Telling your kids well in advance that you are moving helps mitigate their stress. While they may still struggle, you don’t want to wait too long to start talking about this big change. Give them plenty of time to start mentally adjusting before the big day. 

Kids like to be involved. Let them help with packing. Yes, it may be more time consuming this way, but will help give them agency and a bit of control and pride over the situation. Even if it’s just letting them put clothes in a box or asking them if they’ve outgrown any clothes or toys.

Moving day will be stressful no matter how you slice it. But you can make it more fun for the kids, and thus less hectic overall for you. Give them simple tasks like playing with and monitoring the family dog in the yard. Let them count boxes or decorate the boxes still waiting to be loaded. Have little treats nearby as rewards or prizes. If they’re having fun and out a bit from under foot, it will help your day be a little smoother. 

Letting them pack while supervised or having them decorate boxes as a game is a good way to keep the kiddos in sight. You don’t want them packing anything alone as things could break. And you certainly want them in sight while heavy boxes and furniture is being carried around. 

Besides letting them feel a part of moving day, it’s also a good idea to include them early on in the process. Telling them early helps. As well as bringing them to see the new home (if possible) beforehand. If that’s not possible, at least show them pictures. Talk about which room will be theirs. Tell them about the yard, or nearby parks. Discuss the fun new school they’ll be attending.