Moving With Kids? 6 Tips to Make It Easier for Everyone

Dos Manos Moving
Aug 4
4 min read

When Moving Day Becomes Family Day: What Now?

Family moving into a bright room with wooden floors. Two children carry boxes, parents unpack in the background. Large windows show trees.

If moving is one of life’s biggest stressors, try doing it with toddlers clinging to your leg or teenagers slamming doors in protest. Moving with kids isn’t just about relocating boxes—it’s about relocating lives. And for parents, that means juggling logistics while keeping little hearts calm and comforted.

The good news? You’re not alone. Many families in Chicago’s western suburbs turn to Dos Manos Moving because we don’t just move homes—we help move families forward.

So how do you make “moving with kids” a little less chaotic and a lot more manageable? Let’s dive into 6 proven tips to help make your next family move smoother for everyone involved.

1. Get the Kids Involved—Even the Little Ones

Why Involvement Matters When Moving With Kids

Kids want control. And moving feels like anything but control. So give them some. Whether it’s letting them decorate their moving boxes with stickers or pick the paint color for their new room, including kids in the process gives them a sense of ownership.

What This Could Look Like:

Let your child help pack their own toys or clothes.
Have a “moving countdown” calendar.
Create a goodbye ritual (like one last picnic in the old backyard).

Story Time: One of our customers in Glen Ellyn gave their daughter a small digital camera and told her to capture “her favorite memories” before they moved. It helped her say goodbye and feel excited about what was next. Smart move, Mom.

2. Keep the Essentials Handy With a “Kid Kit”

During the move, you’ll need easy access to certain items that keep your child calm and content. That’s where a “kid kit” comes in handy.

Must-Haves in Your Kid Kit:

Favorite snacks and water bottle
A comfort item (blanket, stuffed animal, etc.)
Tablets or books for entertainment
Extra clothes and diapers (if needed)
A few toys and a surprise treat

Pack it like it’s an overnight bag for a road trip—because moving day can feel just like one.

3. Talk About the New Home Early—and Often

Moving With Kids Starts With the Conversation

Children, especially younger ones, need repetition and reassurance. Start talking about the move early. Explain where you’re going, why, and what will stay the same (like their bed, their toys, and yes—the family dog).

FAQ: “Should I tell my kids everything?”That depends on age. For toddlers, keep it simple and positive. For older kids and teens, transparency and trust are key. Give them time to process and even voice their concerns.

4.Keep Routines Steady—Even If the World Feels Unsteady

Why Predictability is Key When Moving With Kids

Children thrive on routine. Bedtime stories, after-school snacks, Saturday cartoons—it’s all part of their comfort zone. During the moving process, try to stick to your normal schedule as much as possible.

Quick Tips:

Don’t pack up every toy too early. Leave a few favorites until the end.
Keep mealtimes and bedtimes consistent—even on moving day.
If possible, move during a school break to minimize disruption.

5. Say Goodbye the Right Way

Helping Kids Process the Emotional Side of Moving

Moving means leaving behind friends, teachers, neighbors, and favorite spots. Encourage your kids to say proper goodbyes. This is especially important if you're moving long-distance or switching school districts.

Goodbye Ideas:

Throw a farewell party or playdate.
Make a scrapbook or memory box of the old home.
Drive by favorite places one last time together.

As one local mom in Downers Grove told us, “We gave our kids goodbye cards to give their teachers. It helped them feel like they were part of closing one chapter and starting a new one.”

6. 🚚 Hire Movers Who Know How to Handle Families

We’re not just saying this because we’re in the business—the right moving company can make or break your move. When you’re juggling kids, work, and a household transition, the last thing you need is unreliable movers.

At Dos Manos Moving, we’ve helped hundreds of families move across Chicago’s western suburbs. We’re not just professional and efficient—we’re also people-first. That means:

Friendly, respectful crews
Flexible scheduling
Clear communication
Careful handling of everything from cribs to playrooms

We understand what it means to be in your shoes—because we’ve been there, too.

When your kids look back on this move years from now, what do you hope they remember?

That question alone can shift the way you approach the experience—and give you the chance to turn moving day into a meaningful family memory.

Moving With Kids Is Hard. You Don’t Have to Do It Alone.

From last-minute meltdowns to misplaced teddy bears, moving with kids isn’t for the faint of heart. But with the right mindset—and the right moving team—it can be a lot smoother.

Let Dos Manos Moving help lighten the load (literally and emotionally). If you're planning a move in Chicagoland, we’d love to be your go-to crew.

📍 Serving River Grove, Naperville, Downers Grove, Wheaton, and the western suburbs