Moving can be stressful for everyone involved, but for children, it’s a huge disruption to their routine. Kids are often expected to accept a move is happening without always understanding why or what life will look like afterward. And, if the move happens right before or during the school year, there is an additional layer of uncertainty.

Starting at a new school without their friends and the familiar faces of classmates and teachers can be difficult for a child. That’s why when Atlas Van Lines’ 2026 Corporate Relocation Survey came out, I wasn’t surprised to see one of the top reasons employees declined relocation opportunities was moving children to a new school. Parents recognize how much a big move affects their children, and to many, that’s not worth the new opportunities relocation will bring in general.

But if you are moving, it doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing for your children. Read below for ideas to make moving with kids easier, and check out this guide from Redfin: How to Make a Back-to-School Move Easier for Kids.

Tip #1: Involve kids in the moving process from the beginning.

After decades of helping families relocate, I have seen too many kids being told to sit quietly on the couch and stay out of the way while their entire world was packed into a truck. That’s why I wrote Moving Magic: Moving with Children as a resource that would help parents involve children in the process. I’ve found that when kids are included in the process, they gain a sense of control and confidence that can make the entire transition less overwhelming.

When a move is inevitable, the best thing parents can do is to be honest with their children and get them involved. Talk about why you’re moving, what your new home will be like, and what they have to look forward to. Getting kids excited about what’s ahead instead of what they’re leaving behind can help build confidence for the next chapter.

Tip #2: Prepare hands-on activities.

In Moving Magic, I outline activities that both keep kids occupied and help them understand what’s happening, express their emotions, and feel like they’re part of the change.

Some of the activities include having kids help with a pre-move garage sale and packing a special “first day box” that’s filled with comfort items like family photos and favorite toys that they will want as soon as they arrive at their new home. The book also encourages children to draw, solve puzzles, write about their feelings, and think about what they're excited to do in their new home and community.

Tip #3: Keep routines in place.

Even though your house may steadily be packed into boxes, families should try to keep routines in place throughout the process. Whether that is sitting down for dinner every night or reading a book before bed, small moments of consistency can help reassure children that even though the house has changed, the people and routines they depend on have not. These habits can help make the first few days in their new home and new school feel much less overwhelming.

Tip #4: Make the move easier on everyone.

Parents should remember that children take emotional cues from them. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything that needs to get done, your children are going to feed off of that feeling. Try to stay positive, keep familiar routines when you can, and give your kids opportunities to talk about what they’re feeling. The goal isn’t to pretend a move isn’t stressful. It’s to help children understand that it’s okay to be nervous about what's changing while still being excited about what’s ahead.

You can also make the experience less stressful overall by working with a professional mover like Anchor Moving and Storage, an Atlas Van Lines agent. Experienced movers can help families think through what needs to stay accessible during the move and what should be loaded last or unloaded first.

For example, kids’ bikes can be loaded last so they can ride around the neighborhood until it’s time to leave, and then they’ll be among the first items to come off the truck when they arrive at their new home. When you work with a reputable mover, you can spend less time worrying about these small details and more time helping your kids adjust.

After more than 30 years in the moving industry, I still see parents underestimate how much a major move can impact their children. Kids are thinking about leaving friends behind, starting at a new school, or wondering what their life is going to look like once they get to their new home. By involving kids in the process early and talking about the change and their fears, they will be better prepared for the transition – and may even find it magical!