. Tell them a week or two in advance and use a picture book about moving.
- Primary school children want to know what the new house looks like. Show them photos, or go and have a look together.
- Teenagers want to have a say. Let them have input where you can, such as in how their room is furnished.
Let them help
A child who is allowed to do something feels less caught off guard. Give them their own task that suits their age:
- packing and decorating their own box of toys;
- putting stickers or colours on boxes;
- choosing which toys can be given away;
- drawing a picture of how their new room should look.
You can easily combine that sorting out with your own decluttering, see decluttering before you move.
Pack the children's room last
Leave your child's room as it is for as long as possible. Pack the rest of the house first. That way there is still a calm place where everything feels familiar. Pack the children's room the day before the move, and unpack it first in the new home.
Moving day itself
Moving day itself is busy, with open doors, heavy furniture and lots of people in the house. For young children that is unsettling and not safe either. See whether grandparents, a babysitter or friends can look after the children for the day. If that is not possible, set up a fixed spot in the house where they can play, out of the way of the walking route.
Pack a bag for the first day and night, with:
- a cuddly toy, sleeping bag or their own duvet;
- pyjamas and clean clothes for the next day;
- favourite toys, a few books or a tablet with charger;
- snacks, beakers and nappies if needed;
- medicines and perhaps a night light.
You can read how a day with movers goes in moving day from start to finish.
Moving with a baby
A baby notices little of the move itself, but does notice a stressed parent and a different routine. Stick to regular sleeping and feeding times as much as you can. Put the cot together first in the new home and use the same bedding. Make sure bottles, the steriliser and baby food do not end up at the bottom of a box. If you have just given birth or are close to your due date, leave the lifting to others.
Moving with a toddler
Toddlers are attached to routine. Keep to the usual rituals around meals and bedtime, even when the house is full of boxes. If possible, show them the new home once before the move. In the first few weeks your toddler may be a bit clingier or sleep less well. That is normal and usually passes by itself.
A new school or childcare
If you are moving to another town, arrange a new school or childcare well in advance. Schools and childcare in popular neighbourhoods sometimes have waiting lists. Talk to the current school about the best moment to switch. A holiday is often a quiet moment. Also ask whether the school will do a handover to the new school.
After the move
- Set up the children's room as soon as possible, ideally with the same things in roughly the same places.
- Explore the neighbourhood together: the playground, the bakery, the route to school.
- Let them stay in touch with old friends, for example with a sleepover or a video call.
- Give it time. Most children have settled in after a few weeks.
Do less yourself
With children, you already have your hands full. If you let GD Verhuisbedrijf do the heavy work, you have time left for your family. Through the free moving check, we look together at what is needed.
Frequently asked questions
When should you tell children you are moving?
As soon as it is certain. With toddlers it is better to wait until a week or two beforehand, as they have little sense of time yet. Older children want to know sooner.
What is the best age to move with children?
There is no best age. Young children often adapt quickly. For school-age children, the main factor is the timing of the switch to a new school.
Where do I leave my children on moving day?
Ideally with grandparents, a babysitter or friends. If that is not possible, set up a quiet play area in the house, away from the movers' walking route.
