Moving is stressful enough when it’s just adults involved, but add kids to the mix and suddenly you’re managing meltdowns, logistics, and the eternal question of “Are we there yet?” before you’ve even left the driveway. At Baltic Movers, we’ve helped thousands of Orlando families relocate with children of all ages, and we’ve learned that successful family moves require more than just careful packing – they require kid psychology.
Here’s your age-by-age guide to moving with children while keeping everyone’s sanity intact.
Toddlers (Ages 2-4): Routine is Everything
Toddlers thrive on predictability, and moving disrupts everything they know. Your goal is damage control.
Before Moving Day:
- Pack their room last so routines stay normal as long as possible
- Create a “special moving box” with favorite toys, snacks, and comfort items
- Read books about moving to normalize the experience
- Involve them in simple packing tasks (they love helping!)
Moving Day Strategy:
- Arrange childcare if possible – toddlers and moving trucks don’t mix well
- If they stay, designate one adult as the “kid wrangler”
- Pack a survival kit: snacks, iPad, favorite blanket, and backup toys
- Stick to nap schedules – cranky toddlers make everything harder
Pro Tip: We once had a family where the 3-year-old insisted on “helping” pack every single toy individually. It took forever, but he felt included and didn’t have a single meltdown. Sometimes patience is your best moving strategy.
Elementary Age (5-11): Turn Them Into Moving Assistants
Kids this age can actually be helpful – and they love feeling important.
Getting Them Involved:
- Let them pack their own rooms with supervision
- Create moving day jobs: “box inspector,” “bubble wrap manager”
- Give them a clipboard to “help” track inventory
- Let them decorate moving boxes with markers
Address Their Concerns:
- Tour the new neighborhood and point out fun spots
- Research new schools together online
- Help them make a “friend contact list” for keeping in touch
- Create excitement about their new room setup
Pro Tip: One 8-year-old client became our unofficial “quality control inspector,” checking that we wrapped his Legos properly. He took the job so seriously that he caught us missing a box – kids notice everything!
Teenagers (12-18): Expect Resistance, Plan Accordingly
Teens hate change, especially when it involves leaving friends. Your job is to acknowledge their feelings while moving forward.
Managing the Drama:
- Give them control over their room packing and setup
- Allow extra time for friend goodbyes
- Research social activities in the new area
- Be honest about timeline and reasons for moving
Keep Them Connected:
- Ensure internet setup is a priority at the new house
- Help them research their new school’s activities and clubs
- Plan friend visits once you’re settled
- Consider letting them finish the school year if timing allows
Moving Day Survival:
- Give them specific responsibilities to stay busy
- Let them document the move with photos/videos
- Plan something fun for the first night in the new house
- Accept that they might be grumpy – that’s normal
Pro Tip: One teenager spent the entire moving day documenting everything on Instagram, turning our move into her “relocation story.” By the time we finished, she had hundreds of supportive comments from friends and felt like the star of her own adventure.
Universal Kid-Friendly Moving Strategies
The “First Night” Box Pack essentials for each child in a clearly labeled box:
- Favorite stuffed animals or comfort items
- Phone chargers and entertainment
- Toiletries and medications
- Change of clothes
- Favorite snacks
Creating Excitement:
- Frame the move as an adventure, not a loss
- Research fun facts about your new city
- Plan a special “first meal” in the new house
- Let kids choose paint colors for their new rooms
Safety First:
- Establish clear boundaries about where kids can/can’t go on moving day
- Keep small children away from heavy lifting and moving trucks
- Have a first aid kit easily accessible
- Designate kid-safe areas in both homes
Baltic Movers’ Family-Friendly Approach
At Baltic Movers, we understand that moving with kids requires extra patience and care:
Our Kid-Conscious Service:
- Crew members trained to work safely around children
- Flexible scheduling to work around nap times and school schedules
- Extra care with children’s belongings and special items
- Understanding when moves take longer due to family needs
Safety Measures:
- Clear communication about work areas and safety zones
- Child-friendly explanations of our process
- Patience with curious kids who want to “help”
- Quick setup of essential kids’ items first
The First Week: Settling In
Prioritize Kids’ Spaces:
- Set up children’s bedrooms first
- Establish familiar routines as quickly as possible
- Explore the neighborhood together
- Find the nearest ice cream shop (essential for morale)
School Preparation:
- Register for school early if moving during the academic year
- Tour the new school with your child if possible
- Connect with parent groups or neighborhood families
- Pack school supplies in an easily accessible box
Pro Tip: The family that unpacks the kids’ rooms first always has the smoothest transition. Kids need their space to feel secure before they can appreciate the rest of the new house.
Making Moving a Positive Experience
Moving with kids doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right approach, it can actually become a family bonding experience and an opportunity to teach resilience and adaptability.
The key is acknowledging that this is hard for them while maintaining a positive outlook. Kids take their emotional cues from parents – if you’re excited about the adventure, they’re more likely to be too.
Ready for a family-friendly move? Contact Baltic Movers today for a consultation. Our experienced team knows how to work around family schedules and needs, making your move as smooth as possible for every member of your family – from toddlers to teenagers.
