8 Things Moms Should Do Before Moving Their Families

People often rank moving as one of life’s most stressful events, but if you add a few kids—or a set of twins—to the mix, the chaos multiplies exponentially. Suddenly, you’re not just packing boxes; you’re managing meltdowns and misplaced loveys.

To keep your sanity intact and ensure a smoother transition for everyone, it helps to have a solid game plan. Here are eight things moms should do before moving their families.

We moved based on an impromptu situation during the COVID lockdown. We were bursting with 2x of most toys and the girls were starting to crawl around...but without an open concept space, I was not able to see the when in the kitchen.

We went for an afternoon walk - saw a house listed a few blocks away and BAM, the rest is history.

Confirm the Home Has Enough Room

Before making your move, take a careful look at the square footage and layout of your future home. When you have multiple children, or especially twins, every inch of space counts. Make sure each child has a designated spot for their belongings, and that common areas can comfortably accommodate the whole family without feeling cramped.

It's also important to consider whether there is truly enough room for your current furniture. For example, there are certain pieces of furniture you need when you have twins that you can’t afford to sacrifice. Planning ensures everyone—and everything—fits comfortably, preventing that dreaded game of musical chairs with your furniture after move-in day.

Ensure the New Home is Safe

A new home deserves a thorough inspection to ensure your family’s safety. Start by confirming smoke detectors are in all key areas and that their batteries are fresh. Consider adding or upgrading security systems with features like door and window sensors, cameras, and smart locks so you can keep an eye on things whether you're home or away.

If you’re moving somewhere that sees harsh winters, check that the home's insulation is up to par so everyone can stay warm and cozy throughout the coldest months. In addition, insulation helps prevent mold growth, protecting your family's health. You will avoid unnecessary problems by ensuring your home can safeguard your loved ones.

Investigate the Kid Scene

Another thing moms should do before moving their families is perform some digital and in-person reconnaissance of the new area. Where is the closest park with a decent playground? Is there a library with a good children's section and story time? What are the go-to spots for a quick family dinner when you’re too tired to cook?

Knowing where you can take the kids to burn off energy will be invaluable during those first few weeks when boxes surround you. Having a list of kid-friendly activities ready to go helps establish a new routine quickly and makes the new place feel like home faster.

Plan a Farewell Tour for the Kids

Change can be tough for little ones who thrive on routine. Their home, their rooms, and their neighborhood parks are the centers of their universe. Before you start packing up their world, take them on a "farewell tour" of their favorite spots.

Spend an afternoon at their go-to playground, get one last scoop from the local ice cream shop, and take a final walk around the block. You can even take pictures at each location to create a small photo album or scrapbook.

This process acknowledges their feelings and helps them understand that while you are leaving these places, the happy memories will come with you. It transforms the move from an abrupt departure into a thoughtful transition.

Create "Open First" Boxes for Everyone

Imagine this: it's moving day, you're exhausted, the kids are full of energy, and someone needs their favorite dinosaur pajamas right now. The "Open First" box is your saving grace in this scenario.

Each family member, including the parents, gets one. This isn't just a box of essentials; it's a survival kit for the first 24 hours in the new house.

For example, your children will want to put their favorite pajamas, a beloved stuffed animal, their toothbrush, a familiar bedtime story, or a special snack into the box. You and your partner may want to put your essentials into your boxes, including phone chargers, basic toiletries, a coffee maker with coffee, and maybe a hidden bottle of wine. Clearly label these boxes and make sure they are the last items loaded onto the moving truck, so they are the first to come off.

Pack a Moving Day Activity Bag

Moving day itself is a marathon of boredom for kids. The process displaces them from their normal environment and surrounds them with chaos they can't participate in. A dedicated activity bag is a non-negotiable tool for survival. This isn't the time for quiet, intricate crafts; you need low-mess, high-engagement activities.

Fill a backpack with new coloring books and crayons, sticker books, a tablet loaded with downloaded shows, and some simple card games. Brand-new items have more novelty and will hold their attention longer. This bag is your secret weapon for keeping them occupied while the movers do their thing.

Set Up the Kids' Rooms First

Once the movers unload the truck, your instinct might be to tackle the kitchen or your own bedroom. Resist this urge. The single most effective thing you can do to help your children adjust is to set up their rooms first. This action creates an immediate island of familiarity in a sea of boxes and uncertainty.

Assemble their beds, put their favorite sheets on, and unpack their "Open First" box with their beloved toys and books. Having their own personal space ready by bedtime will make the first night in a strange house feel much less intimidating. It signals to them that this new place is their home and that they have a safe, comfortable spot that belongs to them.

Lower Your Expectations and Embrace the Chaos

This might be the most important tip of all. Moving with children will not be perfect. There will be tantrums (from both kids and adults), you will lose things, and you will probably order pizza for dinner more times than you’d like to admit. That is perfectly okay.

Let go of the idea of having a perfectly organized home in the first week. Celebrate small victories, like finding the coffee mugs. Remember that your children will take their cues from you. If you can approach the move with a sense of humor and flexibility, they are more likely to see it as an exciting adventure rather than a stressful ordeal.

Moving is a significant undertaking, but with thoughtful preparation, it can be a positive new beginning for your family. By focusing on your children's emotional and physical well-being, you pave the way for a smooth transition. Before you know it, you will make new memories in a house that truly feels like home.