Moving house can be stressful enough for adults, let alone for children. A new home, a new area, and changes to their routine can make it feel overwhelming.
Whether you’re relocating across Manchester or further afield, planning ahead and involving your kids in the process can make all the difference. Here’s how to make moving home easier for the whole family.
1. Talk About the Move Early
Children cope better with change when they know what’s happening and why. Talk to them as soon as your move is confirmed, and explain it in a positive way.
Encourage them to ask questions and express how they feel. Make the conversation age-appropriate — younger children may need reassurance, while older ones might want to know more about schools or friends.
Tips for early conversations:
- Explain where you’re moving and why
- Show them pictures of the new home or area
- Talk about what will stay the same (pets, furniture, routines)
- Visit the area together if possible
If your move involves temporary accommodation or a gap between homes, consider home storage options to keep your belongings safe until you settle in.
2. Involve Kids in the Planning
Children feel more in control when they’re part of the process. Give them small responsibilities to help them feel involved and excited.
Younger children might enjoy packing their toys, while older kids can help label boxes or design their new bedrooms.
Fun ways to include them:
- Let them pack a “first night” box with favourite items
- Allow them to choose paint colours or bedding for their new room
- Mark their boxes with stickers or drawings
- Assign age-appropriate moving day tasks
This helps reduce anxiety and turns the move into a shared project.
3. Keep Routines Consistent
A familiar routine is a source of comfort during big changes. Try to keep mealtimes, bedtimes, and daily activities as normal as possible before, during, and after the move.
If your children are at school or nursery, avoid moving during key events like exams or term changes where possible.
Simple ways to keep stability:
- Stick to regular sleep and meal times
- Keep school uniforms, books, and toys accessible
- Continue family activities like reading or movie nights
- Unpack their bedrooms first so they feel settled quickly
If your new home isn’t ready yet, temporary secure storage can help you keep essential belongings organised until move-in day.
4. Pack Their Room Last and Unpack It First
Children’s bedrooms are their safe spaces. Packing their things last means they can enjoy their familiar surroundings right up until moving day.
When you arrive at your new home, setting up their room first helps them adjust faster. Having their toys, bedding, and decorations around them provides reassurance.
Key items to unpack first:
- Bed and bedding
- Favourite toys and books
- Night light or comfort blanket
- School bag and clothes for the next day
For bulky furniture or extra boxes you don’t need immediately, use short-term storage to keep your new home clutter-free while settling in.
5. Prepare a Moving Day Survival Kit
Moving day can be long, and kids can get tired or bored quickly. A dedicated “moving day kit” will help keep them comfortable and entertained.
Include in your kit:
- Snacks and drinks
- A few favourite toys or games
- Tablet or colouring books
- Spare clothes and nappies (for younger children)
- Blankets or cushions for the car
- Toiletries and hand wipes
Having everything in one place means you can access what you need quickly — without digging through packed boxes.
If you need extra space while packing, our free van hire service makes transporting items simple and stress-free.
6. Make the Move an Adventure
Turning the move into something fun can help shift the focus away from stress. Frame it as a family adventure rather than a disruption.
Creative ideas to make it fun:
- Play “house hunters” and let kids pick their favourite room
- Create a countdown calendar to moving day
- Have a “goodbye picnic” in your old home or local park
- Take photos together on moving day to mark the occasion
For longer moves, plan stops at interesting places along the route to break up the journey.
7. Help Them Adjust to the New Area
Once you’ve moved, explore your new surroundings together. Familiarity helps kids feel at home faster.
If you’ve relocated within Manchester, there’s plenty to discover — from the Science and Industry Museum to Heaton Park and local playgrounds.
Ways to help them settle in:
- Walk around the neighbourhood together
- Visit local parks and family-friendly spots
- Introduce yourselves to neighbours
- Help them connect with nearby clubs or activities
Setting up routines like walking to school or exploring local cafés can make the area feel familiar quickly.
8. Keep Communication Open
Even after the move, children might take time to adjust. Keep asking how they’re feeling and encourage open conversations.
Things to watch for:
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Mood swings or withdrawal
- Difficulty settling at school
If they’re struggling, reassure them that feeling unsettled is normal — most kids adapt within a few weeks.
9. Use Storage to Make the Transition Easier
When moving with kids, clutter and chaos can easily take over. Using self storage can help you move gradually, keeping your new home calm and organised.
At Cheap Storage Manchester, families often use home storage to:
- Store large furniture temporarily
- Keep seasonal toys and sports gear out of the way
- Make space while unpacking
- Create breathing room during redecorating
We offer free collections and removals, no deposit options, and 50% off your first 9 weeks to help make your move more affordable.
10. Celebrate the Move
Once you’re settled, celebrate your new chapter together. It doesn’t have to be fancy — even a takeaway night or ice cream trip helps mark the milestone.
Ideas to celebrate:
- Have a first-night pizza picnic on the living room floor
- Take a family photo in front of your new home
- Let kids invite new friends over once you’re unpacked
- Explore your new area with a weekend family day out
Moving can be a big emotional shift, but celebrating the positives helps everyone feel proud and excited about the change.
Final Thoughts
Moving with children doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With early planning, open communication, and a focus on routines, you can make the transition smooth and even enjoyable.
If you’re planning a family move in or around Manchester, explore our moving home storage solutions to keep everything safe and organised while you settle in.
