Moving With Kids Checklist – Moving Planner

Research Schools

Have school-age children? Start researching schools in your new community now. From public schools to private schools, parents typically have a wide array of school options when moving to a new community. To find top-rated schools in the neighborhood, use Moversnearyou.info’s School Ratings tool, which includes GreatSchools ratings and other helpful information.

Discuss the Move With Your Kids

Including your children in the conversation early on will help put them at ease during the transition. Listen to and answer any questions they may have. If you have young kids, try reading them children’s books about the moving process as well. Read more tips on how to make the move as seamless as possible for your kids.

Make a Family Bucket List

Before you find yourself in the throes of moving chaos, take the time to make a family bucket list of everything you want to do before leaving. Not only can this be fun for the entire family, but it can also help give your children a sense of closure when moving.

Notify Schools of Your Move

Now’s the time to notify school officials of your move. To begin the enrollment process with the new school, make sure all records are transferred as soon as possible. Be sure to also let the new school know about any special needs or issues your child may have. Read more tips on finding the best schools for your kids when moving.

Learn About Family-Friendly Activities

Prior to moving, research family-friendly activities in the area. From sports teams and social clubs to summer camps and outdoor attractions, there are number of ways for kids to get involved in their new communities. If your children are old enough, encourage them to learn about the area themselves through guidebooks and online research.

Visit Your Child’s New School

Moving nearby? Visit your child’s new school before the move. Schedule a tour of the school, as well as a time to meet with the school’s principal and teachers. If your child is especially nervous about changing schools, consider bringing them with you on the tour. This way they’ll feel more comfortable at the beginning of the school year.

Host a Goodbye Party

Saying goodbye to a community is never easy for young kids. To make it easier, host a goodbye party for your children. This will give them a way to properly say goodbye to family members, friends and neighbors.

Arrange for Child Care on Moving Day

Moving with babies or small children? Give yourself a break and arrange for a babysitter to watch your kids on moving day. For more tips on moving with kids, read our expert advice here.

Forward Medical Records

Contact your child’s current health care providers to inform their offices of the move. If you haven’t selected a new doctor, request referrals from their current doctor. Once you’ve made your selection, arrange to have all medical records transferred. Go ahead and schedule all new doctor and dentist appointments as well.

Pack a “First Night” Bag for Kids

The day before moving, make sure you have a “first night” bag for the kids with all essentials. Items to pack in the “first night” bag could include diapers and wipes, medications, first-aid kits, clothing, pajamas, pack ‘n play, high chairs, bouncy seats, favorite toys, stuffed animals, extra bags for dirty diapers and messy clothes, formula, juice, snacks, sippy cups, bottles, extra pacifiers, iPad with games, blankets, strollers, bath items and car seats. Make sure to also include extra trash bags and cleaning supplies. Finally, don’t forget to pack your own necessities in a separate suitcase. Read more tips on packing essentials here.

Contain Kids in One Part of the House

Couldn’t find a babysitter? If you’re left without childcare on moving day, you’ll need to keep your kids in a contained space. If your child is a toddler, consider putting them in a pack ‘n play during the move. Sectioning off a child-proof part of the house with baby gates could be another solution. Whatever you do, make sure your kids are safe during the moving process.

Create Moving Day Activities

To keep kids busy and distracted during a move, have a few moving day activities on-hand. These could include card games, coloring books, iPad games and new books to read.

Show Your Kids Around the New House

When moving, be sure to give your kids a tour of the new house. Make sure to point out any of the home’s unique features, such as old trees or hidden stairwells.

Unpack Your Child’s Room First

When unpacking, go ahead and set up your child’s room first. Having their old bed, familiar toys and favorite books in their new room will make them feel at home faster. It will also create a calm, safe space for your child.

Set Up Outdoor Games

From basketball goals and trampolines to swing sets and zip lines, go ahead and set up outdoor games for your kids. This will keep them busy and entertained while you unpack the house.

Let Your Child Choose a Paint Color

When moving to a new home, let your child choose a paint color for their room. Not only will this help make the moving experience more fun, but it will also give them a sense of ownership in their new house.

Set Ground Rules

Moving with school-age children? It’s important to set ground rules once you’ve moved into your new home. These could include rules about pool usage, biking safety, curfews or areas of the neighborhood where they aren’t allowed.

Meet the Neighbors

Moving to a family-friendly neighborhood? If your neighbors have children around the same age as yours, make a point to introduce yourself. Having nearby playmates and friends will alleviate your child’s loneliness during the first few weeks in a new home.