Moving Made Fun: A Kid’s Guide to Changing Homes

Stress-Free Family Moving Tips

Standing in an empty living room while your toddler discovers the echo potential is a memory most parents won't forget during the home buying process. As both a Twin Cities real estate advisor and a mom of two little ones, I've learned that involving kids in your move isn't just helpful—it can actually transform a stressful family relocation into a positive experience that creates lasting memories. Whether you're moving across town or finding your dream home in the Twin Cities metro area, these kid-friendly moving tips can help make your transition smoother for the whole family.

Why Kids Struggle with Moving: Understanding Children's Anxiety About Relocation

For children, a move represents more than just a change of address.

Their home is their safe space, the backdrop for their daily routines, and the keeper of their memories. When we understand this, we can better help them navigate this big transition.

At Nelson Home Co., I've made it my mission to ensure the entire family feels supported throughout the real estate journey—yes, even the smallest family members who might be more interested in which cupboard is best for hide-and-seek than the mortgage rate.

Before the Move: Building Excitement and Reducing Fear of Change

1. Read Books About Moving Together

Picture books can work wonders in preparing kids for big changes. Some family favorites include:

+"The Berenstain Bears' Moving Day" (Don’t buy this one before our first meeting ;) )

+"A House for Hermit Crab"

+"Big Ernie's New Home"

Taking time to read these stories opens natural conversations about feelings and what to expect. For grade-school age kids, workbooks and coloring pages are also helpful!

I’ve linked a couple of options below!

2. Create a Vision Board for Their New Room

How fun would it be for you kindergartener to bring her notebook full of room design ideas to each showing? Let kids browse magazines, look at paint swatches, or sketch their dream bedroom layout. This gives them something concrete to look forward to.

3. Explore Your New Neighborhood Virtually

Use Google Maps to take a virtual tour of your new neighborhood. Show them nearby parks, the route to their new school, or the closest ice cream shop. Knowledge and familiarity build comfort!

4. Give Them Special Moving Jobs

Kids love feeling important. Create official "moving helper" badges and assign age-appropriate tasks:

+Toddlers can place stickers on packed boxes

+School-age kids can inventory their toys

+Older children might photograph rooms for memory books

During Contract and Showings: Making Kids Part of the Home Buying Process

At Nelson Home Co., I've always believed that kids shouldn't just be along for the ride—they should be co-pilots on this journey. That's why I create and provide activities that engages the kids in the process. Plus, if they’re doing a room-by-room search and find, their energy is focused on counting the windows instead of running around the basement! At the final walk through I have a special activity that helps them plan where their belongings will go in the home!

Packing Up: Turn Moving Day Preparation Into a Family Adventure

1. The Box Fort Competition

Who can build the most creative structure with empty moving boxes? This not only keeps kids entertained but helps use up boxes after unpacking.

2. Memory Scavenger Hunt

Create a simple scavenger hunt around your current home. This gives children a chance to say goodbye to special spots while creating new memories.

3. Time Capsule Project

Have kids decorate a special box with mementos from your current home—a tracing of their hand, a picture they drew of their bedroom, or a leaf from the backyard tree. This creates closure while preserving memories.

4. First-Box Planning

Let each child pack a special "first night" box with their essential comfort items—favorite pajamas, bedtime book, special stuffed animal, and a new small gift to celebrate the move. Many of their other belongings may still be in storage from your move but this is a must-bring box that will provide familiarity in their new space. Let them decorate this box with stickers, markers, etc. (but probably not glitter… let’s not do glitter clean up right before moving!) to make it their own!

Moving Day Tips: Keep the Experience Kid-Centered and Low-Stress

1. Assign a Moving Day Buddy

If possible, arrange for a trusted friend or family member to be your child's "moving buddy" for the day, keeping them engaged while you handle logistics.

2. Create a Moving Day Backpack

Pack a backpack with snacks, activities, comfort items, and maybe a new small toy to keep kids occupied during the actual move.

3. Let Them Say Proper Goodbyes

Walk through the empty house together, letting children say goodbye to each room. This provides important emotional closure.

Settling In: Helping Children Establish New Roots and Routines

1. Room Setup Priority

Make setting up kids' rooms a top priority. Having their own space organized quickly provides security amid change.

2. Maintain Routines

Keep bedtime routines, meal schedules, and other familiar structures as consistent as possible in the new home.

3. Celebrate with a Home Blessing

Host a simple "home blessing" ceremony where each family member shares hopes for life in the new house.

The Nelson Home Co. Approach

I understand that real estate isn't just about transactions—it's about family transitions. That's why my approach includes:

+Showing and final walk-through activities

+Family-friendly showing times that work around nap schedules

+Kid comfort bags with activities and snacks at closings

+Follow-up check-ins to see how everyone is settling in

Remember: Feelings Are Welcome Here

Throughout the moving process, maintain open conversations with your kids about their feelings. Moving brings a mix of emotions for everyone, and acknowledging both excitement and sadness helps children process this significant life change.

By involving kids in age-appropriate ways throughout your real estate journey, you're not just making the process more manageable—you're teaching valuable life skills about adapting to change, building new community connections, and creating home wherever you are.

If your family is moving to (or within) the Twin Cities, I would love the opportunity to meet!

Save these related pins for later!