Moving with Kids: Age-by-Age Guide to Making It Easier

Moving is stressful for adults, but for children it can feel like their entire world is being uprooted. Their school, their friends, their favorite park, their bedroom — everything familiar is changing at once. The good news is that with the right approach, a move can actually become a positive and memorable experience for your family.

At iHaul iMove, we have helped thousands of Colorado Springs families with children navigate moves over the past 18 years. We have seen firsthand how a well-planned, thoughtful approach makes all the difference. This guide breaks down what kids need at every age to feel safe, heard, and even excited about their new adventure.

Moving with Babies and Toddlers (0-3 Years)

The silver lining with very young children is that they are the most adaptable. They will not remember the move itself, and their primary need is consistency with their caregivers and routines.

Tips for the Youngest Movers

• Maintain routines. Keep nap times, meal times, and bedtime routines as consistent as possible throughout the move. These anchors provide security.
• Set up their room first. When you arrive at the new home, prioritize setting up the crib, changing table, and familiar items in the baby’s room. This creates a safe base immediately.
• Arrange childcare for moving day. Having a trusted friend, family member, or babysitter watch your little one during the actual move keeps them safe and lets you focus.
• Pack a “first night” bag. Include diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, pajamas, a favorite blanket, and a stuffed animal so you are not digging through boxes at bedtime.

Moving with Preschoolers (3-5 Years)

Preschoolers are old enough to notice the changes happening around them but may not fully understand the concept of “moving.” They might worry that their toys are being taken away or that they will never see their friends again.

Tips for Preschoolers

• Read books about moving. Several excellent children’s books normalize the experience — The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day and Moving Molly are favorites.
• Let them pack a special box. Give them a box or bag and let them choose which toys and items go in it. This gives them a sense of control.
• Visit the new home or neighborhood. If possible, take them to see the new house, walk around the neighborhood, and visit a nearby playground before moving day.
• Use simple, positive language. “We are going to a new house with a bigger yard!” works better than lengthy explanations.
• Expect some regression. It is normal for preschoolers to have more tantrums, bedwetting, or clinginess during a transition. Be patient and provide extra comfort.

Moving with School-Age Kids (6-12 Years)

This age group often struggles the most with moving because their social connections and school identity are well established. Leaving friends, teammates, and teachers can feel devastating.

Tips for School-Age Children

• Involve them in decisions. Let them choose their room color, help plan the furniture layout, or pick out new bedding. Even small choices give them a sense of agency.
• Acknowledge their feelings. Do not dismiss their sadness or anxiety. Saying “I understand this is hard, and it is okay to feel sad” validates their experience.
• Plan goodbye activities. A farewell party, a day out with their best friend, or exchanging contact information helps them process the goodbye.
• Research the new area together. Look up parks, sports leagues, clubs, and activities near your new home in Colorado Springs. Getting excited about new opportunities helps balance the grief of leaving.
• Keep connections alive. Set up video calls with old friends, plan future visits, and encourage pen pals or online gaming with their friend group.

School Transition Tips

If your move involves changing schools:

• Contact the new school early to understand enrollment requirements and available programs.
• Request records from the current school to make the transfer seamless.
• Ask about orientation programs or buddy systems for new students.
• Consider timing your move so your child starts at a natural break point (beginning of semester, after winter break, etc.).

Moving with Teenagers (13-18 Years)

Teens are the most vocal about their displeasure with moving — and with good reason. Their social life, extracurricular activities, and sense of identity are deeply tied to their current community. A move can feel like a personal crisis.

Tips for Teenagers

• Be transparent about the reasons. Teens deserve honest explanations about why the family is moving. Whether it is a job opportunity, financial reasons, or a lifestyle change, they will respect being treated with maturity.
• Give them a voice. Let them have significant input on their room setup, decor, and any shared spaces. Some families let teens choose their own paint color as a meaningful way to claim their new space.
• Validate their emotions. Anger, sadness, and resentment are all normal reactions. Listen without immediately trying to fix it.
• Help them stay connected. Social media, texting, and video calls make staying in touch with friends easier than ever. Plan visits back to the old town when possible.
• Explore new activities. Help them find sports teams, clubs, volunteer opportunities, or jobs near the new home. New activities are the fastest way to build new friendships.
• Be patient. Teens may take longer to warm up to the new location. Give them space and time without pushing too hard.

Moving Day Tips for All Ages

No matter how old your children are, moving day itself requires special planning:

Create a Kid-Free Zone

Designate a room or area where kids can play safely while movers work. Stock it with snacks, drinks, tablets, books, and games. For very young children, this space should be supervised by an adult who is not involved in the move.

Pack an Essentials Bag for Each Child

Every child should have a bag with:

• A favorite comfort item (stuffed animal, blanket)
• A change of clothes
• Snacks and a water bottle
• Entertainment (coloring books, tablet, headphones)
• Any medications they need
• Toothbrush and pajamas for the first night

Keep a Positive Attitude

Children take emotional cues from their parents. If you are stressed and anxious, they will be too. Even if you are feeling overwhelmed, try to project calm and excitement about the new chapter.

Let the Professionals Handle the Heavy Lifting

One of the best things you can do for your family during a move is to focus your energy on your children and let experienced movers handle the logistics. At iHaul iMove, we take care of everything from packing services to furniture protection so you can focus on what matters most — your family.

We serve families across Colorado Springs, Monument, Falcon, and the entire Pikes Peak region with 800+ 5-star reviews and 18 years of family-focused moving experience.

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Call us at 719-357-5865 to plan a family-friendly move your kids will actually remember fondly.