Tips to Keep Kids Calm and Engaged During a Move
Moving is often described as one of life’s most stressful events. Between packing boxes, coordinating movers, and adjusting to a new home, it’s a lot for adults to manage—so imagine what it feels like for kids. For children, moving can be confusing, emotional, and sometimes even scary. Their familiar routines are disrupted, their rooms get packed away, and they may not fully understand what’s happening.
The good news? With the right approach, you can help your kids feel calm, engaged, and even excited about the transition. Whether you’re moving across town in Ottawa or heading from Vancouver to Calgary for a new job, here are practical, Canadian-friendly tips to make the process easier on your little ones.
1. Start With Honest, Age-Appropriate Conversations
Children pick up on stress quickly, and leaving them in the dark can cause unnecessary anxiety.
For young kids (toddlers and preschoolers): Keep explanations simple. For example, “We’re moving to a new house, and your toys and bed are coming too.”
For school-aged children: Share details about why you’re moving—like a new job or being closer to family—and answer their questions honestly.
For teens: Acknowledge their feelings about leaving friends, school, or activities. Encourage them to stay connected through social media or visits.
Honesty helps build trust, and when kids feel included, they’re more likely to handle the change with confidence.
2. Keep Routines as Consistent as Possible
Kids thrive on routine. While moving naturally brings disruption, keeping certain parts of their schedule consistent can provide comfort.
Stick to regular meal and bedtime routines, even when surrounded by boxes.
Keep familiar snacks, books, or bedtime rituals handy.
Try to maintain extracurriculars or playdates leading up to the move to provide a sense of normalcy.
Pro Tip: Pack a “moving day kit” with pyjamas, favourite snacks, and a stuffed animal or blanket so bedtime feels familiar, no matter how chaotic the day has been.
3. Give Kids a Role in the Move
Children feel calmer when they feel useful. Involving them in age-appropriate tasks not only engages them but also gives them a sense of control.
Young kids: Let them pack a special “my stuff” box with their favourite toys.
Older kids: Put them in charge of labelling boxes or choosing decorations for their new room.
Teens: Ask for their input when setting up Wi-Fi, scouting local coffee shops, or planning the layout of shared spaces.
By making them part of the process, you transform moving from something that’s “happening to them” into something they’re helping to shape.
4. Explore the New Neighbourhood Together
One of the scariest parts of moving for kids is the unknown. Helping them get familiar with the new community before or right after the move can ease fears.
Visit the local park, library, or community centre together.
If they’re starting a new school, walk or drive the route ahead of time.
Show them local ice cream shops, playgrounds, or sports clubs to get them excited about what’s nearby.
Smart Tip: If you’re moving in winter, bundle up and head out for a “snow adventure” in the new neighbourhood—sledding, skating, or even building a snowman in the backyard can turn the new place into something fun.
5. Keep Them Busy on Moving Day
Moving day itself is often the most stressful. With movers coming in and out, doors open, and heavy lifting happening, kids can quickly become overwhelmed—or get in the way.
For younger kids: Arrange childcare with family, friends, or a trusted babysitter.
For older kids: Set them up with a backpack of activities like colouring books, puzzles, or tablets with downloaded shows.
For all ages: Have snacks and water easily accessible so they don’t get cranky.
Pro Tip: If possible, let them spend moving day with grandparents, cousins, or close friends. It reduces stress for everyone and gives kids a positive distraction.
6. Make Their Room a Priority
Children need a safe space that feels like their own. When you arrive at your new home, try to set up their bedroom first.
Unpack their favourite toys, bedding, and décor right away.
Let them decide where certain items go, even if it’s temporary.
Create a cozy space so they feel at home before the rest of the house is fully unpacked.
This helps kids adjust more quickly and provides comfort during the transition.
7. Acknowledge Their Feelings
Even with the best preparation, kids may feel sad, worried, or angry about the move. That’s normal.
Encourage them to share how they’re feeling, and listen without brushing it off.
Let them know it’s okay to miss their old home, friends, or school.
Share your own experiences with moving if you’ve had them, so they know they’re not alone.
Canadian Perspective: Moving often means leaving behind hockey teams, dance studios, or neighbourhood friends. Help them set up ways to stay connected—like scheduling visits, phone calls, or video chats.
8. Turn the Move Into an Adventure
Framing the move as an adventure can shift kids’ outlook from fear to excitement.
Treat the road trip (if it’s long-distance) as a mini-vacation, with stops at Canadian landmarks or favourite fast-food spots.
Create a scavenger hunt for the new house—like “find where we keep the spoons” or “where does the recycling go?”
Celebrate milestones, like the first night in the new home, with a special family dinner or movie night.
Adding fun and tradition helps replace stress with positive memories.
9. Stay Patient During the Adjustment Period
Even after the boxes are unpacked, kids may need time to adjust. They might cling more than usual, act out, or feel shy in new environments.
Give them space to adjust at their own pace.
Encourage involvement in new activities like local sports or clubs.
Keep communication open and reassure them that it’s normal to take time to settle in.
Over time, the new house and neighbourhood will start to feel like home.
10. Celebrate the Move as a Family
After the dust settles, take a moment to celebrate.
Host a small “housewarming night” with just your family—order pizza, play board games, and enjoy being in your new space together.
If kids are missing their old friends, let them host a virtual tour of the new house.
Consider creating a new family tradition for moving day—like a photo in front of the house or a special meal—to give them something positive to look forward to.
Moving with kids in Canada isn’t always easy, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With preparation, patience, and creativity, you can help your children feel calm, supported, and even excited about the adventure ahead. From involving them in the packing process to exploring the new neighbourhood together, every step you take helps build security and confidence.
Remember: moving isn’t just about boxes and trucks—it’s about creating a new chapter for your family. By keeping your kids engaged and cared for during the process, you’ll not only make the move smoother but also create lasting memories of resilience, teamwork, and family togetherness.
