The Ultimate Guide to Moving with Kids: How to Make It Easier

Moving is one of life’s biggest transitions—especially for kids. Whether it’s across town or across the country, a move can stir up big emotions, disrupt routines, and create unexpected challenges. Even when a move is exciting, it often comes with stress and uncertainty for the whole family.

In the latest episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Dr. Melissa Wellner and I dive into the emotional and psychological impact of moving on kids—how they process change, why they may struggle with the transition, and what parents can do to help.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Moving

For children and teens, a move isn’t just about packing boxes—it’s about leaving behind familiar faces, routines, and comfort zones. Some kids will resist change, while others may seem fine until the reality of moving day hits.

In our conversation, Melissa shares how moving in third grade impacted her socially and emotionally, while I open up about my whirlwind year of moving (thanks to an unexpected tree disaster that left my family temporarily homeless).

Through all these experiences, one truth stands out: Moving can feel like an emotional soup of excitement, grief, anxiety, and adjustment—all mixed together.

Signs Your Child May Be Struggling With a Move

Even if kids don’t verbalize their feelings, you may notice changes in their behavior before, during, or after a move. Common signs of moving-related stress include:

• Increased clinginess or emotional outbursts
• Difficulty sleeping or regressing to younger behaviors (e.g., seeking comfort items, thumb-sucking, watching shows or listening to music they enjoyed when they were younger)
• Resisting the move by holding onto possessions or refusing to pack
• Extreme minimalism—giving away sentimental items and later regretting it
• Anxiety about making new friends or starting a new school

How to Make the Transition Easier

As parents, we can’t eliminate the stress of moving, but we can create a smoother transition by being intentional about how we support our kids. Here are some tips to ease the process:

✅ Acknowledge Their Feelings – Let your child express their emotions without immediately trying to “fix” them. Sometimes, they just need to feel heard.

✅ Prepare for Change Together – If possible, involve your kids in decisions about their new room, school, or extracurricular activities. Giving them a sense of control can help ease their anxiety.

✅ Help Them Stay Connected – Arrange playdates or virtual calls with old friends, and encourage them to look forward to making new ones.

✅ Anticipate Regression – It’s common for kids (even teens) to revert to old habits during major transitions. Be patient and supportive.

✅ Find Local Activities – Enrolling in a summer camp, sports league, or after-school program can help kids make new friends before school starts.

You’re Not Alone—And Neither Are Your Kids

Moving is a big life event, and it’s okay if your family experiences some bumps along the way. If you’re struggling with how to support your child through a move—or if you just need reassurance that their reaction is normal—Teen Savvy Coaching is here to help.

Listen to the full episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped to hear more insights on helping kids navigate change. Got questions? Need support? Reach out to me at Teen Savvy Coaching for one-on-one parent coaching. You don’t have to navigate these transitions alone.

TUNE INTO THE FULL EPISODE HERE