When families uproot their lives to move to a new home, it’s often the kids who face the biggest emotional hurdles. Through our years helping families relocate across the country at BMS Moving & Storage, we’ve watched children grapple with leaving behind best friends, favorite hangout spots, and the daily routines that gave them a sense of security.
While parents juggle the logistics of hiring movers and packing boxes, children process a much more personal journey, one that reshapes their social world and tests their ability to adapt. As moving professionals who have supported thousands of family transitions, we’ve learned valuable insights about helping kids not just survive a move, but potentially thrive through this major life change.
Understanding the Impact of Moving on Children
Research shows that moving can significantly affect a child’s emotional well-being. Children who experience multiple moves are three times more likely to face adjustment challenges compared to those who maintain a stable residence. This comes as no surprise—moving means leaving behind familiar friends, routines, and surroundings that provide children with a sense of security and belonging.
The Emotional Journey
Every child processes a move differently. Some common reactions include:
- Anxiety about the unknown environment
- Sadness over leaving friends behind
- Fear about making new connections
- Confusion about the changes ahead
- Mixed feelings of excitement and apprehension
Age plays a crucial role in how children handle moves. Younger children might worry about leaving their favorite places or toys, while older kids typically focus more on the social impact of leaving friends and starting at a new school. Teenagers often find moves particularly challenging as peer relationships are especially important during these formative years.
Creating a Positive Moving Experience
At BMS Moving & Storage, we believe that with proper support and preparation, moving can become a positive growth experience for children. Here are proven strategies we’ve gathered from helping countless families relocate.
Open Communication is Essential
Start conversations about the move early. Be honest and transparent about what’s changing and when. Create an environment where your children feel comfortable expressing their feelings – whether excited, worried, or upset. Remember that children often process big changes differently than adults and may need extra time to adjust.
Involve Your Children in the Process
One of the most effective ways to help children cope with moving is to make them active participants rather than passive observers. Our professional moving teams often suggest:
- Letting kids help pack their own rooms
- Allowing them to decorate their moving boxes
- Including them in discussions about their new room layout
- Creating a memory book of their old home and neighborhood
- Taking virtual tours of the new area together
Maintaining Stability During Transition
While much will change during a move, maintaining some consistency helps children feel secure. Our experience shows that:
- Keeping daily routines as normal as possible during packing
- Packing children’s rooms last and unpacking them first
- Keeping favorite toys and comfort items easily accessible
- Maintaining regular meal and bedtime schedules
- Continuing family traditions in the new home
Professional Support Makes a Difference
As professional movers, we understand that the physical aspects of moving can overwhelm parents, leaving less energy for supporting their children’s emotional needs. That’s why BMS Moving & Storage offers comprehensive services designed to reduce your stress, including:
- Professional packing services that free up your time for family
- Experienced crews who treat your belongings with care
- Efficient moves that minimize disruption to your family’s routine
- Custom crating for special items that are important to your children
- Flexible solutions that adapt to your family’s specific needs
After the Move: Settling In
The adjustment period doesn’t end once the moving truck drives away. Here are key strategies for helping children settle into their new home:
- Unpack kids’ rooms quickly to establish familiar spaces
- Explore the new neighborhood together
- Maintain connections with old friends while encouraging new friendships
- Establish new routines that incorporate favorite activities from your previous home
- Stay positive while acknowledging that adjustment takes time
When to Seek Additional Support
While some adjustment challenges are normal, watch for signs that your child might need extra help:
- Prolonged sadness or withdrawal
- Significant changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Ongoing resistance to attending school
- Difficulty making new friends after several months
- Persistent anxiety or behavioral issues
Professional Support Every Step of the Way
At BMS Moving & Storage, we take pride in being more than just a moving company – we’re partners in your family’s transition. Our experienced teams understand the unique challenges of moving with children and work to make the process as smooth as possible.
From our professional packing services that free up your time to focus on your family’s emotional needs, to our efficient moving crews who treat your belongings with care, we’re here to support your family every step of the way. With BMS Moving & Storage, you can trust that your move will be handled with the expertise and care your family deserves.
Ready to plan your family’s move? Contact BMS Moving & Storage at 1.877.462.0213 for a free quote and learn how we can help make your family’s transition a positive experience for everyone, especially your children.
Sources:
Child Mind Institute – Advice for Moving With Children
