Moving With Children
Moving house can be exciting for adults, but for children it can feel confusing, emotional and sometimes overwhelming.
Whether you’re moving across Plymouth, relocating elsewhere in Devon and Cornwall or planning a nationwide move, children often experience the moving process very differently from parents.
A new home can mean new schools, new friends, new routines and unfamiliar surroundings. The way you prepare your children for a move can have a significant impact on how they adjust.
At PERERA Movers, we’ve helped hundreds of families move successfully. This guide provides practical advice to help make moving house easier for both parents and children.
Why Moving Can Be Difficult For Children
Children often thrive on routine and familiarity.
Moving house may involve leaving behind:
➢ Friends
➢ Schools
➢ Bedrooms
➢ Neighbours
➢ Local Activities
➢ Familiar Places
➢ Family Members
➢ Daily Routines
Even when the move is positive, children may still feel anxious or uncertain.
Understanding these feelings helps parents provide better support.
Tell Children About The Move Early
One of the biggest mistakes parents make is waiting too long to discuss the move.
Whenever possible:
➢ Explain The Move Early
➢ Be Honest
➢ Encourage Questions
➢ Discuss Positive Changes
➢ Listen To Concerns
➢ Involve Children In Planning
The more included children feel, the easier the transition often becomes.
Explain Why You’re Moving
Children often cope better when they understand the reasons behind the move.
Examples may include:
➢ More Space
➢ Better Schools
➢ New Job Opportunities
➢ Moving Closer To Family
➢ A Safer Area
➢ Downsizing
➢ Lifestyle Changes
➢ Retirement Relocations
Keep explanations age appropriate and reassuring.
Involve Children In The Process
Giving children some control can help reduce anxiety.
Simple ways to involve them include:
➢ Choosing Bedroom Colours
➢ Packing Their Own Toys
➢ Creating A Moving Checklist
➢ Visiting The New Area
➢ Choosing New Decorations
➢ Exploring Local Parks
➢ Planning Their New Room
Small decisions can make children feel more excited about the move.
Visit The New Area Before Moving
If possible, spend time exploring your new neighbourhood before moving day.
Visit:
➢ Parks
➢ Schools
➢ Shops
➢ Sports Facilities
➢ Play Areas
➢ Libraries
➢ Beaches
➢ Local Attractions
This helps make the new location feel familiar.
For families moving within Plymouth, this may simply mean spending time in the new neighbourhood before moving day.
Talk About Schools
School changes are often one of the biggest concerns for children.
Discuss:
➢ New Teachers
➢ New Friends
➢ School Activities
➢ Travel Arrangements
➢ Uniforms
➢ Clubs
➢ Sports Teams
➢ School Visits
Many schools offer transition visits to help children settle.
Create A Positive Moving Experience
Children often take emotional cues from adults.
Try to:
➢ Stay Positive
➢ Focus On Opportunities
➢ Celebrate Milestones
➢ Create Excitement
➢ Maintain Routines
➢ Reassure Frequently
A calm and confident approach can help children feel more secure.
Let Children Pack Special Items
Allow children to pack:
➢ Favourite Toys
➢ Books
➢ Games
➢ Comfort Items
➢ Artwork
➢ Keepsakes
This helps them feel involved and gives them a sense of control.
Prepare A Children’s Essentials Box
Moving day can be busy.
Pack a separate essentials box containing:
➢ Favourite Toys
➢ Snacks
➢ Drinks
➢ Tablets
➢ Chargers
➢ Books
➢ Comfort Blankets
➢ Spare Clothes
Having familiar items available immediately can be very reassuring.
Moving Day With Young Children
Young children may find moving day overwhelming.
Consider:
➢ Childcare
➢ Family Support
➢ Flexible Routines
➢ Regular Breaks
➢ Familiar Toys
➢ Easy Meals
➢ Quiet Spaces
➢ Early Bedtimes
Reducing stress on moving day helps everyone.
Moving Day With Teenagers
Teenagers may have different concerns.
Common worries include:
➢ Leaving Friends
➢ Changing Schools
➢ Social Activities
➢ Sports Clubs
➢ Employment
➢ Independence
Encourage open conversations and involve them in planning decisions.
Helping Children Say Goodbye
Leaving familiar surroundings can be emotional.
Ideas include:
➢ Taking Photos
➢ Visiting Favourite Places
➢ Organising Farewell Gatherings
➢ Exchanging Contact Details
➢ Creating Memory Books
➢ Keeping Souvenirs
This can help children process the transition positively.
Keeping Routines Consistent
Children often adapt better when routines remain stable.
Try to maintain:
➢ Bedtimes
➢ Mealtimes
➢ School Activities
➢ Weekend Activities
➢ Family Traditions
➢ Reading Time
Consistency provides reassurance during change.
Settling Into Your New Home
After moving:
➢ Set Up Children’s Rooms First
➢ Unpack Favourite Items Quickly
➢ Explore The Area Together
➢ Visit Local Facilities
➢ Meet Neighbours
➢ Encourage New Friendships
Children often settle more quickly once familiar belongings are in place.
Moving Within Plymouth
Many families move between Plymouth areas such as:
➢ Plympton
➢ Plymstock
➢ Crownhill
➢ Derriford
➢ Mutley
➢ Lipson
➢ Stoke
➢ Woolwell
Local moves can often feel less disruptive because children may remain close to familiar places and friends.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
Avoid:
➢ Telling Children Too Late
➢ Ignoring Concerns
➢ Rushing Goodbyes
➢ Changing Too Many Routines
➢ Packing Favourite Items Away
➢ Creating Unnecessary Stress
➢ Leaving Children Uninformed
➢ Forgetting Emotional Needs
Moving is not just a physical transition—it is an emotional one too.
Why Choose PERERA Movers?
PERERA Movers regularly helps families move throughout Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall.
We provide:
➢ House Removals
➢ Packing Services
➢ Storage Solutions
➢ Senior Moving Services
➢ Long Distance Removals
➢ Nationwide Relocations
➢ Hourly Rate Options
➢ Fixed Price Quotations
➢ Fully Insured Services
➢ 200+ Verified 5-Star Reviews
Helping families enjoy smoother, less stressful moves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Moving Services
If you’re planning a move, you may also find these services useful:
➢ House Removals
➢ Packing Services
➢ Storage Solutions
➢ Office Removals
➢ Areas We Cover
➢ Get A Free Quote
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Planning a family move in Plymouth, Devon, Cornwall or anywhere in the UK?
PERERA Movers provides professional house removals, packing services, storage solutions and nationwide moving services designed to make moving easier for families.
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