S2 E25: Surviving Moving Day with Kids
Moving with kids is no small feat, and if you've been through it, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Whether you're making a local move or relocating internationally, there’s a lot to juggle, especially when little ones are part of the picture. As a parent who’s experienced both an international move and a local one with two small children, I know firsthand how chaotic and overwhelming it can feel. But with a bit of preparation and the right mindset, you can all survive.
Let me share a bit of my own experience. About a year ago, my family made an international move from Panama to the U.S. At the time, I had a 5-month-old and a 2-and-a-half-year-old. We moved quickly, and I started work just a day after arriving in the country! For the first month, we lived in an Airbnb until we found our new home, and it felt like a whirlwind. Fast forward to now, we’ve just completed a local move. While it’s been easier in some ways (I already knew the area, we have our support network here, and we didn’t have to worry about setting up bank accounts or cars), it’s still a challenge managing the chaos with a one-and-a-half-year-old and a 3-and-a-half-year-old. So today, I want to share some of the tips that helped make both of these moves a little more manageable, and hopefully, they’ll help you too, whether you’re moving across town or across the world.
Tip 1: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that moving isn’t a one-person job—especially with kids involved. If you have friends or family nearby, don’t hesitate to ask for help. For all of those independent parents out there, I'll say it again: ASK FOR HELP. Ask if they can watch the kids for a few hours so you can pack or have them take your children out for a fun day while you tackle the heavier moving tasks. Not only will this give you some breathing room, but it also keeps your little ones out of the chaos of boxes and moving trucks. Trust me, it’s a sanity-saver!
Tip 2: Keep Kids Busy with New or Novel Items
During both of our moves, having some new or special items for my kids to engage with was a game-changer. Simple things like a fresh set of crayons and coloring books, new toys, or even a new book can keep them occupied long enough for you to pack without having them underfoot. While I'm not a huge fan of screen time, this is a good time to potentially allow them to watch a short show. With toddlers, the challenge is often keeping them from "helping" by unpacking everything you’ve just tried to get boxed up! A new activity or toy can buy you a lot of precious time and helps redirect their energy. Another idea I love is to let your kids decorate the moving boxes with crayons or markers. It’s a creative outlet and helps them feel involved. Just be careful if you hand them markers – washable is key... crayons might be better!
Tip 3: Involve Your Kids in the Process
When it comes to older kids, involving them in the moving process can make a world of difference. If you can, take your child with you to see potential new homes or apartments. This helps them start to picture themselves in the new space and feel more included in the decision-making. If they can’t come along, try showing them photos or videos of the new place. Let them choose their new room or help plan how it will be decorated. Giving them some control can ease their anxiety and help them get excited about the move.
Even with younger kids, like my 3-year-old, giving them a small but meaningful role can make them feel like an important part of the process. For example, my daughter was in charge of opening and closing doors during the move. It may sound small, but she loved it, and it helped her feel involved. You’d be surprised how much a little responsibility can make the whole process feel more manageable for the little ones.
Tip 4: Plan for Meals and Snacks
One thing you don’t want to deal with on moving day is a hangry child—or a hangry parent! Moving is exhausting, and it’s easy to forget about meal planning in the midst of the chaos. I personally feel like I should just eat salad to balance out some of the junk I ate the past few days. Make sure you pack easy-to-access snacks and drinks for the kids (and yourself!), and have a plan for your first few meals in the new place. Whether it’s ordering takeout or packing a simple picnic-style meal of sandwiches and fruit, having a plan will prevent those last-minute food emergencies.
Tip 5: Pack an Essentials Bag for the First Few Days
Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, one of the best things you can do is pack an essentials bag for the first day or two in your new home. This should include pajamas, a change of clothes, toiletries, favorite snacks, and comfort items like stuffed animals or blankets. After a long day of moving, the last thing you want is to be searching through boxes trying to find these necessities, most especially at bedtime when everyone is cranky and on edge since they're somewhere new.
Tip 6: Give Yourself—and Your Kids—Grace
Finally, be patient with yourself and your kids. Moving is a huge transition, and it’s normal for kids to act out or regress a little during the process. When we moved internationally, I had planned to start potty training my toddler just prior to that decision, but we quickly decided to put it off until after the move. It’s okay to delay certain things or lower your expectations temporarily. Everyone is adjusting, and it’s important to give yourself and your kids some extra grace during this time.
Moving with kids, whether across town or to a new country, is a big adventure—and like all adventures, it comes with its challenges. But with a little preparation, some creative strategies, and a whole lot of patience, you can make it a smoother transition for the entire family. If you’ve gone through a move with your family, I’d love to hear your tips! What worked for you? What didn’t? Let’s keep the conversation going, and remember—moving is an opportunity to make new memories together.
Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps you in your next move!